Here are 21 things you should learn to make your life simple, effortless, and easy to navigate.
These days, learning has become a way to upgrade your skills, do something productive in your free time, or add to your resume.
All of those are great reasons to learn new things, but it’s also important to learn the basic things that would make your life simple.
Like, last year, I finally learned to cook proper food from my mother, and it’s been life-changing (no exaggeration).
Even if you’re a richie rich person who can hire a cook, you should know basic cooking because it’s a life skill.
Not to mention, it gives you a lot of control over your food (in terms of taste, ingredients, and even calories).
The point is that it’s important to build simple systems that support you, because it makes your life less overwhelming.
So if you’ve been craving a manageable life, this list is for you.
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We’re going to look at 21 important things to learn, with a good mix of wellness, lifestyle, and practical everyday skills.
If you’re ready to simplify your life by learning fun things, then read on!
21 Things You Should Learn In Life
1. Meditation
I am starting off with my current favorite skill — meditation. It’s the most powerful thing you can do for your mental health.
First of all, start by removing the idea that you need to do it right. That will only make it seem intimidating.
Sit somewhere comfortable, set a 3–5 minute timer, and just follow your breath. When your mind wanders (because it will), gently come back.
Apps, guided meditation, and soft background sounds can help at first, but consistency matters more than technique.
Over time, this will be a powerful emotional reset button you can carry anywhere.
2. Cooking one signature comfort meal
Cooking is a slow and steady skill you acquire with practice. But being able to make just one signature meal is doable and very helpful.
I wouldn’t call myself the best cook in the world, but I can make a delicious chicken biryani.
My friends ask me to make it whenever they come over. It saves me from ordering something on the weekend.
Pick one dish you crave a lot and learn it properly. Watch one YouTube video, make it a few times, and adjust spices until it feels like your recipe.
It will make your weeknights much better, trust me.
3. Baking for calm
Baking teaches patience in a way few hobbies do. The whole process pulls you into the present moment.
You have to measure the ingredients slowly, wait for the dough to rise, and watch it all come together in the oven.
It’s a skill that everyone who owns a microwave or an oven should know.
Instead of scrolling through perfect baking reels, start with one forgiving recipe like banana bread or simple cookies.
Bake once a week to practice and share your treats with neighbours and friends to ensure you don’t overindulge.
P.S: It’s easier when you stop trying to make it pretty.
4. A useful language
Pick a language that’s spoken around you, or in a country you someday want to be in.
Not only will this expand your brain, but it’ll also breathe excitement into your routine life.
Don’t overwhelm yourself with grammar books. Start by learning phrases you’d actually use in greetings, while ordering coffee, and in simple conversations.
Apps like Duolingo and some short YouTube lessons can be of great help.
5. Exercising with correct posture
Most of us move our bodies without actually knowing how to move safely.
But learning proper posture during walks, strength training, and even stretching can prevent injuries and make your workouts more effective.
Before picking up any workout, watch proper form videos on it. Most of the time, what you need to do is stand taller, engage your core gently, and keep your shoulders relaxed.
Knowing how to move right will improve both your confidence and your physical health.
6. Proper nail care
We talk a lot about beauty routines, but you know what’s an underrated glow-up? Doing your nails every week, the right way.
A lot of people file nails back and forth aggressively, which actually weakens them.
Learning how to file in one direction, choose shapes that suit your fingers, and use strengthening treatments makes your nails look polished even without salon visits.
Keep a cuticle oil near your bed and apply it every night; this one habit alone will make a huge difference to your nails.
Healthy nails look elegant even without polish.
And once you understand basic nail health, you start treating your hands with more softness, too.
7. Bullet Journaling
Bullet journaling is the best way to organize your thoughts, plans, and habits in one flexible notebook.
Often, people get intimidated by it because it appears complex.
But you don’t need aesthetic spreads — just simple daily lists, small trackers, and quick reflections that help you stay clear and focused.
You can start with basic logs for tasks and notes, and let your system evolve naturally.
The goal is just to empty your mind onto paper so you’re not carrying everything mentally all day.
8. Making good coffee or tea
Tea or coffee is important for a lot of us. But can you say that you make a really good cup of coffee?
If not, then it’s definitely something worth mastering, because think how nice it would be to love your own coffee and serve it to your friends with joy.
Start by educating yourself on all the kinds of coffee beans there are, and then all the types of coffee drinks you can make (both cold and hot).
And then you just experiment with brewing methods, different beans or tea blends, and new recipes.
And yes, please slow down the process instead of grabbing a drink mindlessly.
Maybe grind coffee beans yourself or steep tea for a full minute longer while standing by the window.
Even changing your mug or adding cinnamon can turn something routine into a tiny moment you look forward to.
9. Daily walking with awareness
Walking is hands-down the best cardio for your body because it’s doable and repeatable. But did you know it can also be meditation in motion?
Walking with awareness is the most grounding skill you can develop.
When you go out for a walk, notice your surroundings, your breathing, the rhythm of your steps.
You can also give your walks a theme. One day it can be music, one day it can be silence, and another day it can be a cozy podcast.
Just hold on to your intention of mindfulness, and you’ll come back home feeling refreshed instead of recharged.
10. Organizing your space
Social media can make you feel like you need a stunning home to feel good in it. But realistically, what you really need is a clean and organized space.
And the secret to this isn’t a massive declutter; it’s creating tiny systems that save you from constant mess later.
Make it a habit to reset your desk and bedside table every evening, clean one space (like a drawer) every week, and put your things back in the same place.
Reset your wardrobe when entering a new season, change bedsheet once a week, and make your bed every morning.
You can also do an organizing challenge once in a while; it makes it fun and feels so satisfying once you’re done.
11. Basic financial awareness
Let me be honest here. Financial stuff is not my strong suit, and it often bores me.
But it’s something you need to know about as an adult to avoid stupid money decisions and being taken advantage of.
To begin with, spend a week noticing where your money goes (jot it down in your notes app or journal). Spotting patterns will help you avoid money wastage.
Next, track your expenses, create a budget at the start of each month, and learn how to save more through finance blogs and videos.
Lastly, learn how to make the best use of your bank account so that your money can grow little by little.
The thing about managing your finances is that you can keep it as basic or make it as thorough and fruitful as you want.
Start simple, and slowly learn more ins and outs of money to control it better.
12. Sitting posture while working on your laptop
I had to include this one because I’ve suffered the consequences of bad posture.
I started getting lower back pain, and my physio told me it was because I wasn’t maintaining a correct posture while working on my laptop.
If, like me, your work depends on your laptop, then you need to do it right.
- Align your screen at eye level using books or a stand
- Keep your feet grounded
- Don’t slump your shoulders forward
- Get an ergonomic chair to reduce neck pain and for long work sessions
If you’re used to working in bed or on the couch, it will be uncomfortable to change your habits in the beginning, but it is absolutely necessary to avoid long-term pain.
13. Stretching and gentle mobility
We often jump into workouts but forget all about flexibility and mobility. But stretching regularly the right way can help your body a lot as you age.
Start with two or three stretches you can remember easily, like neck rolls, shoulder stretches, and gentle forward folds.
You can do them while waiting for coffee or before bed.
This will reduce stiffness and make your body light throughout the day.
14. Skincare based on understanding, not trends
With so many beauty brands emerging every day, it’s very tempting to buy every new thing in the market or whatever the influencers are raving about.
But less is more when it comes to skincare, and you need products that are suitable for your skin type.
So, instead of buying every trending product, learn the basics of skincare ingredients, and give your skin what it actually needs.
Understand hydration, barrier repair, and sunscreen usage. It will give you long-term results instead of short-lived hype.
15. Hair care based on your hair type
Just like your skin, your hair also needs care that is fit for its type.
First, you need to know your hair type. Is it dry or oily, wavy or straight, low porosity or high porosity?
Knowing this will help you pick the right products, including the type of hair brush to use for different purposes.
Next, learn the right way to oil, shampoo, and condition your hair. If you use heating tools, use a protectant spray and make sure you’re using the tool correctly.
Knowing the ins and outs of hair care will change your entire routine, making you rely less on expensive products or salon visits.
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16. Making simple homemade drinks
We all love sipping iced lattes at cafes, right?
But most of our time is spent at home or at work, which means it’s better to be able to make your drinks yourself.
Not only is this a more budget-friendly option, but it also helps you build healthier comfort habits because you are in command of what goes in your drink.
Keep a few easy ingredients at home, like lemons, mint, and good coffee powder.
And learn to make simple drinks like iced matcha, lemon soda, cold coffee with oat milk, and infused water.
Once you know how to make drinks you genuinely enjoy, you’ll stop relying on sugary options outside.
17. Grocery shopping with a system
Instead of wandering the store and impulse buying, learn to build a small weekly list and shop accordingly.
You can make different sections like protein, veggies, snacks, and comfort items. This will help you create a balanced shopping system and keep your home stocked well.
Another way to go about this is to plan three meals you’ll actually eat that week. And build your list around those instead of wandering the aisles.
Create a system that works best for you. Over time, you’ll notice you waste less food and spend less time thinking about what to cook.
18. Setting boundaries kindly
Not a lot of people would consider ‘setting boundaries’ a skill, but it is just that, and a very important one if you ask me.
Without boundaries, you end up letting in the wrong people, showing up to the wrong places, and giving away your time and energy to things that don’t even matter to you.
The best place to start would be your social media. Unfollow people and pages that you don’t need (be harsh here), and curate your feed for positive stuff.
Be okay saying no when you need to, protect your energy, and recognize when something doesn’t feel right.
It will take time to set healthy boundaries, but once they’re there, your mind will be stronger than it’s ever been.
19. Understanding your personal energy patterns
We differ from each other in a lot of ways, but one difference nobody acknowledges is energy patterns.
Some people feel creative in the morning, others at night. Some are able to focus during late-night hours, while others work better in the evening.
It’s important to understand your personal energy patterns so that you can plan your work, workouts, and rest more naturally instead of forcing yourself into someone else’s routine.
Notice when you naturally feel most focused, energized, lazy, and inspired.
Plan harder tasks during your energetic windows instead of forcing productivity all day.
Working with your rhythm will make life less draining and more pleasant, trust me.
20. Basics of meal prep
The purpose of meal planning isn’t dieting or even avoiding cooking later. It’s just giving your future self less decision fatigue.
Learn how to prep a few ingredients ahead of time (chopping veggies, boiling eggs, cooking one protein, and making a simple sauce).
Once you understand how to keep a few ready-to-eat basics in your fridge, eating well can be quite effortless.
You don’t have to meal prep regularly, but it will help a lot on busy days.
21. Breathing techniques for anxiety
I learned some breathing techniques when I was in a music society in college, and they have stayed with me since then.
One of those is: Slow inhale for four seconds, and exhale for six.
Breathing techniques like these can calm your racing thoughts, sync your mind and body, and root you to the present.
You can also practice them while sitting, walking, or waiting in line.
The Beautiful Thing About Learning
The purpose of learning these skills is to make your life easier. But you know what another beautiful part of it is? The confidence that comes with it.
Every small skill you pick up adds a layer of confidence to your personality.
Like, being able to cook has made me more self-dependent, and I feel confident being on my own or having guests over.
You don’t need to learn all 21 things at once. Pick one that feels exciting or is needed right now and start there. You can’t go wrong with any of these.
Read next: How To Invest In Yourself The Right Way – 11 Tips Worth Trying
If you could choose just one new thing to learn from this list, what would it be? Let me know in the comment box. I’d genuinely love to know.
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