Life can be messy and at times outright painful to deal with, but the concept of simple living can help a lot. Read on to find out 15 effective ways to simplify your life, and say hello to a happier version of you.
During my teen years, I spent all my time away from mindfulness, busy in the throes of classes and studying 14/24. I know, I was insane.
To me, being productive meant living a hard life. Because without constantly challenging myself, how could I succeed?
Obviously, that was not a healthy mindset at all.
You do not need to hustle in life to be successful. I know the world is full of stories telling you otherwise.
But if you really want to achieve all your life goals, isn’t it better to glide through your journey rather than sprint while your legs scream in pain?
The answer, I think, is self-evident.
But why do we need to make life simple? Is it even plausible? And if it really is, won’t it make things a bit dull?
Contrary to what it sounds like, simple living is the possession of those who are rich at the heart.
It gives you contentment, raises your bar of happiness, and makes your everyday problems less intimidating.
Once you simplify your life, you won’t ever wish to go back to your old ways, and that’s just what we’re hoping to achieve.
In this post, we talk about some easy ways to simplify your life.
These are my personally assorted and tested methods for simple living. I hope you find them helpful.
15 Effective Ways To Simplify Your Life
1. Set Realistic Goals
Setting goals is important to grow in life. But you shouldn’t burden yourself with unrealistic expectations. It can be pressurizing and unfair.
You might feel inspired looking at someone else’s journey, but realize that your path is unique.
Living simply means seeing life through simpler eyes. So, apply the same vision to your goals.
Be motivated, but don’t overdo yourself trying to reach insanely high standards. Instead, break down your big targets into smaller achievable goals.
It’ll raise your chances of success and keep you stress-free.
A post I highly recommend: 21 Habits Of People Who Are Always Happy
2. Take Life One Day At A Time
I used to think about my past a lot. It was a habit that refused to leave me, mainly because I didn’t put any effort to get past it.
Not only that, but I was also obsessed with my future. For some reason, conjuring up the future made me feel like I was in control.
It took me years to realize that being in charge of my life meant sticking to my present, and never straying from my ‘now.’
It can be hard to get to this state of mind, living in the present is the essence of simple living.
It makes your problems non-existent because the majority of them stem from our past regrets or future worries.
When you focus on your today, you give yourself the freedom to explore your true self. In a way, you open yourself up to a new and healthier perspective.
So, take life one day at a time, and have fun exploring a new version of yourself.
3. Personalize Your Routine
I might receive some frowns at this advice.
As an advocate for wellness, I should be shouting about the importance of sticking to one routine for the rest of your life.
But I have long since realized that you can’t force yourself to be perfect. It only leads to disappointment and exhaustion.
There are days when I sleep on time, wake up before the sun, eat all my meals on time, and do my workouts like a beast.
But there are also some points where I have no choice but to burn the midnight oil.
That’s why I know it can be hard to live by an ideal routine. The best way to navigate through these varying demands is to be on a routine that fits your current life.
Check out: 9 Healthy Morning Routine Ideas To Start Your Day Right
If you have to make a few adjustments to your routine to make space for new habits, do it. Follow a routine for as long as you can, then switch it up to make space for new habits.
4. Write Down Your Plans
This one tip has made my life so easy. I use it to increase my productivity, sort through messy emotions, and keep those overwhelming nerves in check.
Planning can be exhausting, and actually living up to those plans can be a challenge.
But there is no problem in this world that can’t be solved using the good old pen and paper.
Put your plans down into words. It doesn’t matter how big or small your goal is. You can use this trick to tackle every pending or upcoming task.
Got a pile of laundry waiting to be done? Write down a deadline for it, and tick it off once you’re done. It’s the best way to tackle your work anxiety head-on and is something
Throw in some motivating words and simplify the task by breaking it down into small action steps. It always works like charm for me. 😉
5. Slow Down To Simplify Your Life
It’s true that you can’t control time, but people are still obsessed with it.
They try to outsmart time by speeding up the pace of their schedule. Go ride a subway and you’ll know what I’m talking about.
You might not even realize it, but chances are you’re living your life too fast. It can be a cause of stress, exhaustion, and anxiety, all of the factors that make your days difficult.
A simple and straightforward solution is to slow down. I’m telling you that saving yourself mere 30 minutes at the cost of a whirlwind day is just not worth it.
Check out: 11 Amazing Ways To Slow Down And Live Blissfully
Lay in bed for 5 minutes after you wake up. Allow yourself those moments of quiet and solitude before getting up.
Eat your breakfast slowly, take in your surroundings while traveling to work, and maintain this pace for the rest of the day.
So far, we’ve discussed 5 ways to simplify your life. I hope you’re connecting with these lessons so far. On to the next one.
6. Practice Mindful Eating
Humans depend on food for survival, but it is also one of the most joyous activities of their everyday lives.
If you are a fast eater, you are denying yourself the benefits of food satisfaction.
Considering the fact that food keeps you up and running, I’d say it more than deserves your undivided time and attention, which is what mindful eating is about.
When you are mindful of your food, you pay attention to every step that goes into getting yourself fed. This includes shopping, preparing, serving, and eating.
You’re more likely to eat healthy this way, and stay away from your bad eating habits.
Avoid your phones and TV while you eat. Chew slowly, avoid overeating, and savor every bite of your meal. For best practices, learn how to practice mindful eating.
7. Be Comfortable With Changes
Here’s the deal. No matter how much you try to stay in your comfort zone, you will face new challenges and tasks.
Life has a way of defying your expectations like that.
You might not like unfamiliar territories, but it’s better to learn the technique of adaptation.
Sometimes, change is necessary to grow in life. To deal with an unknown thing, you first need to be comfortable with the idea of it.
Rather than sticking inside the circle of your comfort zone, extend your boundaries to include new things or people.
You can always retreat later, but you won’t know unless you first try.
Do this one thing, and your problems will turn into challenges that you’re comfortable tackling. Naturally, life will become simpler.
8. Stick To A Budget
I’ve met a lot of people who are not good with their money.
They complain about not having enough, even though the amount they describe is more than enough for a comfortable life.
A low income can be a cause of discomfort, I won’t deny that.
But regardless of the amount you earn, here’s a crucial piece of advice for you – Stick to a budget, and do this every month without fail.
Being in control of your finances is extremely important in today’s world. Money can’t buy you happiness, but it is definitely a factor that adds to your joy.
Create a budget at the start of every month, don’t shop mindlessly, and avoid borrowing money at all costs.
To gain better control over your finances, check out my favorite money-saving blog – finsavvypanda.
9. Quit Your Toxic Habits
The thing about toxic habits is that they can be hard to detect. In your daily life, you could be indulging in a dozen habits that drain your mental strength. Getting rid of them is absolutely necessary for a good life.
Related: 11 Toxic Habits You Need To Discard
A perfect example of one such habit would be worrying about your future. Growing up, I used to do it all the time.
I’d worry about my morning routine during my bedtime, fret over my homework while coming back from school, and space out during conversations as I worried about exams.
It’s a habit that kept me on edge and robbed me of the joy of living in the present.
If you’re serious about simplifying your life, then recognize your toxic habits, and actively work on detaching yourself from them.
10. Declutter Your Space
I know it can be hard to give up your material possessions, but it’s also important to recognize your changing needs.
Something that was useful to you might not be handy today. All such things should not occupy your space.
Holding onto unnecessary items makes your home messy, and adds to your lazy vibes.
No matter how large your home is, it is still a limited space. You should make good use of every inch of it.
You should declutter your entire house at least once in two months.
Put the things you don’t need anymore in a box. Give the items that can be used to someone who needs them, and get rid of the rest.
11. Minimize Your Time On Social Media
I am going to tell you the hard truth – Social media isn’t your best friend, even though it might feel like it at times.
Even if you’re someone who uses it for productive tasks, there’s no denying the fact that it can be draining for your mental health.
It carves the illusion that everyone else is having a better time than you are, making you envy their seemingly perfect lives.
There are already so many worldly matters that plague our minds. Do you really need social media to add to your worries?
Simplify your life by limiting your time on social media. Instead of scrolling through your online feeds, read a book, talk to a friend, or go out for a walk and breathe in some fresh air. Music is another great alternative!
Basically, detach yourself from the screen life, and enjoy the little things in life.
12. Drink More Water
If you think about it, everything around us runs on the water as a basic source. It’s the one drink we can’t survive without.
But now, I am going to extend the use of water in your life to incorporate simple living.
How can water be one of the ways to simplify your life? Well, for starters, it has instant calming effects.
I fully believe in its healing tendencies. Hydration is a known formula for improving your mental health.
By increasing your water intake, you can dodge many diseases that often result from a lack of hydration.
You will also be more alert and focused, something that will add to your productivity.
To add this tip to your routine, carry a bottle of water everywhere you go, and sip from it even when you’re not thirsty. Once you make a habit out of it, you won’t ever want to go back.
13. Become A Morning Person
I think we can all agree that on mornings when we wake up early, our day goes really well.
There is something magical about aligning yourself to your body’s natural rhythm, and being a morning person is one such habit we can all use.
When you wake up on time and practice morning self-care, you are more likely to accomplish your daily goals.
You get to absorb the fresh morning vibes and use this positivity to set your intentions for the day, something that isn’t quite as effective when done after 8 A.M.
Recommended: 10 Ways To Become A Morning Person
Don’t miss out on the benefits of rising early. Sleep well at night, set an early alarm, and catch the sun as it’s just starting to rise. It’s a sight you don’t want to miss out on.
14. Connect To The Nature
We are blessed to have the beauty of nature as a companion in life.
But few people tap into its powers to make a difference in their lives. And yes, connecting to nature can be life-changing.
Away from society’s noise, make time to seek comfort and friendship from the earth and the air. These beautiful elements won’t ever let you be lonely.
A walk amidst trees can teach you how to live with other people in harmony, but stand tall on your own.
The sky is a symbol of having no limits to your growth. And a river tells you to flow, but also to be serene in your actions.
Nature has some wonderful lessons in store. You just need to be willing to learn, and life will become more manageable.
15. Keep Your Life Organized
To make your life simple, you need to know how to keep it organized.
It’s not even a goal you should aim for. Rather, it’s a skill that if you manage, will make your days cleaner and easier to manage.
Your wardrobe should have separate stacks for different kinds of clothing. It’ll help you get ready on time.
Invest in a bookshelf to store your books. Even a mini one is fine if you don’t own many books. It’ll keep them protected and also add to the ambiance of your room.
Your work items should be kept in a different place than your bedroom. This creates a healthy boundary between your personal and professional life.
On a similar thought, if you often work from home, create a mini office in another room.
Organizing is all about grouping together the different aspects of your life, and it makes it insanely simple.
So, these were my 15 tips on how to radically simplify your life. Time to wrap up this post with a short and sweet summary.
These Are The Best Ways To Simplify Your Life
Set realistic goals, live your life one day at a time, and create a routine that you can adjust according to your needs.
Always write down your plans; it makes things easier. Slow down your daily activities, eat mindfully, and be comfortable with new things.
Prepare a monthly budget and stick to it. Let go of all your toxic habits, declutter your house, and keep social media at bay.
Increase your water intake, wake up early, teach yourself the habits of self-love, and read as much as you can. Cross off these 15 goals, and make your way to a simpler and happier life.
Think I missed something? Share one more suggestion to simplify our lives, and I’ll get back to you with a thank you note.
Jessica Adams says
Great tips, thanks! I don’t think I’ll become a morning person anytime soon, but it’s good to think about!
Akansha says
You are welcome, Jessica. And I totally get that. Becoming a morning person can be a real struggle. And it’s totally fine if that’s not your thing. I hope the other tips help. 🙂
Amanda says
These are a lot of great ideas. Number 2 really hit me! I’m such a future thinker that I sometimes struggle with embracing each day as it comes.
Akansha says
Thank you, Amanda. I know a lot of people who do the same (including myself on some rough days.) The idea of simple living can really help though. I wish you success in your efforts to simplify your life.
Heather Cunningham says
Thanks Akansha! I hear you 🙂
Oftentimes, we just need to be reminded of how to reduce our lives! It’s so easy to get overwhelmed in business and clutter! I also think Mindful eating is so important – it’s so easy to eat and be on a phone, but yes, it can’t be good – so will definitely bear this tip in mind!
Alekhya says
Thank you Akansha. 7th one was really good to know. I think Journaling will help declutter our mind which in turn simplifies our life.
Akansha says
Hi, there! Yes, journaling is amazing for mind decluttering. So often we complicate things in our head, and just getting them out on paper can give us the mental clarity we need to simplifying our thoughts.