Want to simplify your life to create a happier lifestyle for you and your family? Here are seven things you can do to make that happen with ease!
Simplify your life by decluttering your possessions
It’s hard to have a simpler life when you’re surrounded by clutter. Address the elephant in the room (for me it was my kitchen cupboards) head-on!
Declutter drawers, rooms, books, photos, the bathroom, toys, closets and the pantry. In fact, I’ve got a helpful guide for decluttering your house here.
In the end, you’ll have a clearer space that’s easier to clean and tidy. Imagine the pleasure of relaxing back in your living room surrounded by . . . happiness! Eliminating clutter and paring down on unnecessary (and unwanted) possessions is a sure way to simplify your life.
Declutter your closet
I’ve kept the closet a separate topic because it can be a little more involved than decluttering the bathroom sink.
Decluttering your wardrobe is a major game changer when it comes to simplifying your life. Ready to say goodbye to the over-stacked rail of clothing, that bulging drawer of t-shirts you never wear?
First, it’s useful to spend some time identifying your personal style. Figure out what types of clothes you feel amazing in. (This blog on creating a wardrobe that suits your personal style will help you with that!)
Design a personalized capsule wardrobe (here’s a worksheet you can use) and purge your closet of unwanted clothing items.
And ‘voila!’, you’ve just simplified your life big time! In truth, it does take some time and effort, introspection and letting go. But if you go through with it, you’ll be waking up in the morning looking forward to getting dressed! You’ll feel great every day in what you’re wearing. No more overwhelm or wasting time sifting through a stuffed closet.
An organized daily routine will help simplify your life
This starts in the morning with a mindful routine that helps you start the day off well.
For me, a simple daily routine starts early in the morning (learn how to get up early here). I like to have enough time to indulge in personal self care. This might be reading, meditating, or doing a little writing. Some days I’ll take a walk or stretch into my favorite yoga poses.
However it looks for you, keep the morning routine unhurried and uncomplicated. Incorporate activities that refresh and rejuvenate your body and soul.
A relaxing evening routine is just as important in helping you wind down for a peaceful sleep. I always look forward to evening time because I know exactly what awaits! I’ll enjoy my favorite tea, take care of my skin, and listen to a podcast or audiobook.
Calming evening rituals that you love will give you that same sense of pleasant anticipation. Mindfully created routines nurture your health and simplify your life.
Simplify your life by organizing your meals
We all need to eat! But food preparation after a long day isn’t a favorite for everyone. (Same goes for preparing a nutritious breakfast or lunch)
I’ve found the easiest way to ensure I eat healthily and not spend a chunk of the day making meals is to meal prep. I plan my meals in advance, get all my ingredients and then spend a few hours on the weekend cooking up a storm. When Monday rolls around, I have a fridge (or freezer) stocked with plant-based (my diet of choice) breakfast, lunch and dinner meals.
Simplify your finances
A source of stress and anxiety for many, personal finance needs special attention. I don’t think it’s necessary to become a financial guru, but it’s certainly important to get the basics right!
Track your spending so you’re aware of money drains. Tackle debt so that you can experience a new level of financial freedom. Work towards building an emergency fund to see you through tough times. Consider investing.
Working with a professional will help you get your finances where you want them to be. Simplifying your financial life will reduce worry and financial chaos! It’s totally doable – and do it sooner rather than later!
Your Digital Life
There are so many easy ways to make your digital life a lot simpler. Chaos and overwhelm happen as we’re constantly bombarded with notifications and messages.
Reduce the demands on your attention and time by decluttering your digital life.
Disable notifications from social media – do you really need them? Unsubscribe from newsletters and other unwanted email subscriptions. You’ll love having an uncluttered inbox.
Organize your desktop so that it’s clear with a beautiful background picture. Use a password manager to keep all your passwords in one place. Delete unnecessary phone apps.
Consider how much time you’re spending on your phone or online. A lot of mindless surfing will take an inevitable toll on your mental health. It might be a good time to take a social media detox or develop a more minimalist online presence.
Your commitments/schedule
I’ve recently kicked the (bad) habit of overcommitting myself. I get the value of sports, meetings with friends, playdates and hobbies. But there is equal value in simply having time to do nothing. Or having an open afternoon where you can go where the wind blows you!
This is truly a case of establishing your priorities. What are your essential needs/wants? What activities are nice to attend, but not an actual life need? And what are the extras?
Don’t look at it only from the perspective of the commitments. Look at it from the perspective of having a simple life. What will allow you to stay in touch, but also enjoy a peaceful and non-stressful lifestyle?
Letting go of expectations of yourself to do everything and be everywhere is very freeing! With a simpler schedule and fewer commitments, you’ll be saying yes to calm and goodbye to overwhelm.
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