What does it mean to simplify your life? In layman’s term, its letting go of what no longer serves a purpose in your life and embracing a more balanced way of living.
This includes removing clutter and distractions so that you can focus on what truly matters in your life. A simple life will lead to peace, clarity and satisfaction!
Life in itself can be a whirlwind of tasks, commitments, and duties, leaving us feeling worn out and out of touch with what truly counts. In this article, I’ll show you that you can tune out distractions by simplifying your life.
Is Minimalism and Simplifying Your Life the Same?
While there’re closely related, they are not the same. One thing that minimalism and simplifying your life has in common is in terms of reducing clutter.
Minimalism is a deliberate lifestyle choice focused on owning fewer possessions and prioritizing what truly adds value. On the other hand, simplifying your life is all about creating strategies to streamline tasks, responsibilities, and overall daily life with less stress.
Minimalism often involves a deeper philosophical and mindful approach, while simplifying can be more practical and task-oriented. If you desire to become minimalist then you can start living a simple life to test the waters.
You cannot be a minimalist without living a simple life. But whichever road you choose, both can lead to a more intentional and fulfilling way of living.
How To Simplify Your Life?
1. 10-Minute Tidy Rule
This method is a way to tidy up any space quickly. Give yourself 10-minutes daily for cleaning or organizing a specific space. The goal is to focus on one specific task for a short period.
Doing this in the long run will help to prevent clutter and create a more organized environment to work in. If you have a lot of daily responsibilities then this simple hack will help you stay on track of your daily cleaning.
2. The One-Touch Rule
This is more like an engrained mindset to boost productivity. This rule involves handling each task or item only once. That could be putting away laundry, answering emails or even putting things aways.
So, for instance, after you have taken your clothes from the dryer – put them away instantly. Don’t leave them in baskets piling up. This hack to simplify your life combat every ounce of procrastination.
3. Create Daily Routines
We are talking about routines for mornings, evenings, and even weekends. Creating routines can help simplify your life by creating structure and stability. This will contribute to time management, and promote self-discipline.
By creating long lasting habits, you’ll be able to automate tasks and establish priorities. Give meaning to your day with routine by streamlining your activities.
4. Create Meals with Instant Pot
Instant Pot are easy and prepare meals quicker with minimal clean up. This item is a must have in your kitchen because of its versatility. They offer multiple cooking functions in one device, like pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and more.
This is a great way to practice mindful eating and limit the number of times you eat out. Also, an instant pot is known to retain more nutrients in your food compared to traditional cooking methods.
5. Batch Similar Errands
Select a day where you run similar errands. So, if you are going grocery shopping and remember that you need to stop by the dry cleaner’s – do it that same day. Don’t put it off for another day. Doing this will help save time and precious energy.
You can minimize the mental effort to remember that you have additional tasks and focus on another important task. No more unnecessary back-and-forth movements and eventually you’ll accomplish more in a shorter period of time.
6. Have Consistent Sleep Schedule
Many ignore the importance of maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle, which is needed for our overall wellbeing. A consistent bedtime and wake-up time can improve the quality of your sleep. Your mood, cognitive function and productivity will increase. With a consistent sleep cycle, your mood and cognitive function will increase.
7. Unplug to Reconnect
Yes, we all need to take a break from social media and spend some time with ourselves and loved ones. Start focus on building genuine connection instead of spending hours on our technology.
Unplugging involves stepping away from all screens, social media, and constant notifications to be present in the moment. I do this at the start of every year! When we disconnect, we are able to recharge, reflect, and rediscover the simple joys of life that often get overlooked.
8. Create a Capsule wardrobe
Do you know you can simplify your wardrobe? It’s all about creating a collection of essentials that’s versatile and high-quality. Typically consists of 30-40 pieces that can be worn interchangeably.
Some of the must-haves for work would be black dress pants, white button-up blouse, black blazer, black pumps. And maybe for casual wear dark blue jeans pants, tees, and flats. The goal is to be able mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits suitable for different occasions.
9. Create a Budget
There is no way you can simplify your life without being in control of your finances. Creating a budget is the only way to track expenses, prioritize spending, and save for goals.
This simple habit of successful people helps to reduce financial stress and ensures you live within your means. Budgeting gives you the power to make informed decisions about your financial future with peace of mind.
10. Automate Savings
Not prepared for rainy days aren’t fun. Savings can be overlooked at times so that how automation comes in. This removes the need for manual transfers and contributes to consistency and discipline in saving your money.
Automating your savings will reduce the temptation to spend money that should be saved. Furthermore, while you’re working your butt off, you can have peace knowing that you’re saving towards your financial goals.
11. Shop with a List
Shopping with a list prevents you from walking around the store aimlessly wasting time, which then leads to impulse buys. So, to avoid this, write a list of things to purchase as this will keep you organized.
Additionally, you’ll find that you aren’t forgetting things and going over your budget. You may think that this hack to a simple life isn’t that important. But it contributes to a more efficient and less chaotic lifestyle.
12. Cancel Unused Subscriptions
Take a look at your bank statement and see which subscription service you aren’t using anymore. This regular habit will help you save money. Because these little charges add up over time.
By evaluating and canceling subscriptions that you no longer use or need, you can have better control over your finances. I am sure you can find other ways to allocate that money that will be more valuable.
13. Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude shifts your focus from what you don’t have to what you have. Doing this simple act reduces stress and creates a positive mindset.
You can spend 5 minutes daily just to thinking on the goodness of God. Or when you are commuting or doing chores. Gratitude has a way to change your day if it started off negatively. This shift in your mindset will help you let go of unnecessary worries and distractions.
14. Practice Active Listening
This is something I need to work on. Active listening helps to reduce misunderstandings, and build stronger relationships. Many times, we find ourselves having conversations, only to be heard.
By truly focusing on the other person’s point of view, you can provide better thoughtful responses. This will lead to problem solving and a more harmonious environment for your relationships to thrive.
15. Try Multi-functional Furniture
An example of multi-functional furniture would be beds that can be turned into sofas. This kind of furniture can simplify your life by saving space, reducing clutter, and offering versatility in your living space.
With just one piece of furniture, you can accommodate different needs providing a smarter solution to design your home.
This would be a great fit if you’re low on budget but still want to create an organized living space. More convivence, more space, and a practical way to furnish your home on a budget.
16. Stop Being a Perfectionism
Perfectionism is the stealer of joy. Letting go of this toxic habit can simplify your life and reduce stress and increase productivity. Instead embrace imperfection as this gives room for flexibility, creativity, and personal growth.
Don’t let perfection limit you from starting that business or going after your dreams. Show yourself some compassion and love!
17. Use Kindle over Paperback
If you love books then you know how much space they can take up, especially if you’re low on storage space. Opting for digital versions of books can even be cheaper.
Take for instance, having a Kindle gives you access to numerous books in a single device. It comes with features like adjustable font size, built-in dictionary, and cloud storage. You are to read it while traveling because of its long battery life and how lightweight it is.
18. Set Realistic Goals
Setting achievable goals helps you to see clearer. Once you have clarity, you can prioritize tasks, manage your time efficiently, and stay focused on what you truly want.
For you to track your progress, you need to first break down larger goals into smaller ones. With this approach you’ll be more motivated and less overwhelmed.
19. Time blocking
This time management technique allows for you to create schedule specific blocks of time on your calendar for dedicated tasks.
This method in my books is more effective than a scattered to-do list. See your day as a blank canvas then start filling it with your daily activities. Here’s an example of mine when starting by day:
- 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Spend time with God
- 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM: Exercise
- 8:15 AM – 9:00 AM: Outline Blog Post
Doing this reduces the need to multitask and allows me to focus with minimal distractions.
20. Prepping the Night Before
Preparing the night before helps to reduce morning stress, save time, and helps you start the day with a clear plan.
You’ll feel more organized and able to make use of your mornings. You’re basically eliminating last minute rush and creating a smooth transition for the day ahead.
Ultimately, prepping the night before provides a sense of control over your schedule and gives you the confidence to go through daily challenges with ease.
21. Keep a Journal
If you don’t have a journal, you need one. This is where you are able to organize your thoughts, track your progress, set goals, and reflect on daily experiences.
A journal can be used as a form of self-reflection, stress relief, and problem-solving. By regularly writing in a journal, you identify areas for improvement and even understand yourself better.
22. Set Boundaries
Preserving your energy and having peace of mind is essential to simplify your life. Start establishing limits on how much time and energy you invest in these toxic relationships, and replace them with meaningful connections. You need people who will uplift and motivate you and not pull you down.
Final Statement on Simplifying Your Life
There are so many ways you can simplify your life that literally costs you nothing. It’s not just about minimizing physical possessions but also about creating a mindset that prioritizes what truly matters.
By embracing simplicity, setting boundaries, and focusing on what brings joy – you can have more peace. Life doesn’t have to be complicated – you just need to be more mindful of how you live it.