Simplicity boils down to two things:
Identify the essentials.
Eliminate the rest
I have simplified my life with these five easy habits, making my life less stressful and more fulfilling. I hope these simplifying habits will bring you calm and peace.
Many times, I have felt like I was juggling too many things in my life. I was trying to do everything, and nothing was getting done well. I realized that to lessen my stress. I needed to simplify my life by eliminating physical clutter and mental and emotional clutter.
I found that incorporating a few simple habits can make my life easier. It was freeing up space and time for more joy.
1. Living more with less
My instinct was often to look outside of myself when it comes to happiness. I would look for THINGS to add to my life, hoping that will bring me joy. I would buy things I didn’t need, spend my time shopping, and always be on the lookout for a “magic” thing that would fill my emotional bucket.
I was in my 30s before I realized that I was mistaken. All of the shiny new things and stuff does not hold my happiness.
I began living more with less.
When I stopped shopping, it freed up time to live, explore, and connect.
In place of shopping, I used my free time to walk or hike in nature.
I began to spend my money on experiences like travel or yoga class in place of more stuff.
Life is simpler and more enjoyable, finding joy in the little things.
I am arranging fresh flowers.
I am spending time with my family.
Baking from scratch.
I am picking up a new hobbies.
I have a new relationship with my possessions.
I only have the valuable things in my home that add value to my life and that I love.
I have found this to be the best way my belongings can impact my life.
2. Don’t multitask
I used to pride myself on being a “master of multitasking .”I believed that to accomplish everything. I needed to do it all at the same time. Even though I was running myself in circles, juggling several tasks simultaneously, I wasn’t achieving very much. I was busy, overwhelmed, and always behind.
By trying to multitask, I was unavailable to be present with my loved ones, work, and self.
I have changed my juggling ways. I do far more minor and achieve much more.
I used to make one extensive to-do list for the day.
I still make a master to-do list, but I only pick the top 3 three things that will make the most significant impact on my life each day. My top priorities are not always working either. Sometimes, one of my top things is to spend time with my daughter or 1-hour self-care. When I spread my preferences to include my family, friends, and self-care, I’m happier. Because each area of my life gets my attention, I’m more productive.
I simplify my life by staying present in the now.
3. Living in alignment with my values
Living for someone else’s expectations or plans makes my life complicated. Trying to fit my life into others’ expectations was exhausting. Trying to keep others satisfied with my life choices was a losing battle. And in the process, I lost track of my authentic self.
The clearer my values and beliefs became, the simpler my life became.
I am putting thought into what I value most in life.
Some of my values include family, health, spirituality, connection with nature, growth, and being at service of others.
Putting these values at the core of my decisions makes life simple, manageable, and less stressful.
4. It’s ok to say “ no.”
Time and energy are valuable, limited resources.
Living an over scheduled life is complicated and feels chaotic. When I accept something, I feel obligated to do it when my heart is not in it. I’m not present in the project.
Learning how to say no to things that don’t align with my values or If I don’t have time took a bit of practice. Not over-committing myself frees up time to be present on the task, less frantic.
5. Prioritize DownTime
The ability to enjoy a more straightforward, slower life makes slowing down a priority. As the days, weeks and months seem to move faster each year. It’s easy to get caught up in busy life and not take time to slow down and enjoy.
I make my downtime a priority.
I’m most relaxed and fulfilled when my life has seasons. There are times to work, time to play, and time to relax. I honor the importance of a well rounded life. I take time to nourish all areas of my life.
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