A simplified life can make so many aspects of life (in general, that is), easier. A simpler life can mean more energy and mental space to accomplish your goals, practice personal growth, and immerse yourself in self-care.
Simplicity is often easier said than done, though, especially in a world where there is so much space for clutter. Even if it’s not physical clutter, we’re constantly looking at overflowing email inboxes and scrolling through distracting social media accounts.
Luckily, there are plent of ways to simplify your life to help you live a fuller, more joyful lone without all the stuff that brings on distraction. Here are 15 ways to make it happen.
15 Ways to Simplify Your Life
1. Declutter your space
Regularly go through your belongings and get rid of items you no longer need or use; a tidy environment can lead to a clearer mind. So clean and organize your home and office spaces regularly, and donate or sell unwanted items. You might be surprised by how much mental space you clear in the process.
2. Prioritize tasks
Make a to-do list each day and focus on completing the most important tasks first. This prevents feelings overwhelm that come with long lists of responsibilities.
We’ve all bee in a situation where we feel like we have so much to do that we just give up, which is why to-do lists that are actually manageable can are so great: You’ll end up accomplishing more than you would with that mile-long, unwieldy to-do list.
3. Learn to say no
Many of us fall into the trap of overcommiting ourselves and saying yes to everything. As a result, we end up running around like chickens with our heads cut off. To simplify your life, politely decline tasks or activities that don't align with your priorities or goals.
4. Try a digital detox
Reduce screen time and notifications. When you limit your time on social media and steer clear of other digital distractions, you create more space for meaningful activities.
5. Automate your finances
Set up automatic bill payments, savings transfers, and investments. This reduces the need for constant financial management, and if you’re someone who struggles with financial anxiety (as many of us do) this will help with that as well.
6. Try meal planning
Is there anything more stressful than getting home from a long day of work and having your kids ask you what’s for dinner a million times? When you plan your meals in advance, you’ll avoid last-minute decisions and reduce stress around meal times.
This will also help reduce the amount of takeout you consume, leading to healthier choices and more money saved in the process.
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7. Establish routines
Create daily or weekly routines for tasks like cleaning, exercising, and self-care. Routines can create a sense of stability and efficiency, and when you engage in those routines enough, they become automatic habits.
8. Limit information consumption
Avoid constantly checking the news or social media, and information overload can lead to anxiety and decreased focus. If possible, do your best to stay focused on the task at hand and limit information consumption to a half-hour chunk at the beginning or end of the day.
9. Practice mindfulness
Engage in activities like meditation or deep breathing to stay present and reduce stress. If meditation and deep breathing aren’t your thing, journaling is another great option (we’re big fans here at Silk + Sonder for obvious reasons), or check out these meditation apps for mindfulness.
10. Unsubscribe and unfollow
Clean up your email subscriptions and social media accounts by unsubscribing from unnecessary emails and unfollowing accounts that don't bring value to your life. This will clear out your mental space and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
11. Consolidate and digitize
Reduce paper clutter by scanning important documents and storing them digitally. Merge similar tasks or activities to save time and effort. This will create more physical space, which in turn will create more emotional and mental space.
12. Simplify your wardrobe
Adopt a minimalist approach to your wardrobe by keeping only versatile, well-fitting items that you truly enjoy wearing. If you’re not sure how to get started, you can check out our blog post on what to do if you have too many clothes.
13. Delegate and outsource
If possible, delegate tasks at work or home to others, or consider outsourcing tasks like cleaning or yard work. This will take tasks of your to-do list and lead to a simpler, more stress-free life.
14. Limit Material Possessions
Be mindful of your purchases and avoid acquiring items that won't add significant value to your life. This will make it so that you have declutter less often—another task off your to-do list!
15. Practice gratitude
Regularly reflect on the things you're grateful for. This can help shift your focus away from what you lack and toward what you have, clearing out mental space and simplifying your life.
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