We all live busier, bigger and faster lives than ever before.
We fill our calendars, max out our credit cards and spend hours scrolling our smartphones comparing our lives to others.
Stress, anxiety and depression are at all-time https://www.tencon2022.org/ highs and the promise of a simple life seems like a distant Pinterest dream.
These days, simple living is a huge trend with entire YouTube channels and podcasts dedicated to simplicity.
And their millions of viewers testify that consumerism, social media and demanding careers haven’t brought us the satisfaction they promised.
Does your own life feel hurried, complicated and stressful?
Simplifying your life and decluttering your home will help you regain control of your time (and your money).
And by letting certain things go, you’ll be making room for what really matters.
So what exactly is simple living?
Simple living is not a strict lifestyle that everyone follows in the same way.
While some live off-grid and grow their own vegetables, others may just want a less cluttered garage.
Simple living is all about finding the beauty in simplicity and putting quality over quantity.
It’s about valuing things that make us happy instead of chasing status symbols and societal expectations.
The benefits of living simply
A simpler and less hectic life has immeasurable benefits to your health.
Living with less stress and eating simpler foods means lower blood pressure, better sleep and a lower risk of heart attacks and anxiety.
When you eliminate busywork from your calendar, your work-life balance improves and you get more quality time with loved ones. Your relationships instantly improve when you make them a priority.
Simple living also brings more financial independence.
There’s no more pressure to buy the latest gadgets and keep up with your colleagues.
Simple living tips for more happiness and less anxiety:
Here are some practical tips to start simplifying your life.
1. Reduce your spending habits
If you spend less money on things you don’t need, you can work less and pursue more meaningful work – instead of maxing out your credit cards for retail therapy.
Get some inspiration from projects like the 100 Things Challenge and the small house movement.
But you don’t have to move to a wooden cottage to live more simply.
Practice gratitude and be happy with what you have. Drop out of that constant race for the newer and better gadget.
2. Simplify your meals
Eat simpler meals and take your time (away from your phone) to really savor your food.
Buy local ingredients whenever possible to minimize your carbon footprint.
And if you’re constantly rushed and eat most of your meals on the run – or in front of your computer – then try some meal prepping.
Cook a batch of healthy ingredients in advance that you can just re-heat later for a quick and satisfying meal.
Meal prepping saves you time in the kitchen and ultimately makes it a lot easier to eat healthier foods.
3. Simplify your schedule
Simple living means a simplified calendar that’s not packed with obligations that don’t add value to your life (and busywork that only feels productive).
Simple living means focusing on what you love and the hobbies that bring you fulfillment – over things that you should be doing.
Make time for your loved ones without the distractions of TV and social media feeds.
Learn to say a kind but firm “no” to any get-togethers, activities and events that you’re not genuinely looking forward to.
4. Recognize marketing tactics
Educate yourself about marketing and advertising strategies. When you’re aware of the various ploys that PR companies use to ensnare you into endless purchases, you’ll be more likely to dismiss their catch phrases.
In a culture that tells you success is determined by how much money you make, it’s crucial to realize that happiness isn’t synonymous with new possessions.
Consumerism creates impossible ideals and aspirations. It teaches that whatever you have is never enough.
5. Quieten the digital noise
Your smartphone is both an incredible tool and an enormous source of stress.
The dangers of social media are well-documented and include anxiety, stress, depression, loneliness and envy.
Hours in front of a screen lead to the erosion of your communication skills, empathy and ability to concentrate.
Taking time away from your phone is the single most powerful step you can take towards a simpler life.
