Too busy living a life filled with too many have-to’s and must-do’s to slow down and smell the roses? Or even plant them? It’s a sign that’s become all too typical of our modern culture. Before you succumb to exhaustion or illness, get off the proverbial treadmill. How? Keep it simple.
The fact that you’ve recognized the need for simple living is a good start. It’s a significant step to relieve stress and live a more balanced and deliberate lifestyle. There’s no simple formula to simplify your life, but these tips will point you in the right direction.
Paths to Simple Living
1. Learn to be still
Your vacation shouldn’t be the only time you disconnect from the day-to-day routine. Carve out a part of each day to spend some quiet time alone with yourself. Get away from electronic devices and other distractions and listen to your thoughts.
Relax and breathe. You’ll learn to savour your solitude and gain a different perspective because of it. It will be one that shows you contentment is not dependent on ‘doing’ and external stimulation.
2. Be mindful
Mindfulness is the act of living in the present moment. What exactly does that mean? Focussing your attention on each task or activity as you do them, not letting your thoughts control or distract you.
For example, when you wash dishes, be fully engaged with washing dishes rather than trying to multi-task at the same time.
It’s a simple enough idea. But it can be a challenge when you consider we experience an average 70,000 thoughts each day, according to researchers. In addition, mindfulness relieves stress, lowers blood pressure and helps you stay calm.
3. Learn to say no
The word ‘no’ may be a small word, but for many it’s one of the hardest words to say. Why? There are many reasons but two are especially common: we don’t want to disappoint others or make ourselves look incompetent.
As our job or personal responsibilities grow, demands on our time also grow. When you find yourself being pulled in many directions, stick to your priorities. If you must decline, do so firmly, but politely. You’ll be doing yourself – and others – a favour.
4. Clear clutter
Clutter is such an insidious thing. If not kept under control, it will slowly control you both physically and psychologically. Ongoing clutter can lead to stress. It causes frustration from constantly searching for a ‘lost’ or misplaced item.
It can lead to unnecessary duplication when you have to buy an item you can’t seem to find in your cluttered home or office. Simplify your life with these declutter tips.
Thoreauvian simple living: unelectrified, timeless tiny home
5. Create routines
The key to creating new habits is to start with simple routines. So begin with just one routine you can easily accomplish. For example, take the stairs whenever you can if you want to start getting more exercise.
To help you remember, link it to an established routine. Then follow it daily for at least four weeks, or until it feels natural. Add new routines as needed. The more you add, the easier it becomes.
6. Live within your means
Things like low interest rates and easy credit can make it very tempting to overspend. To avoid financial and emotional distress, draw up a household budget with the help of a trusted advisor.
Don’t rely on credit cards but if you must, pay them down with the maximum amount you can afford every month.
And before you make any purchase, always ask yourself how it will improve (or simplify) your life. Maybe it’s time to brush up on your financial literacy, too.
Simply Life-Changing
Simplifying your life can give you a greater sense of freedom, openness to new possibilities, and more time to nourish your health and wellbeing. It takes time, patience, and steady effort, but the rewards are significant and many.
You Might Also Like These
• Six Steps For Living In The Moment
• How to Successfully Live Within Your Means
• The Ultimate Guide to Decluttering Your Home
• My Big List of Health and Wellness Resources
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