Simple living refers to practices that promote simplicity in one’s lifestyle, this can mean reducing the number of possessions one owns, depending less on technology and services, and spending less money.

I think each person decides for themselves what a simple life means to them, and not everyone wants a simple life but for those of us who do it can mean more peace, calmness, space, time, and contentment. Getting there is an intentional process.

Removing excess, slowing down, and practicing minimalism are part of what makes my life simple. Here are some things I have given up or changed to achieve simplicity.

Removing the Clutter

When we are surrounded by clutter it causes stress and we may not even realize it. I was not always a minimalist, I spent much of my life like everyone else buying and collecting things I thought I needed. This led to a house full of clutter and items I never used. It took me a few months to purge and get rid of everything that was not serving a purpose and when I was finished, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted that I did not even realize I was carrying. It was freeing and now I buy nothing except the essentials. Owning less and having less to take care of simplifies life significantly.

Minimize Clothing

A minimized wardrobe is not for everyone but for me it works well. I am able to wear basically the same clothes to work each day, so I have several pairs of pants and shirts that are the same my “work uniform” this saves a huge amount of money and time. I never wonder what to wear and I am pretty basic with the clothes I wear at home as well. Even if you don’t want to go as basic as I have almost everyone can sort through their clothing and get rid of things they no longer wear or that don’t fit.

You might also consider a capsule wardrobe which is basically owning clothing items that can be mixed and matched and go together so you can create different outfit combinations using some of the same items.

Simplify Meals

Decision fatigue is a real thing when it comes to meal planning and preparation. Proper nutrition is important, but it does not have to involve elaborate meals. I try to stick to the basics making sure my meals are well rounded and healthy. I don’t eat sugar or processed foods and cook most meals using whole foods from scratch. I tend to eat the same basic meals over and over but do try new things now and then. It helps to make a list before going shopping, so you have everything you need for the week. Spend a few hours a week on meal prep, having most of your meals ready ahead of time saves a lot of time and stress.

Don’t Place Value on Attachments

Let go of attachments to possessions, if you are attached to living a certain lifestyle or feel like you need to meet the standards of society free yourself of this mindset because it complicates your life and keeps you focused on things that are not important. I have come to a place where I don’t want to own things and the less I have the happier I am. Find joy in the simple things, that don’t cost money.

Slow Down

Consider doing less, this may be one of the most difficult practices to implement, we often spend much of our time getting everything done, always on the go, checking to-do items off our list. I am still guilty of this but make a conscious effort to slow down, breath and relax. It is ok to sit and do nothing, each moment does not need to be filled with an activity.

It Doesn’t Matter What Other People Think

I think many of us, especially when we are younger are worried about what other people think of us, this serves no useful purpose and takes up our thoughts and emotions. You cannot control or should you care about the opinions of others. Be comfortable with yourself and live as you wish.

It’s Ok to Say No

Learn to say no and be comfortable with it. We often over commit ourselves and spend too much time doing things we really don’t want to. Your time, emotional and mental resources are limited.

Get Rid of Unnecessary Expenses

Financial freedom is liberating, being in debt is extremely stressful. Take a close look at your monthly expenses and eliminate anything you can do without, cut the cable, stop eating out as often, unsubscribe from expensive streaming services, look for a less expensive phone plan, cancel subscriptions to magazines, newspaper, gym memberships and other things you don’t use enough to justify the cost. Living within your means allows you to stress less about money and save for the future.

Make Sleep a Priority

Eating well and getting enough exercise is important to maintain good health but getting enough sleep is equally as important. Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, anxiety, and depression and makes it more difficult to make decisions, solve problems, and control emotions. You will not be living your best, most productive life without proper sleep.

Establish Routines

Routines can bring a sense of calm, if you set aside certain times for cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping and other daily activities you will feel more in control.

A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place

This is one of my mottos, a place for everything and everything in its place, simply means have a place for all of your belongings and put them back every time you use them. You won’t be wasting time looking for your things. You will always know where to find your keys, your purse, phone, and everything else.

Simplify Digitally

Since I work in the tech field, I do have most of the latest technology, but I try to limit the time I spend on my phone and computer. Here are some tips on how to simplify digitally.

Limit or get rid of social media, it is not only filled with misinformation and drama it takes up your time.

Reduce the amount of time you spend on mindless web surfing, you might start out just reading a short article and before you know it you have gone down a rabbit hole.

Limit the number of apps on your phone, most of us have a bunch of apps we don’t really need or use. Delete what is not necessary.

Use a password manager to save your information, this not only saves you time when you are looking for a password, but it is a secure way to store your private information.

Go through your email daily, respond and delete.

Create folders on your computer to organize your files, delete old files and folders you no longer need.

Scan any documents you need to keep to your computer for easy access and so you have a digital copy of anything that is important, then you can often throw away the paper copy reducing clutter.

Use online bill pay to reduce paper clutter and the time spent paying bills.