Today I want to share 5 more tips how to simplify your life. If you are looking for ways to declutter, whether this concerns physical items or your mind, you can start by implementing one of these tips after the other. Some of them require some thinking and soul searching and cannot be executed immediately. But if you start tackling one at a time you will be on the right track to a simpler, happier life.
This is part three of my simple living series. In the first post I talk about what simple living means to me and it’s four foundation pillars minimalism, sustainability, DIY / homemaking and living space. You can read the full blog post here. The second post contains five tips how to simplify your life, from reconsidering your daily schedule to allowing time for rest. You can find it here.
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5 More Tips How To Simplify Your Life:
#1 Change your Mindset
Pick a day where you pay attention how often you say things like “I have to …” or “I need to…”. This choice of words implicates that all of these activities are mandatory and that you don’t have any control over them and, consequently, your life. While this might be true for some responsibilities, it is not always the case. Make an effort to change the way you express yourself. Instead of saying “I must” use “I want to” or “I will”. And instead of saying “I don’t have time” state “I don’t make time” instead. This simple change is incredibly powerful. Not only are you going to sound a lot more positive to others, you will also subconsciously shift your feelings towards unpleasant tasks in your daily schedule.
The second exercise to change your mindset is to practice gratitude daily.
If you are reading this, chances are you live a privileged life where all your basic needs are met. Growing up in a safe and developed country, we take a lot of things for granted. Remind yourself every day of all the blessings you have in your life. To implement this habit, it can help to write down three things you are grateful for every single day.
#2 Get to Know Yourself and YOUR Interests
The only person who will truly care how you lived your life is you. Don’t be afraid to do something different. You don’t have to do something because you think you are “supposed” to do it. Find out what it is that YOU want and not what society tells you to do. If you discover that what you want isn’t attainable right away, don’t fret. Now you have a goal you can work towards.
I have already recommended the work of “The Minimalists” Joshua Fields-Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus in a previous post. In their documentary “Minimalism: A Documentary About The Important Things”, there is one section – an interview with AJ Leon – that struck a chord with me. AJ Leon used to be a Wall Street broker before he decided to pursue a completely different way of life that was more meaningful to him. In summary, he said: „When you see your life scripted out and you recognize […] maybe this was never for me to begin with […]. I decided that this life was gonna be mine and it was gonna be wildly flamboyantly my life.” You can watch the full section here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35cYkVj_2pY
#3 Get Inspired
Nowadays, it is incredibly easy to connect with people from all around the world. Use this opportunity only to your advantage. Never compare yourself to others, especially not to someone you don’t even know in person and only see a fragment of their life on social media. Instead, find people that share the same dreams and interests with you and use them as a source for inspiration.
For me, these people have been very inspirational in the last few years:
Frugalwoods
Liz writes a blog about frugality, financial independence and their simple family life on a homestead. She also wrote a book about their journey to financial independence which I can highly recommend.
John is an author who has written a number of books about finding your life’s purpose. Especially “The Café on the Edge of the World” and “Big Five for Life” have been eye-opening for me. I have read his books multiple times.
Fairyland Cottage
Niamh has a YouTube channel where she publishes videos on natural, sustainable, simple living. She has the most calming voice and her videos are compiled very well.
#4 Spend Time Outside and Turn Off your Phone
Being in nature is beneficial, not only for children but for humans in general. Moving your body, absorbing vitamin D, relieving stress, reducing the risk of various diseases, the benefits of spending time outside are numerous. A hike through the woods can feel like a mini-vacation and you will come home recharged and content. Especially if you disconnect from your everyday life for a while by turning off your phone while you are outside.
#5 Look Ahead
Picture yourself as an 80 year old, looking back at your life. What is it you would like to look back on? What would you like to have experienced by then?
I find this exercise incredibly powerful because it reveals what truly matters to you. It helps you to detach from the current situation and look at the broader picture of your life. Stop saying that you will do something “some day”, because this day might never come. Or worse, you might wake up one day and realize it is too late to make this dream come true.
I am certain that you will not regret having tried something that didn’t work out or it just turned out in retrospect that it wasn’t right for you. But not having tried something out of fear of the unknown or laziness will for sure be something your 80 year old self will regret.
I hope you found some inspiration and food for thought in these 5 more tips how to simplify your life. I would love to know what your simple living tips are. Come share in the comments!
Pint It For Later: 5 More Tips how to Simplify your Life
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