When I use the term simplify your life I don’t mean we should all quit our jobs and live off a farm (although that is very appealing to me). What I do mean is that we could all benefit from a little more simplicity, whether you prefer to live life going 200 MPH or feel you already take it at a relaxed pace.
There are many benefits to a simpler life including less stress, more appreciation for what you have, more rest, healthier, saving money, more creativity, and more time to focus on what really matters. You may disagree, but I’d argue a simplified life is a higher quality of life.
“Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury – to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best for both the body and the mind.”
― Albert Einstein
10 Ways to Simplify Your Mind, Home & Time
Disclaimer: I suggest all of these not because I’m mastered them, but I’ve working on them as well!
1.) Simplify your “stuff”
How many unworn clothes do we have hanging in our closets? Or gadgets we no longer use and take up space in a drawer somewhere. Sentimental items aside, we accumulate way too much junk in our homes and offices. For some people, clutter even increases stress. I’m willing to bet that if you take the time to downsize your belongings you’ll appreciate the fewer things you have left.
RELATED: 10 Simple Ways To Help Declutter Your Mind
2.) Simplify your time.
This is probably the hardest area of our lives to simplify, and yet the most necessary. Time is a precious gift and although it may feel like you’re being a good steward of it by cramming everything as much as you can into each day, you’re really only running yourself into the ground.
To paraphrase from a book I’m currently reading, “Your mind and body were designed for camel speed and yet your life is moving at the speed of a cheetah. No wonder you’re stressed out.”
Not only stressed out, but probably exhausted, broke, and perhaps even a little cranky. Living in D.C. there is always something going on, or some event to attend. I avoid going to as many as I can (introvert!) but even then there are obligations I can’t avoid and people I want to spend time with.
My best piece of advice (for myself mainly) is to let my yes be yes and no be no. (James 5:12).
My problem is I hate saying no to people so I say “Maybe” too often, allowing the other person to think I’m going. This in turn ends up stressing me out because I try to work through whether or not I can make it/want to go and if I don’t end up going feel bad if I do – I feel exhausted! I’m learning (it’s still an ongoing process) to say no upfront, allowing me to remove that obligation from my mind and not worry about it.
But as I said – there are plenty of things we can’t get out of (work!) or even want to go to (Weddings/corn mazes, baseball games, etc –). In these cases, we need to prioritize and say no to some activities, even if we want to go. It’s also helpful to “schedule” in recovery time if you know you’re going to be busy for a few days in a row.
3.) Simplify what you eat.
I’m not advocating you completely change your diet today and go gluten-free/paleo/vegan/organic, but I am advocating that you start making simple changes that will affect your health in a positive way.
Don’t throw out your Oreos today, but make a choice not to buy them next time. If you really want dessert, make a batch of homemade cookies instead. Never eat vegetables? This week make a goal to try just one new one. Eat more real, whole foods instead of packaged foods… at least more often.
4.) Simplify your spending & finances
Budget. It’s the only way to figure out where your money is going and here are some tips to help you get started.
Live within your means AKA don’t spend more than you make and try as hard as you can to put money into that savings account each month. Yup – that means buying fewer things and going out less. Get rid of debt as soon as possible. Stop buying what you don’t need. Use coupons. Save up for items you want instead of buying it as soon as you see it.
The good news is a simpler life costs less.
5.) Simplify your goals
Now, this is an interesting one, you may think. Goals should be a positive thing. And they are. But since we’re human we’re unable to do everything on our wish list. Sometimes we have so many goals we end up not achieving any of them. By whittling our goals down to the most important ones, we can focus more on them and increase our chances for success.
6.) Simplify your relationships
This one is tricky. I am not suggesting we limit our friendships to a certain number (although, it would be impossible to be friends with everyone.) What I am suggesting is to maintain as many relationships as we can, but prioritize the people most important to us.
What about toxic relationships? Many people are quick to say you should just throw them to the curb. I say, it depends on what you mean by “toxic”. Unless a person is physically or mentally abusive, I do not advocate “getting rid of” anyone. But by “toxic” some people just mean they have an annoying friend, or one who complains too much is dramatic or argues with you.
If these relationships were at one point important to you, do not throw them out. Not only is it not Christ-like, but maybe this person needs you. Don’t get rid of them, but do set up boundaries. This means not letting someone guilt you into volunteering, or get mad at you because you don’t say “yes” to every activity they plan.
Prioritize people without letting them run your life.
7.) Simplify your thoughts
Often we let our thoughts run free and wreak havoc on our lives. The bible tells us to control them by bringing every thought into captivity.
A good friend of mine once explained it this way: treat every thought like a baseball someone throws at you. Examine it and ask whether it’s a thought that is pleasing to the Lord – or divisive, stressful or hurtful. Examine whether it is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). These kinds of thoughts we can keep and meditate on. Everything else, toss back!
This kind of thinking will eliminate gossip, bitterness, envy, and thoughts that tear us down instead of building up.
RELATED: 10 Simple Ways To Help Declutter Your Mind from A Welder’s Wife.
8.) Simplify your distractions
We are too connected to everything these days. Email, texts, Facebook, Twitter – we can’t put this stuff down. Maybe you enjoy all of that, but ever wonder what it does to your brain when you go to rest? Every now and then make sure you “unplug.” If possible, do it every day after work! What will you do with your time instead? How about reading a book. Go for a walk without checking your phone. Make a meal. Finish (or start) that DIY project you’ve been thinking about.
9.) Simplify your stress
If you’re found a great solution – please tell me! I’m not sure I do a great job managing mine yet, but I have found a few tips that work. Fortunately, if you follow the above steps to simplify your life that should automatically decrease your stress.
Additionally, if you’re stressed out by a million things you have to do, learn to make lists!! I once read an article that stated that listing tasks decreases stress because in your mind it’s written down and you will mull over it less. That way you can also prioritize what needs to get done sooner and what can wait.
I already mentioned letting your “yes be yes” and “no be no” earlier, but I’ve found this greatly reduces my stress because once I say no to plans I can remove it from my mind, instead of debating whether I should go or not.
Experiment with what helps reduce your stress.
P.S. Do you want to love your home again? Are you ready for a reset? Do you want to walk through the door and see a place of safety, calm, refuge, and good memories?
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10.) Simplify your needs & expectations
The raise you thought you deserved. The boyfriend or girlfriend who forgets your anniversary. The rain that just had to pour down on the party you had been planning for months. It’s good to have expectations. They are what push us forward and keep us hopeful. But sometimes our expectations can be unrealistic too.
Assume that people try their best and when they do fail – forgive them. Don’t expect the worst from them, or situations, but realize life and people are not perfect and learn to shrug off the disappointments.
As for our needs, learn to decipher what’s really a need in life and what we just want. We don’t get everything we want in life (we don’t always get everything we need either!) Learn to let go more often of things you are convinced you need – like a new purse or phone – and learn to be thankful instead when your real needs are met. I can guarantee you’ll start to see blessings in a whole new light.
For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God. (2 Corinthians 1:12)
What are some ways you simplify your life?
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I agree we all need to slow down and focus on what really matters. We do get caught up in social media, bad friendships and always wanting more and more. I find I need to sit back sometimes and really take in all the good things that I have and enjoy the little things in life. Great post, thank you!
Thank you, Lisa! I am still learning in a lot of ways…
Love all 10 of these! I definitely agree that simplifying your goals can help you become more successful. Once I did this, I realized my stress levels reduced some!
ME TOO. They also feel more manageable and we’re able to tackle them better. Thanks, Erin!
LOVE this post, Sarah. I literally just went through my accessories to simplify this morning! It’s amazing what seemingly simple shifts can do and how they can positively impact our entire livelihoods once they take effect.
Coming Up Roses
It’s true! And how much more we appreciate what we have.
Thanks for this!! It is so important to make sure you are keeping your priorities straight and not trying to do everything and have everything at once.
so needed! simplifying and prioritize everything…thanks for the tips cant wait to have an new appreciation for life
Such an inspiring post on a goal I’ve been working on all-year long: simplifying my life as much as possible!
These are all great tips! I really need to work on simplifying my life! I am planning on trying a no spend in January! We will see how that goes!
I’ve been wanting to try that myself! I hope it goes well
You have reminded me of how many ways there are to simplify ones life. In all areas of our lives. Good reminder and how to get started. I just happen to live on a farm. LOL
I am jealous 🙂
Firstly, thank you for sharing, Sarah. This is an amazing post. I love it. 🙂 Mostly the number 5 – I think simplify the goals can make us really stronger and we have a chance to achieve more goals 🙂
Thanks for sharing.
Lucie http://www.inbluebox.com
exactly! we can concentrate on the important ones then
Thanks for this it was a really good read! ❤️
The holiday season is definitely testing my ability to simplify my spending. This is one thing that will have to be a priority in the new year. Love your blog
Same here! At least it’s the season about giving 🙂
I LOVE simplifying everything as much as possible. These are awesome tips!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
I love all of these! I really would like to simplify what I eat.
This is such a timely post as we head into 2017!! I love that verse in James… Let your yes be yes and your no, be no. That could simplify my life immensly!
It’s helped me so much with making plans!
Wow! This is super inspiring. I always allow myself to get stressed out by small things. It’s nice to know I’m not alone. I plan to take this advice. Especially the part about simplifying your thoughts. I so often ‘think’ myself into a meltdown and my poor husband has no idea what I’m upset about! Awesome post!
Haha oh boy I can relate to that! I can definitely let my thoughts bottle up.
This is so great! The simplifying goals really resonated with me. Thank you!
Maggie – I am glad they were helpful!
My focus is always on balance but for 2017 I really do want to focus on relationships and being more present. These tips will help. Thank you!
Christine – those were great goals!
One of the hardest things for the busy life of a mom is to slow down and simplify what matters. So many outside things needing to be done can overwhelm the best organized person. I like this post it helps set some great starting points.
This is great. So many ways to simplify our lives. I love that you included simplify what you eat. There are such great health benefits to getting rid of all the crap.
Simplifying relationships can be tricky but more often times we are overcommitting ourselves to people who don’t commit themselves to us as well. I have definitely learned to simplify my relationships over the years and learned to say no when I have to.
Meghan, Beyond Basic
I love all of these tips! especially having the yes be yes and no be no!
Dana
http://www.somethinggoodblog.com
What a great post! It’s always a good idea to be more mindful and de-stress wherever possible–especially around the holidays!
I need to do this! I feel like there’s so much going on right now and it’s so chaotic. I could use some simplifying!
Samantha – same same same same!
I really needed to hear this today. I’ve been so overwhelmed with things recently, and I’m ready to simplify. Thanks for this. 🙂
Welcome, Cara. I hope things slow down!
These are such great tips! I could certainly use them right now. I could really simplify my stress and especially my distractions! Thanks for sharing these tips, I’ll definitely be putting them to use.
I love all your suggestions! It’s so much better to simplify and make things easier… I don’t know why we tend to make a fuss out of everything… Thanks for sharing!
I love this., I’ve been so overwhelmed lately and really struggling that this is something I definitely needed to slow down and read, thank you so much for posting this!
Me and you both! 🙂
Because we just moved, we are seriously trying to simplify our stuff and what we eat. Now that we are further out in the country, we have to be smart about eating more at home and budgeting our groceries. It has been a tough transition, but once we get used to it, it will save us so much money and be so worth it!
Oh wow yes! You are forced to simplify but I think you will be happy once you do!
How have I not read this yet?! This is my kind of post 🙂 I often need to simplify my distractions. It helps so much to get off social media and dig into a good book.
Haha it is definitely your kind of post Terryn – you are the guru of simplifying!
These are all such good words of advice. It’s funny how trying to organize and get things moving along seems to always require more time/energy/stuff but in reality the more simple you get the better things turn out. Thanks! 🙂
It greatly decreases my stress that’s for sure.
Loved reading this post. so many pieces were were very relatable and helpful, so thank you!
I love these tips. My life always feels disorganized and wild. This will help me shape up!
Love the tips to simplify life. All such fab reminders to make life easier. This time of year it’s easy to get stressed out. Thoughts are a great one, we need to take evety thought captive! Awesome post!
Simplify your “stuff” I have been doing this for a month now and the Goodwill guy must think I am some sort of hoarder. (just might be) I am trying to rid myself of so much stuff we have accumulated through the years. Hopefully, will be done by the end of the year.
haha hopefully he thinks you are generous too. Good luck with the rest of the decluttering!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this post! Simplifying has been a huge priority for me this year. I had a great opportunity to simplify our stuff when we moved, and I’ve really been focusing on simplifying my time and what I eat! I find that makes life SO much easier!
Oh my gosh every time we move I get rid of like a car load of stuff. It is a great time to do it!
Great tips! I am an introvert too. I say no to a lot of functions because my quiet alone time is valuable to me. I have paired down my stuff in the past. I have felt lighter each time!
me too on all those points 🙂
Actually! Just simplifying all these things would make such a big difference in life! x
sure would
I love this post! I agree 100% that we all need to simplify our lives. I turned off the social media notifications on my phone so I am not checking my phone every 2 minutes. I need to simplify my stuff and I hope to do that in 2017!
Elizabeth – I love that tip! I will have to try that.
What a great post. I am such a big believer in all of this and that we can make the best life possible for ourselves if we are willing to make some changes.