Simplify life so you can be present for and enjoy your life and so you can stop feeling so overwhelmed. These lovely little hacks will help you simplify things within your control and be less bothered about the other stuff.
There is so much in life that is completely out of our control. We really can’t do anything about it. There are a few things of course, that we can change to simplify life. We can also shift our reactions to the things we can’t control. Things we can control (to some extent) include our wardrobe, clutter in our homes, the length of our to-do lists, the daily schedule and self care.
The lovely little hacks below will offer simple steps that will add ease everywhere, from your inbox to your closet. You can simplify life one step at a time and one space at a time. When I was downsizing my home and decluttering most of my stuff, I often reminded myself that I didn’t clutter things up overnight, so simplifying my whole life might take a little time. Be gentle with yourself when you are making any big change.
7 Lovely Little Hacks to Simplify Life
While you can try to simplify your life fast and furiously, I prefer tiny steps and lovely little hacks. There is no sense in adding stress to a change in your life that is meant to create less stress.
1. Protect your time and energy by saying, “No” more often.
Sometimes we think it’s selfish to say, “No, I’m not available” or “No, I’m not the right person for that” but committing to things you don’t actually have the time and energy for is a disservice to you and everyone around you. We all wonder why we are so worn out and at the same time overextend ourselves by overcommitting.
If you are used to always sacrificing your time and energy for things you don’t really care about, stop pleasing others by disappointing yourself. This is how you make room to say, “Yes” for what really matters in life.
2. Stop making decisions about every email you receive.
Information overload is real and it’s coming from all directions, including your inbox. Processing each individual email is not a necessity. In fact, it’s a total waste of time. Simplify life by checking email less frequently.
Try this: When it’s time to check email, open your inbox, click “select all” and deselect any you want to read. Then, delete the majority without opening them. Don’t overthink it. There’s a chance you’ll delete something good but I’m willing to take that risk to spend less time managing email.
3. Simplify life by engaging in hobbies that make you smile.
When you are spending time doing things you love, you aren’t spending time on screens, worrying about the world or trying to get eleventy-million things done by the end of the day. When I want to simplify life, I use the Emily Lex Watercolor Workbooks to get lost in a creative adventure or schedule a tennis date or pick up a great book. From reading and knitting to rock climbing and painting, any hobby that makes you smile will help you slow down, be present and simplify life.
4. Keep your kitchen table clutter free.
If your kitchen table is a catchall for mail and other paperwork or seems to attract anything that doesn’t have a place to live, it may feel a little chaotic. Simplify life (and your kitchen) by turning your kitchen table into a clutter-free sanctuary. You’ve probably noticed that clutter attracts clutter and calm attracts calm. Our homes are storage containers but instead a place for love and connection. Let’s make room for more of that.
5. If you simplify your wardrobe, you will simplify life.
We make so many decisions about what to wear. Reduce decision fatigue and daily stress by removing things you never wear and don’t like from your closet and drawers. If you want, you can use clever tricks like flipping your hangers when you wear something to see what you don’t wear. Usually though, you know what can go. If you struggle to let go, try these 7 simple rules to declutter clothes.
6. Try a mini-shopping ban.
Trade impulse shopping for intentional shopping. For 21 days or a month, or any set amount of time, only buy essential items, putting a pause on buying anything you don’t need. If this feels like a big challenge, keep a list of things you need and things you want. With a long enough pause you may not want the things you think you want anymore. When you stop bringing more stuff into your home, you will simplify life and enjoy the space you are creating in better ways.
7. Be unbothered.
This lovely little hack may not feel so little but this mindset shift will simplify life in a very big way. Being upset and frustrated takes a lot of energy. Before you fall into a frustration spiral that turns into stress and anxiety, check in. Ask yourself what’s really bothering you. Then make a list of potential solutions, people who can help and what you might be able to do in order to calm the waters.
When you feel frustrated or disappointed, could you find some relief in accepting the reality of the situation and moving on? This “check-in” will require a pause and a look at what you are contributing to any situation. As Byron Katie says, “It’s not the problem that causes our suffering; it’s our thinking about the problem.” Being unbothered will be especially helpful for the things you can’t control.
There are many more ways to simplify life but start with a few of these suggestions. Simplify for more joy and less stress. I’ve tried a bunch of things to reduce stress in my life but simplifying my life has been the most effective. I meditate, journal, workout, eat and sleep well most of the time and still simplicity is the most direct path to living with less stress.
