20 Easy Ways to Simplify Your Life

If you want to simplify life, there are 20 things you can stop doing to make that happen. Simplifying your life is about focusing on what's truly important to you.

As someone who has stood at the crossroads of this modern frenzy world, I understand the desire to rediscover a sense of balance, purpose, and peace.

In all areas of my life, I seek the beauty of simplicity, the richness of slowing down, and the abundance of letting go.

Below are the things I quit doing to simplify my life.

1. Comparing myself

I stopped measuring my success against other people and, in turn, focused on my personal growth, which boosted my self-esteem. The better I felt about myself, the more I could enjoy other people's achievements. Now, I view others with loving kindness instead of jealousy.

2. Overcommitting

Saying no to a few invitations freed up a lot of time I could use for self-care or spending quality time with my family. Now, I calmly accomplish all of my tasks without feeling like I'm spread too thin, or I'm frantic.

3. Unhealthy relationships

My mental health is the top priority, and because I value happiness and peace of mind, I have chosen to distance myself from toxic relationships that have taken up a lot of my energy since I have found a more serene state.

5. Clutter

I decluttered my home, removing clothes I never wore and items I didn't use. The space transformed into a more serene, relaxing home. Plus, it became easier to maintain and keep organized.

6. Complaining

Nothing good has ever come from complaining. It has not improved my life one bit. Focusing on negative feelings or the feeling of scarcity seems to amplify my bad mood and that scarcity feeling.

By simply not complaining, I am far happier. It's improved my relationships with other people, and I also feel like I can appreciate and have gratitude for the abundance that I do have in my life.

8. Impulsive buying

To break my shopping addiction, I started a rule where I wait 48 hours before making a purchase. This helped me avoid buying things I didn't truly need or love, which saved me money and avoided clutter.

9. Fast fashion

Because I live nomadically out of a suitcase, I carefully consider my wardrobe. I get multiple outfits out of a few clothing items by wearing classic pieces in solid colors. I invest in higher-quality clothing that lasts longer and makes my wardrobe more sustainable and timeless.

10. Mindless consumption

I try to be mindful when I consume anything, whether it's food, content, or possessions. If I over-consume unhealthy food, it affects my health, and if I consume negative content, it affects my mental health.

I mindfully and carefully choose the content I watch and listen to and the food I consume, and I also make sure that my possessions are useful and needed.

11. Digital distractions

It can be a little maddening sometimes in a world filled with endless notifications that are constantly tugging at me for my attention. Simply turning off unnecessary notifications freed up a lot of mental space and has made my daily routine far less stressful.

12. Fear of missing out

Living in a world with endless social media feeds enhances our fear of missing out. Before social media, the only fear of missing out we would experience was from seeing what our neighbors were doing.

Today, we can compare our lives with those from around the world. Now more than ever, it's vital that we turn inward to cultivate gratitude, contentment, and peace.

13. Overthinking

The constant chatter in my mind is exhausting, like running on a mental hamster wheel that doesn't get me anywhere. Mindfulness meditation has helped me become more aware of my thoughts and reduced the constant overthinking that plagued me.

14. Unrealistic expectations

Expectations can really set me up for disappointment, which goes for unrealistic expectations I have for myself, others, and even society if I have set an unrealistic expectation for myself that I don't meet. I feel as if I'm lacking or I'm a failure somehow.

15. Mindless busyness

Busyness, just to be busy, is neither productive nor intentional. Embracing slow living allowed me to be present and savor moments like taking a leisurely walk and enjoying the quiet morning.

17. Unproductive habits

Time is a limited resource. By replacing excessive screen time with healthy habits, I feel like it's time well spent. Daily yoga and walks keep my body healthy, and journaling allows me to reflect on my day and set intentions for the future.

18. Excessive planning

Sometimes, the best experiences happen organically. Allowing for spontaneity led to unexpected adventures like taking a little weekend trip, maybe somewhere in the mountains, and discovering hidden gems.

19. Negative self-talk

The loudest and most impactful voice is the one in my head. How I speak to myself shapes who I am and my joy. By speaking to myself with compassion, empathy, and understanding, my self-esteem lifted, and I felt a sense of joy and happiness in my everyday life.

20. Multitasking

I used to brag about how great I was at multitasking. Until I realized I wasn't accomplishing that much, I was just busy and overwhelmed. Focusing on one thing at a time, I complete more projects and am far less overwhelmed.

Simplify life

Remember, these are just my personal experiences that have helped simplify life, and your journey of minimalism and slow living will be unique to you.

As you go along this path of a more intentional life, I hope it'll bring you closer to the core of who you are and the life you envision for yourself.