A Life of Simplicity – How?

What needs to be done to simplify your life? Read on to find out.

TO LIVE MORE SIMPLY

More often than not life can be more complex than it needs to be, bringing up feelings of stress and anxiety.  A social norm is to buy more than is needed, to possess more than is needed, or work far more than one would like. If this is you, read on to find ways to bring simplicity. 

So, what does it mean to live simply?  It is to actively take steps and adopt systematic practices that simply your lifestyle.  This can be seen as a process to eliminate the excess “noise” or stuff to give focus to just the things that are essential and necessary, that bring you joy and provide you with a sense of freedom. 

Perhaps you have heard the the old saying, “enough is enough and too much stinks”.  The thought process here is basically to keep things simple. 

Why Adopt Simplicity?

Listed are five approaches that can help you to minimize and live life more simply. 

• Minimalism[1], in general, reduces unnecessary possessions and needless consumption, basically eliminating what is “too much” or what is in excess. 
• Self-sufficiency. This involves eliminating the desire or need to depend on systems to make life easier.  As an example, a person adhering to self-sufficient minimalism might grow their own food, make their own cosmetics and toiletries, or make their own clothing. 
• Digital minimalism. This involves reducing or even eliminating technologies like cell phones, internet, or social media usage.
• Experiencing creation. This involves spending time outdoors, appreciating and observing the natural world, animals, even plants.
• Slower pace. This involves slowing time, eliminating, or reducing a lifestyle that is full of busyness and urgency. 

Embracing a simplistic lifestyle can encompass a mix of some or all of these approaches.  Start out by trying one or two at a time to see how you feel, then consider incorporating the new habit as a permanent lifestyle to enrich your overall well-being. 

BENIFITS TO LIVING A LIFE OF SIMPLICITY

Ultimately, you may choose to live life more simply after experiencing that consumption and buying do not lead to true happiness.  Some people have found that owning fewer material things provides a greater sense of well-being that reduces pressure as well as the feeling that they need to work more to buy more.  Instead, they opt to use their time with those they love, doing the things that bring them joy.  Some positive benefits to living simply are: 

• Greater freedom
• A more productive work-life balance
• Reduction in stress about money
• Quality time with family and friends
• Better focus on what matters most[2]
• Time for self-discovery artistic ability and talents[3]
• Environmental sustainability
• Financial sustainability

Over the past few years there has been somewhat of a movement to live simply, think the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement or Minimalism.  It is clear that for some, the desire for a simple life is important. 

How to Simplify Life

So, if simplifying your life is something that you gravitate towards, here are a few things that you can incorporate as you work towards simplicity. 

• Do your own baking, like bread, cakes, and cookies.
• Learn to can and make your own jams, fermented veggies, even yogurt.
• Plant a vegetable and herb garden.
• Get rid of excess by donating clothing and household items you don’t need or want.
• Refuse to buy anything that you do not really need.

Perhaps, the thought of going all out and living simply seems overwhelming or causes anxiety.  These things can be the catalyst in getting your feet wet. 

1. Disconnect from technology

Consider turning off notifications, which tend to direct attention to your device.  Try a day or more from social media, or an internet free day. 

2. Create a budget

A budget can help you to get control of your expenses. Control can help you to live simply by working less and reducing the number of possessions you have. The greater your possessions the more time required to maintain them.  It may not be possible to reduce your budget in all areas of life. You possibly can reduce your clothing, food, energy expenses, leaving you with less stuff and more money. 

3. Try the wardrobe challenge

For the wardrobe challenge, place your unused or rarely worn clothing in a box, keep just enough clothing that can be worn for 1-month.  At the close of the month, cycle through your clothing and decide what pieces you really want to keep and what pieces you are willing to donate.  Then make a date to donate the items that you no longer want or need. 

In Conclusion

A life of simplicity can reward your overall well-being. Thankfully, there are a number of tiny steps you can take to start living a simpler life.  May these tips provide you with ideas for creating your own uncomplicated and simple life. 

References

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[1] Millburn, J. F., & Nicodemus, R. (2016). Minimalism: live a meaningful life. Asymmetrical Press

[2] Talbot, J. F., & Kaplan, S. (1986). Perspectives on wilderness: Re-examining the value of extended wilderness experiences. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 6(3), 177-188

[3] Cappetto, M. A. (2020). The Impact of Minimalism on Health and Relational Satisfaction: Understanding Minimalism Through a Medical Family Therapy Lens (Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron)