How To Simplify Your Life

Steps to Slow Down and Enjoy Life

Living simply can significantly reduce stress, creating more personal and family time. It allows us to engage in activities we've long desired but never had the opportunity to pursue.

Research indicates that simple living alleviates tension-related issues like insomnia, anxiety, and chronic fatigue. 

Importantly, simplifying your life doesn’t mean sacrificing or being frugal; rather, it’s about slowing down and embracing a more balanced, intentional lifestyle.

Check out my Empowered Living page for all the ways you can start living intentionally. 

How To Simplify Your Life for More Freedom

Time flies by way to fast and we can't get that time back. 

A lot of times we get all wrapped up in the unimportant things - which at the time seem important - we are missing out on the truly important things. Like spending quality time with our families which tells us it's time to simplify our lives.  

I wrote a book, which is on Amazon, of all my collection of steps to on How to Declutter Your Life - A Step-By-Step Guide. This comprehensive guide will get you on the right track to living your best life. 

You can also check out my YouTube video  Life Hacks Live Your Best Life [Simplify & Declutter] Tips. 

Step 1: Reflection  

Years ago I sat back and reflected on my life. Realizing that I need to refocus my emphasis on what's truly important. My health, my happiness and my family. 

My Self-Care for Moms guide can help you work on yourself. 

We need to be healthy and happy with ourselves before we can be a good parent and partner.

Refocusing your energies to living a more simple life by stepping out of the fast paced life we have created will open up the possibilities to find happiness and your life's passion.

Make time for yourself and family.

Step 2: Make Changes

It was time for a change. 

In order to make room for those changes I needed to get back some of that time. To do that I needed to start simplifying my life. 

There are many ways to start without making big sacrifices. Starting small eventually makes it easier to make bigger changes down the road. 

• Decide what is important – Stop and think about what is important to you. How do you want to spend your time? Who do you want to spend your times with? What do you want to accomplish?

• Make a short list of 3-5 things in your life you want to do, people you want to spend time with, things you’d like to accomplish at work.

• Live in the Moment - Be aware of what you are doing and do not let your mind drift about what you need to do next or later.

 Check out my top 5 ways to live in the moment. 

• Focus on the people you are with – do not let your mind wander on other things.  Savor this time with your friends and family.

• Find your pleasures - Make a list of the simple things that give you pleasure and engage with them a few times a week.

• Appreciate Nature - Find time to take in a hike or sit by a lake.

• Make a Bucket List - This does not have to be major things you want to do but simple things.  Start with ten -- a "mini" bucket list.

Step 3: Get Rid of the Clutter 

What is wrong with all this stuff?

Nothing if you like all the clutter. 

80% of what we own we never use. Get rid of the clutter reduces housework by 40%. You save 55 minutes a day looking for stuff now that you are organized and clutter free. That is a good two hours you just got back! Two hours to spend with your family getting healthy and having fun!  Here are some more benefits to eliminating the clutter in your life.  

 

Get Rid of the Clutter

Less Stress - Clutter can become a visual and mental distraction. It is piles of things you have to do - papers to file - clothes to put away - junk to get ride of. 

Clutter is always in the back of your mind.

• Efficiency - Now that you do not have to focus on all the clutter in your home -the piles of "things to do" -you will work more efficiently.
• Calm - Relaxation in an uncluttered home becomes easier. By getting rid of the clutter in your home, you get rid of it sub-consciously in your mind. You would be amazed at how much better you feel.
• Inspiration - Reducing your clutter will inspire your spouse and your kids to do the same. 

I went through my house room by room -- closet by closet evaluated everything. 

Do I really need -and wear - all these clothes?  Will I really wear this someday? 

If I haven't worn it in a year I will most likely NEVER wear it. Time to donate what I don't wear or use anymore. 

You could start with the opposite of Project 100 by getting rid of 100 items. 

Declutter your Stuff! 

You would be amazed what you can really do without. I donated books, clothes, toys, linens, and more. By getting rid of the clutter in your house, you get rid of it sub-consciously in your mind. 

• You feel happier
• You find lost treasures
• You feel calmer 
• You inspire others - It definitely inspired my kids to de-clutter  

Step 4: Ask Yourself What Takes Up Your Time

Feeling good about those first few steps made me look for other steps to take. 

"What was taking up my time?" 

I made a mental list and started to prioritize.  

I cut my volunteer positions by half.  Instead of 6 groups, I now only volunteer for 3.

Cleaning and gardening took up a lot of my time. Even though I like to garden, my yard took up too many weekends in the spring, summer and fall.  I wanted to save my weekends for fun, and save money. I have been reduced the size of my flower beds. Less weeding and less mulch.

Get rid of things that take up time stressing you out or creating angst.  

For me it was a bush in the back yard. It bugged me for seven years. I just cut it down. I didn't waste my time thinking about it any more.  It's gone -- out of my life. 

Getting rid of all the small simple issues opens you up to really focus on the bigger issues.

Step 5: Slow Down Your Pace 

With the advancement of technology, we are used to getting things quicker and faster right at our fingertips. 

The irony of modern technology saving us time, is we are actually losing time.

We fill up that saved time with more projects and activities. We have to have it all, and do it all.  Time is passing us by too quickly. Are we really enjoying life -- Or are we in this never-ending loop of hectic activities?

When you Seize the Moment and slow down you begin to appreciate the true value of life and time. Time is something you will never get back! 

Simplify your "To Do" List by doing less and prioritizing. Focus on the most important. Don't fill up your day with things to do. This causes you to rush to do them all and fail. Just pick three important items you need to get done. 

• Automate - Online banking, shopping and the post office. This saves you time standing in lines. 
• Reduce Debt - Create a strict budget, stick to it and start paying off the debt. 
• Disconnect - Use this time to read, meet friends, join a class, and connect with yourself or others. Reduce the amount of time you are on social media and TV.
• Work Free Vacations - Turn off your cellphone & computer. Relax and enjoy every minute. 
• Reduce Information Overload - Being flooded with stimuli is a tremendous source of stress. Limit the amount of information you expose yourself too especially before you go to sleep at night.
• Shed Activities - Make a list of your (and your kids') activities - prioritize your list and shed those that are no longer fun or serve a purpose in your life.
• Minimize Negative Relationships - Cut out (or minimize) relationships that cause you stress.
• Nurture Relationships - Nurture the people who make you feel good and laugh. Invite them to lunch, send a nice note, or invite them to hang out. 
• Learn to say No - Be strong and say No when asked to do something you really do not want to do.
• Delegate - Do not try to do it all. Share the workload at home and work by asking for help.
• Shop/Cook - Dedicate one night a week to plan and prep for the week's meals & school lunches.
• Create a Family Calendar - Create a monthly or weekly calendar using different colored pens for each family member. Post the calendar where everyone can see it.
• Run your Errands - During the week not on Saturdays when everyone is out and about.
• Plan Time for Yourself - Everyday!
• Finish What You Started - Set some time aside to get the projects completed that you started. Once they are completed you will not waste time stressing about completing them. 
• Eliminate "stuff" - Get rid of things that stress you out or create angst. For me it was a bush in the back yard. It had bothered me for seven years. So finally, I just cut it down. Now, I don't have to waste my time thinking about it any more. It's gone - out of my life.  Getting rid of all the small simple issues opens you up to really focus on the bigger issues.
• Let go of old goals -  Goals you may have set for yourself could be outdated by now.  It is always a good idea to re-evaluate your life and set new goals. 

Step 6: Create Your Plan and Check Off Items

Step 7: Time to Enjoy Your Life

Do the things you enjoy!