In this fast paced world filled with constant distractions, endless to-do lists, and the pressure to keep up with everything around us, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. That is why I began slow living a few years ago, but this year I want to also embrace a simpler lifestyle.
Living a simpler life might seem like a distant dream, but it’s entirely possible. So here’s what I’ve been trying to do and how you can start living a less complicated life.
1. Declutter Your Space
A cluttered space often leads to a cluttered mind. It’s no surprise that we feel more stressed and distracted in environments filled with things we don’t need. I’ve been declutterring my room by following a specific mindset.
- Keeping only items that makes you feel good or serves a specific purpose.
- Setting a theme – For me, it’s Pink, Black, White and Sanrio, majority being Hello Kitty and Kuromi.
By decluttering your physical space, you also declutter your mind by bringing in peace, clarity, and focus.
2. Embrace Minimalism
Minimalism isn’t just about owning fewer things. It’s about owning with purpose. With a minimalist mindset, you stop acquiring things simply to fill space or keep up with trends. Instead, you focus on:
- Mindful consumption by only buying what you genuinely need or what brings you joy.
- Less is more. The fewer things you own, the less time you have to spend maintaining them.
A minimalist lifestyle encourages intentionality and helps reduce the noise that often leads to stress and confusion.
3. Live in Alignment with Your Values
Live authentically by focusing on what truly matters to you. Aligning your actions with your core values helps eliminate distractions and brings clarity to your decisions.
- Identify your core values by reflecting on what’s most important to you. It can be family, health, creativity, or something else. For me, it’s happiness and health.
- Make decisions that aligns with your values. This can help you avoid distractions and stay focused on what truly matters.
- If something doesn’t align with your values, maybe it’s time to let it go, whether that’s a job, relationship, or activity.
Living authentically brings more contentment and fulfillment, as you stop living for others’ expectations and instead focus on your own well-being.
4. Simplify Your Finances
Financial stress is one of the biggest contributors to feeling overwhelmed. I was that way until I started managing and tracking my finances.
- Track your income and expenses to ensure you’re spending in alignment with your values.
- Review your spending habits to identify areas where you can reduce costs and cut unnecessary expenses.
When your financial life is simpler, you’ll feel more in control and less stressed.
5. Slow Down and Be Present
Living a simpler life complements slow living, the lifestyle I’ve been embracing. In fact, just slowing down can simplify your life. Here’s how to embrace a slower pace:
- Enjoy every moment, whether you’re eating, walking, or having a conversation. Focus on being fully present in whatever you’re doing.
- When possible, take the time to slow down by doing things at a more relaxed pace.
By slowing down, you invite a sense of calm and deepen your connection with yourself and the world around you.
Living a simpler life isn’t about abandoning everything you love. It’s about choosing less of what drains you and more of what nourishes you. The goal is to create room for what truly matters. I am taking small steps every day to reduce clutter and align my life with my values. There’s definitely more to living a simpler life, but I have just began. As always, life is an ongoing journey of figuring things out, so maybe in the near future, I’ll figure out more about this simpler lifestyle.