Living simply does not necessarily mean living without just about everything. Instead it encourages us to live a more balanced and intentional lifestyle, which in turn encourages a healthier lifestyle. Life has become rather busy, cluttered with to-do lists, unread emails and unrealistic work deadlines. It’s no wonder that we often feel like we are being torn in all directions and feel completely overwhelmed by it all.

This year I have been rather intentional about keeping things simple, as a means of placing value and focus onto the right things. Often without realizing it, we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that is life, that we are left feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Yet, I have come to realize (the hard way) that by intentional simple planning and by being more aware and intentional of keeping things minimal and as stress free as possible – we will have the wisdom and the endurance to run our race with strength, focus, and determination.

Simplify your lifestyle tips

If we want to live a more present and a more intentional way of living, it will mean that we will have to become a little more self-aware, more disciplined in certain areas, and more conscious of putting certain structures in place. Here are a few tips to help you live a more simplified, stress free lifestyle:

Set monthly goals
  • Create a five-year vision and goal plan for your life. Then break it down in to yearly goals, followed by monthly and weekly attainable goals, that will ultimately help you to succeed and achieve those goals and dreams. Having a plan of action will give you the focus, and motivation that you need to stay the path.
Declutter closets and drawers seasonally, if not weekly
  • How often do we let drawers fill up with random odd things that we simply do not need. Or, how about our overflowing wardrobes filled with clothes that we haven’t worn in over a year? Yet, it all sits there collecting dust, and taking up space. Clear out whatever you have not used or worn in the last 6-12 months, donate to those that are in need instead.
Carry a water bottle with you everywhere
  • How often do we waste money buying ‘on the go’ water bottles. Or perhaps we find ourselves so busy with life itself, that we forget to drink water altogether. Water is very important for staying hydrated, as well as flushing out toxins. Invest in a handy water bottle that can simply be refilled and consumed as you go about your day.
Follow a quick morning routine
  • A quick morning routine could simply mean once you are dressed and all packed to go, investing in some time to quickly tidy up clothes that may be lying about, or quickly making up your bed. It could also mean waking up a few minutes earlier to mentally prepare for the day, or read or listen to a podcast that may add some inspiration to your day.
Start a capsule wardrobe
  • Instead of buying the latest fashion trends, rather invest in a quality capsule wardrobe. Items that could be worn in different ways, that could flow between day and night, and that will simply carry through to all seasons well.
Prepare your lunch or your kids lunches and bags the night before
  • I find that this little trick saves us so much time, and makes our morning routines go way faster. Which means we are less rushed, or less stressed when starting our day.
Do a quick clean up every night, to avoid accumlated mess
  • I’ve started doing this little nightly routine, which involves washing the dishes, and packing away my sons toys and picking up whatever has found its way to the floor. It takes five to ten minutes, and it feels good knowing that when we go to bed or when we wake up the next morning, the house will be neat and slightly organized.
Write a to-do list the night before
  • This is a definite must do. Writing to-do lists the night before, gives you a strong sense of mental focus and motivation for the day ahead. Do yourself a favor and try it out, it works wonders!
Slow down and be more present
  • Encourage and remind yourself to have moments where you take a few minutes to just breathe, relax and rest. Intentional rest will do wonders for your soul.
Avoid buying things that you don’t really need
  • In the moment we may feel like we “need” a particular item, when in actual fact we don’t need it at all. It then ends up being a waste of money, and time and then it ends up taking up space in our homes! Before buying something, stop for a moment to ask yourself if you really need it?
Have a social media detox
  • If social media distracts you when you should be resting or working, then maybe give it a mini break as a means of putting things back into focus.
Declutter emotionally and end unhealthy relationships
  • Often we neglect the heart and soul of who we are, because we end up putting ourselves last after everyone or everything else. Which in turn negatively effects our emotional and mental state of being. Look after yourself, and declutter all unwanted emotional mess and stress. Place value on yourself and take care of yourself by choosing what you allow or entertain within your life. Choose wisely, choose well!