7 easy ways to simplify life
Organize Life

7 Ways I Simplied Life For The Most Impact On Happiness


Some of us may be drawn to a minimalist lifestyle, but there are times in our life when family, work, and fun just have a lot of stuff that goes along with it. Finding ways to simplify life makes everything move more smoothly making life easier to enjoy.

Taking out unnecessary stress from the things we have to do and replacing it with reliable routines not only makes life simpler but leaves room in life for things we want to do!

Today I’m sharing my top 9 things that simplify my life that have made many tedious tasks run easy and smooth freeing up time for the more important and enjoyable parts of life

1. Make a list of your least favorite/ time consuming/ life sucking things in your life

Sometimes we feel drained day in and day out without realizing what is exactly causing that dreaded feeling. You can’t fix it if you can’t identify it. So write down the things you know could move more smoothly but aren’t just yet.

There were things in my life I felt were taking up too much time and energy but were required daily.

Here were some of mine: Laundry, lost shoes and socks, mail, kids toys, not being on time… you get the idea. These are your bottlenecks. These things can bring function to a halt.

This is where minimalists get it right:

First– They have less stuff.

I started with clothes that never make it to the laundry. Before I put laundry away notice what’s still didn’t get worn. I have a large bag with me and I put things in it that aren’t getting worn. Also If I buy a new shirt one shirt has to go. This is on going and habitual. It keeps the closets manageable.

Second– There is a place or “home” for everything

I keep all shoes in my garage in baskets or shelves, as well as a basket of socks, gloves, and hats. The shoes get dropped there before we come in and can be found when we leave.

Find a way to keep things in a place near where you will need to use it.

Third– Everything gets put back in its home.

Do a quick blitz before bedtime and get everything back in its place. Toss garbage and junk before they pile up.

Fourth– Don’t buy more stuff. I’ve learned the art of window shopping.

2 . Paper plates

This may not be the minimalist way but has simplified my life greatly! I have 4 kids and dishes cab pile up quick. I buy a stack of cheap paper plates that are great for when time is an issue or you are just not feeling up for the load of dishes. We don’t use these all the time, but some days this one little thing feels like a big help.

3. Cut out social media/ WiFi

Just do it!

The research is pouring in telling us the negative effects social media has on our mental health.

I got rid of the WiFi as well as the satellite TV at our house more than a year ago and haven’t looked back. We got an antenna (like this one on amazon) to watch tv on. We watch a show and live sports if we can catch it but not much TV is on at our place.

Now we have the issue of Unlimited Data on our phones. Set yourself a time limit and stick to it.

Stop wishing, planning and pinning about all the ways your life can be different and get up and do it! The internet is a vortex that will suck away all your time. Don’t let that happen!

4. Take a Five minute breather

This one surprised me. So much research has been done that shows, undoubtedly, how our brains are changed for the better through meditation. It’s crazy to think that not many years ago scientist believed our brains couldn’t be changed. The belief was that our brains are developed in childhood and as adults those neuro pathways are set like stone. Now we know our brain is more plastic and can be changed.

Taking just five or ten minutes before you start you day to breathe and clear your head is a game changer for anyone who is stuck with worry, stress, and frazzled.

Try This:

  • Sit in a quiet place,
  • Set a timer so you aren’t worried about how much time is going by
  • Take deep breaths
  • Imagine stepping outside your brain and be the observer of the thoughts that pass by.
  • Let thoughts pass by during this brain break until you only hear the ticking of the clock or the wind outside. Just notice these things around you.

Try this for a few days and you may be amazed at how clear and organized your thoughts are.

Related article: How to meditate with an anxious mind

5. My Wipe calendar is a huge stress and anxiety reliever

I struggle with the anxiety that comes with knowing there is something coming up that I’d rather not do. I can become so anxious I may back out or cancel what’s planned because of this anxiety. I found help for this by accident and I’ll explain how this works:

  • Write in the things you need to remember or events coming up you are stressing about.
  • As the days and events pass erase them.

This may sound like nothing but here is what started happening to me:

Things that I was stressed about are now completely gone, over, not in existence. I had this visual on my refrigerator. I could see things coming and watch them go.

I could see something like a presentation I had to give, that I really didn’t want to, disappear like it never happened. All those anxious feelings get built up our when brains try to convince us something horrible may happen, but then it’s over. Something horrible or embarrassing may have happened, but it’s over.

Now as I see things coming up on my calendar the stress involved is sooo much less because I know it will soon be over and erased.

6. Just Don’t do it

Eliminate non essentials. Be bold about what to cut cut out. Quit all the things, people, and time wasting activities that suck the life out of your day.

You can always bring them back in if you feel you made a mistake but my guess is you won’t want it back. Some things are better as distant memories.

7. No brainer healthy eating

Sometimes we crack and think the only way to better health and better body is by trying the latest diet craz out there only to find yourself back where you started.

Try this instead:

Think back over the last few days of eating and write down what you remember eating. You will notice you have a routine and habits. Just take one negative food out for the next few days.

Example: I always had a mid afternoon slump that I solved with Mt Dew and Brownies. I switched that to Diet Dew for a bit then eventually switched that to fruit. I feel so much better and now the soda looks gross. I never thought I’d say that.

Switch out unhealthy foods for fruits and vegetables. Add new ones slowly. Keep your meals simple. Have veggies and fruit visible, ready, and easy to grab. This shouldn’t happen over night.

Make one small change at a time. Pay attention to how you feel. Feeling good is the precursor to looking good.

Try my favorite glass food containers to keep your food visible, organized and looking appetizing.

Related: