There was a season in my life where I felt like I was living out of an over-packed suitcase. My days were scheduled too tightly, filled with unnecessary plans, decisions, decisions, decisions, and way too many things that I told myself I “needed” to do. I ran from job to meeting to appointment with no time to relax. And I was still never satisfied. I tried so hard to quiet the noise, clear the clutter, eliminate distractions… but mostly failed because I didn’t know how to do any of it.
Until one morning it occurred to me that my life was not hard simply because life is hard. My life was hard because I was saying YES to every obligation that didn’t matter and NO to the things that gave me peace of mind.
It was in that moment that I started searching for ways to simplify my life.
Slowly, I began to learn that simple living is not about living with nothing… it’s learning how to live with less – less junk in your closets and less junk in your mind.
When you create space by eliminating the unnecessary clutter (in your calendar and your mind), you make room for clarity, joy, and rest.
Simple living isn’t something you wake up one day and suddenly achieve. It’s a lifestyle developed by implementing little rules into your daily life – much like how you make it a point to brush your teeth every morning or night, and how you ensure you lock all the doors before you leave your house.
It’s these small daily habits that become your guide. They force you to live with intention by holding you accountable to only say yes to the things that bring value to your life, and no to the things that don’t.
20 Simple Rules That Will Keep Your Life Simple
1. Protect Your “Yes”
If you find yourself constantly saying yes to things, your days will be filled with unnecessary noise. Consider your yes as a commitment. Because it is. Say yes to the things that bring value. Say no to the rest.
Read also: 15 Reasons Why Saying No is a Life Skill You Need to Learn
2. Spend Less Than You Make
Money problems are some of the quickest things to complicate your life. Live beneath your means. Save money. Have a backup for rainy days. Eliminate your debt.
3. Give Everything a Home
Clutter accumulates when your things don’t have a home. Ensure every single thing in your home has a place, and always return it there after using it.
4. Only Do One Thing at a Time
Doing multiple things at once will suck your energy and ability to focus. Do one thing. Finish it. Move on to the next task. You will get more done, and you will stress less.
Read also: 100 Self Improvement Bucket List Ideas for a Better You
5. Keep Your Calendar Open
If your schedule is filled with unnecessary commitments, you will never have time to simply be. Slow down by only committing to things you are 100% willing to put your best into.
6. Declutter Your Digital World
Too many apps, notifications, and email subscriptions crowd your mind. Delete unnecessary apps, turn off non-important notifications, and spend less time on social media and browsing the web.
7. Worry Only About Things You Can Control
You can’t control the weather. You can’t control what happened in the past. You can’t control what someone else is thinking. Stop wasting your energy worrying about things you have no control over.
Read also: 17 Calming Bedtime Routines for Adults
8. Wake Up Slowly
Running late in the morning doesn’t set the day off on the best foot. Allow yourself enough time to wake up, get ready, and start your day calm and focused.
9. Eat Simply
Don’t stress about complicated diets and try to eat as clean as you can. Focus on eating whole foods that are easy to prepare.
10. Be Thankful
When you focus on the abundance you already have in your life, you stop worrying about the things you think you need. Practicing gratitude can lead to better mental health and happiness, as supported by research from Harvard Health on the benefits of gratitude.
11. Own Less Stuff
The more stuff you own, the more things you have to clean, maintain, and fix. Only keep things that you need and love. Less junk in your home equals less junk in your mind.
12. Connect With Nature
Make time to be in nature. It relieves stress, helps you realize what’s important, and can boost your mood. Just 20–30 minutes improves mental health, a finding supported by research shared by the National Institutes of Health.
13. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparison is the thief of joy. Don’t worry about someone else’s path. Focus on your own values and continuing to better yourself.
14. Write Stuff Down
Keep a notepad or use the Notes app on your phone. Write things down when they come to mind, so you can stay organized and clear your mind.
15. Rest Guilt-Free
Rest is not lazy. Take time to sit back and relax, without feeling guilty about it.
16. Communicate Effectively
Miscommunications create unnecessary conflicts. Take the time to speak clearly and honestly with the people in your life – always with love and kindness.
17. End Your Day With Completeness
Take 2 minutes each night to either write, reflect, make a list for the next day, or simply say “Goodnight” to your day. This helps you sleep better and clears your mind.
18. Don’t Chase Perfection
Trying to make everything perfect will take away your time and drain your energy. Do your best. Accept that good enough is good enough.
19. Surround Yourself With Uplifting People
The people you allow in your life shape who you are. Spend more time with positive people who encourage you, and distance yourself from those who drain your energy.
20. Check Yourself Often
Life will try to steer you in many directions. Take the time to evaluate yourself every once in a while and make sure your actions align with your values. Make adjustments as needed.
Final Thoughts
Simple living is about filtering out the things that no longer serve you or bring you joy. The more you practice the rules above, the easier they become. Pretty soon, you won’t even miss the junk, chaos, and noise of your old lifestyle. In fact, you will wonder how you ever stood it for so long.
Life will always be stressful. But when you live simply, you allow yourself the peace of mind to tackle life one obstacle at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is simple living?
Simple living is a lifestyle focused on reducing physical, mental, and emotional clutter so you can live with more intention, clarity, and peace.
Is simple living the same as minimalism?
Not exactly. Simple living is about alignment and intention, while minimalism often focuses more specifically on owning fewer possessions.
How do I start simplifying my life?
Start small. Say no more often, declutter one space at a time, and remove unnecessary commitments from your schedule.
Does simple living mean giving up ambition?
No. It means focusing your energy on what truly matters instead of spreading yourself too thin.
How long does it take to feel the benefits of simple living?
Many people notice reduced stress and improved clarity within weeks, especially after simplifying their schedule and daily habits.
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