6 Easy Ways to Start Living a Simpler Life

Ever feel like life's on fast-forward? Notifications won't stop buzzing, your to-do list's growing faster than a weed, and work's piling up like dirty laundry. Some days, you just wanna chuck your phone out the window, slam your laptop shut, and run for the hills. And let's be real, that cozy cabin in the woods is looking pretty sweet right about now.

And to be frank, it's no surprise that more and more people are seeking a simpler life and exploring the art of slowing down.

But what does it truly mean to lead a simpler life? And how can we start slowing down, especially in a world that seems to be speeding up?

What is a Simpler Life?

A simpler life isn't about completely abandoning responsibilities or isolating yourself. Rather, it's about consciously choosing to focus on what truly matters, letting go of the unnecessary, and finding joy in everyday moments. It's about creating space—both physically and mentally—for peace, clarity, and contentment in your daily life.

Living simply means focusing on the essentials and reducing the noise. It’s about cutting back on the distractions that pull us in every direction, so we can reconnect with ourselves, our loved ones, and the natural world around us. For some, this might mean decluttering their home, simplifying their schedule, or even reassessing their digital habits.

And it can take courage to choose to live a simpler life. We see others in our circle buy more, do more, and increase the complexity in their lives.

Wondering how to start leading a simpler life? Good news—you can begin with small changes, working your way towards peace one step at a time. No need to retreat to a cabin in the woods!

How to Lead a Simpler Life

1. Prioritize What Matters:

Start by identifying what truly matters to you. This could be time with family, personal growth, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea in the morning. Once you've clarified your priorities, it's easier to let go of things that don't align with them. We always recommend journaling to support evolving priorities. Journaling can be as simple as sitting down and bullet-pointing what matters to you that day. By staying aware of these priorities, it becomes easier to recognize moments when it's better to say no or when you feel a misalignment.

2. Declutter Your Space:

Physical clutter often leads to mental clutter. Take some time to declutter your living space. Donate or recycle items you no longer need, and organize the things that bring you joy. A tidy space can create a sense of calm and make room for what really matters. If you struggle with big decluttering sessions, start a donation or toss box near your front door. As you go about your day, add items you don't need, want, or that no longer bring joy to this box. Even one item a week will add up to 52 in a year. Once this becomes a habit, you'll be surprised how natural it feels to catch things before they start collecting dust. For many, donating items in good condition feels better than tossing them.

3. Simplify Your Schedule:

Our schedules can quickly become overwhelming, filled with obligations and activities that leave little room for rest. Try simplifying your calendar by saying "no" to commitments that don't align with your priorities. Give yourself permission to have downtime and be intentional about how you spend your time.

Now, we know saying "no" isn't easy for everyone, so let's explore why we tend to overpack our schedules.

We often overcommit due to a cognitive bias called "time optimism" or "planning fallacy," where we underestimate task duration and overestimate our capacity. This disconnect happens for several reasons:

Present Bias: We focus more on current circumstances than future limitations, believing we'll have more time later. We think, "I'll be less busy next month," forgetting that future commitments accumulate just like current ones.

Optimism Bias: We envision our future selves as more efficient, organized, or capable, leading us to believe we'll handle more. This idealized version of ourselves is always better at managing time—until reality hits.

Social and Personal Pressure: There's satisfaction in saying "yes" to opportunities, driven by the desire to be helpful, productive, or socially connected. The fear of missing out (FOMO) also pushes us to commit, even when we're stretched thin.

Discounting Future Consequences: We often undervalue the impact of future commitments, focusing on immediate benefits or short-term positive feelings rather than considering how we'll feel when the time comes.

Difficulty Saying No: Many struggle with saying no, fearing disappointment or closed doors. This can lead to overcommitting, especially if we're not aware of our actual bandwidth or priorities.

Lack of Awareness: Sometimes, we simply don't know how our time is currently spent. Without a clear picture of task durations or our real schedules, it's easy to assume we have more time available than we do.

Looking at this list, do you see a trend in your schedule? If you can identify the feelings or biases you lean towards, you may be able to start saying "no" with more clarity.

4. Disconnect to Reconnect:

Technology, while useful, can also be a significant source of stress. Set aside time each day to disconnect from your devices. Use this time to reconnect with nature, engage in a hobby, or simply be present in the moment.

Even a few minutes of mindful disconnection can help you feel more grounded.

For those needing extra support, try simple strategies like leaving your phone outside the bedroom to avoid early morning or late-night scrolling. Implement a "no phones at the table" rule, or designate a spot near your front door to leave your phone when you get home. Making it slightly inconvenient to access your phone will help you recognize when you're reaching for it out of habit rather than necessity.

Want to learn more about this topic? Read and learn more about our addiction to phones.

5. Embrace Mindfulness:

Mindfulness is about being fully present in the here and now. It's a practice that can help you slow down and appreciate life's simple pleasures, like the changing colours of autumn leaves, the patter of rain, or the warmth of a cozy blanket.

Notice we said "practice"? That's the beauty of mindfulness—it's not an overnight achievement. You can always try again, no matter how many times you've struggled before.

There are plenty of free resources online, or you can explore digital studios like https://o-p-e-n.com/ to help build your mindfulness habit.

6. Simplify Your Digital Life:

Simplify your digital life by unsubscribing from unnecessary emails and organizing files into clear folders. Set reasonable boundaries for online time, such as limiting social media use or implementing screen-free periods.

Like physical clutter, your digital world can accumulate unnecessary baggage. If a major clean-up seems daunting, try these manageable steps:

• Weekly Digital Tidy: Dedicate 10–15 minutes each Friday to clear your inbox, delete old files, and organize your desktop. These quick sessions maintain order without becoming overwhelming.

• Digital Spaces as Physical Ones: Treat your digital workspace like your desk. A tidy space boosts focus and lowers stress. Regularly delete files and close unused tabs to keep your digital area clean and focused.

• Tackle Personal Files in Bits: For numerous personal files like photos, sort them in small batches. Try monthly photo sorting and create yearly albums of favorites. This helps identify meaningful files and those you can safely delete.

• Smart Inbox Rules: Set up automatic filters to move newsletters or promo emails to a separate folder. This reduces visual clutter and helps you focus on priority messages.

• Notification Management: Disable non-essential alerts and set specific times for checking email or social media. This maintains focus and reduces the constant digital noise that contributes to stress.

• Digital Detox Time: Establish screen-free hours, like after dinner or before bed. This helps you unwind and fosters a healthier relationship with your devices.

Quotes to Inspire a Simpler Life

Feeling inspired to start simplifying your life? If you're like us, reading and finding inspiration through books and quotes always helps focus our thoughts on an idea.

Save these as backgrounds for your phone to remind yourself to stick with it!

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." – Leonardo da Vinci

"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." – Hans Hofmann

"Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you." – John De Paola

"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all." – Laura Ingalls Wilder

"Simplicity is the glory of expression." – Walt Whitman

Sign up for wellness info, updates and exclusive offers.

Get The Wellness Memo