Living simply is a lifestyle choice that can have significant benefits. It can help you declutter your life, reduce stress levels, and save money.
It’s about restoring objects their internal value, based on your needs and preferences. It’s also about letting go of past luggage that ties you to a specific lifestyle.
1. Don’t buy what you don’t need
For many people, simple living is about eliminating distractions and enjoying long term pleasures + contentment. But it can also be about reducing consumption, cutting waste, and protecting the environment.
Those who choose to live simply often seek sustainable, local products and prefer to buy what they need. They’re more mindful of a product’s origin and journey to their homes, and they don’t upgrade to new gadgets until they have to. They may even opt for second hand goods.
These kinds of changes are not easy to implement in the long run – especially for those who grew up with materialistic society. But it is important to start assessing our possessions, limiting screen time, decluttering, and paying off debts. This can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase happiness. It will also help us appreciate what we have more and feel less overwhelmed. Ultimately, it can lead to an overall more purposeful life and more confidence. You can find a balance that works for you, but starting with something small is good practice.
2. Don’t spend what you don’t have
There’s nothing wrong with spending money on something you need but it’s important not to spend what you don’t have. Getting into debt is never a good thing and if you live simply, it is best to avoid this at all costs.
When you stop buying things you don’t need, it saves you a lot of space and time cleaning up. It also helps prevent your home from becoming cluttered in the first place and it’s also better for the environment as you won’t be contributing to the waste problem.
Living simply is not easy and it takes time to change the way you do things. However, it is definitely worth the effort in the long run because it is good for your mental health and helps you become more self-sufficient. Start with whatever area of your life you want to simplify and work on that one step at a time. It could be as simple as decluttering your home or cutting down on screen time. The most important thing is to make the changes that suit you and not listen to what other people say you should do.
3. Don’t be afraid to say no
It is not always easy to say no. Whether it’s watching less TV or not going out because of the pandemic, it is important to be able to stand up for yourself and make decisions that are best for you. However, it is also important to know why you want to do something and be able to express that to others. This can help you build a better understanding of yourself and your behavior, which will in turn help you be more confident in saying no.
Living a simple lifestyle can be challenging in this day and age, where people are used to a certain way of life and may not understand why you want to live differently. But it is important to remember that living a simple life is not about being selfish or ignoring other people’s needs. It is about focusing on what is truly important to you and finding balance in your life.
When you learn to say no, it allows you to spend more time on things that are really important to you and stop wasting your energy on unnecessary obligations. In addition, if you are really struggling to say no, it might be helpful to talk to a counselor or psychologist.
4. Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter
A simple lifestyle means you spend less time on things that don’t matter to you. This may mean putting down the smartphone or limiting screen time, avoiding unnecessary meetings or social activities, or unsubscribing to emails that clutter your inbox.
It also means spending less time on hobbies that don’t make you happy or that will waste your valuable resources. For example, if you love doing DIY projects or redoing furniture, then focus your energy on that instead of going out to buy new items that will only end up in the donation pile later.
This doesn’t mean living a boring life, though. Spend a week or two paying attention to the things that are most important to you. Afterward, create a list of your top priorities and see how you can simplify your home and life to promote these things that are most important to you. You don’t need to move to a wood cottage or give up all your electronics, but you should work consciously to change the mindset that promises happiness with the next online purchase.
5. Don’t be afraid to do things yourself
Simple living is about limiting distractions and simplifying your life to make room for what matters most. This can include things like decluttering your home, reducing screen time and eating healthy. It isn’t always easy, but it is worth it!
You will also find that doing things yourself can save you money. This can be especially true when it comes to food. Instead of buying expensive pre-packaged meals, learn to cook and bake at home. This will not only help you save money but it will also be healthier for you.
Another reason to live simply is to reduce your environmental footprint. This can be done by reducing your energy consumption, minimizing waste and using recycled products.