Simplifying your life is easy and important. A simpler life is devoid of stress and makes you a lot happier. Today, unfortunately, most of us have made our lives overly complex and busy. We spend all our time running after money which often causes us to lose our health for which we need more money; a vicious circle indeed. If you are looking for easy ways to simplify life and make it more streamlined and relaxed the following tips will help you:
1. Declutter
According to Japanese philosophy of Zen or Minimalist living, de-cluttering your home and throwing away things you do not need can actually help your clear clutter from your physical, mental and emotional spaces. Let it all go. Start by making a list of things you do not need or use and throw out at least one useless item per day. Following this, your home will certainly be a lot cleaner and neater by the end of the month. In case you do not like throwing stuff out, you could either donate or sell it.
2. Take a stock of your situation
Once in a while take a break. Are you happy? Are there any areas in your life you can simplify? You have not come here to just work work work or pay the bills. Ask yourself what your passions really are. Are there any hobbies that make you feel more alive? Perhaps it is time to take a step back from work so you have more time for those things.
3. Stay in touch with your needs and wants
If you want to simplify life and be happy, you must ask yourself- what do I need and what do I want? Wants and needs are two different things and can make all the difference between leading a simple, uncomplicated life and a hectic, unhappy one.
4. Be mindful
When the mind is stressed, it fails to see the beauty around. You miss moments which you cannot relive or bring back. Being more mindful for each and everything you do will help you see the beauty of life and make life more beautiful and simpler as well. Continue to do everything with 100% commitment as you move through your tasks and meet people all day.
5. Stay true to yourself
Instead of trying to be someone you are not, stay true to your own expectations and let go of the “shoulds”. Yes, good opinion of others matters but you have to learn to be free of it and stay true to your own wants sometimes.
6. Take time to meditate daily
Daily meditation can help you free up time. It can help you become mindful, more energetic and focused. With enhanced concentration; you will be able to take decisions more easily which can help you greatly simplify your life.
7. Keep Faith- Let the higher Powers that be come first always
Whether or not you believe in God, keep your faith. Faith can solve many problems, keep you grounded and can give you hope when times seem tough.
8. Choose quality over quantity
Things cannot get simpler than this- if you choose to do just one thing all day-do it with 100% attention. Avoid excess. Learn to prioritize, learn to say no and most importantly learn to refuse to start what you cannot finish.
9. Forgive
When you bear a grudge the anger slowly eats you away and it only keeps hurting you and no one else. So choose to forgive and see how much lighter you will feel.
10. Think before you act and speak
If you do not know what to say, say nothing. Keep quiet. It is better not to speak than saying something hurtful or something that you might regret later.
11. Face your fears
When you live in fear of something or someone, you do not live fully. Face your fears and do the things you are afraid of. See how liberated that will make you feel and how that first step will enhance and simplify your life.
12. Avoid over-thinking things or being judgmental
Just glow with the flow. It is the easiest way to simplify your life.
13. Learn to love yourself
A person cannot love anyone until s/he loves oneself unconditionally. Schedule some me time. Exercise, meditate or paint, draw, sing. Do something you love but learn to spend time with yourself alone.
14. Express your emotions
Instead of keeping things inside, learn to speak up.
15. Stay out of debt
Money is important but you should not get into debt for it. Plan your finances well. Make wise investments and, if needed, seek guidance from experts. Make sure you have a comfortable amount placed aside for retirement.
Finally, do not be hard on yourself and always do things or speak words that will keep your conscience clear. A simple life is one filled with gratitude, being merciful and treating everyone around you with love and kindness.