There are many ways to simplify your life and here are a few of my favourites that you can put into practice today.
Simplicity is a wonderful thing. It’s clean, it’s direct and it’s rejuvenating. When we live simply we are far less distracted and are able to enjoy deeply the (few) things that we choose to be, do and have.
To live simply is to get to the root of what’s essential and discard what isn’t. It’s carefully arranging quality elements and removing unnecessary clutter.
It’s not easy to simplify your life in a world that encourages excess, as the hum of more work, more information, more connection, and more stuff is ever present, but with a few basic strategies we can create and maintain a beautifully simple life.
Here are 7 ways to simplify your life that you can put into practice today:
1. Meditate. Make time and space for yourself through daily meditation. Just sit and breath. Allow any thoughts, feelings and sensations to come and allow them to go while you enjoy the purity of this state.
2. Choose your elements. What are the elements of your life? What are the essential pieces that bring joy, energy and meaning? Is it yoga, running, martial arts, reading, writing, music, coaching, running a business, time with the family. Make a list of the foundational elements that you want to build your life upon, but make sure it’s focussed and uncomplicated.
3. Trim the fat. Now that you know what’s essential in your life you can slowly trim off the excess. What’s not on your list? What do you spend time on that provides little value? What current habits drain you instead of nourish you? Things like social media and bingeing on Netflix are obvious candidates for elimination but what else could you trim away?
4. Dress simply. A simple wardrobe is easier to maintain and you’ll waste a lot less time deciding what to wear each day. You don’t have to go to the extremes of Mark Zuckerberg, but selecting just a few outfits that you need for work, exercise and socialising will cover your bases.
5. Eat simply. A simple diet that emphasises real foods and quality ingredients is both nourishing and stress-free. It can be a more cost-effective way to eat and take the guess work out of meal times. What staples do you enjoy that can supply all of your nutritional and energetic needs?
6. Communicate simply. Some people can talk for hours and not really say much at all. Listening to them passes the time, but nobody gets much out of the interaction. If you’re guilty of talking too much and never quite getting to the point, practice communicating in a way that is clearer and more concise. Learn how to say more with less.
7. Do a weekly clear out. Spend an hour or two each week where you perform a quick audit and clear out of the inessentials. This can include your thoughts, habits, clothes, workspace, inbox, and home. The weekly practice helps you to maintain a state of simplicity and it feels great too.
As you can see, simplicity requires some contemplation and effort. You need to set aside a little time to inspect your life and clear out the clutter. That may or may not sound like fun to you, but it really is worth it.
Once you reach simplicity you will feel lighter, less anxious, and less distracted. You will be able to focus deeply on what’s important and get the most out of it.
Time will pass and clutter will return, but as long as you maintain a regular practice of clearing house you will continue to enjoy a clean and simple life.