Beginners Guide to Living Simply
Why is living simply important?
We live in a consumerism world. Our days are constantly filled with messages telling us we aren’t complete without the latest device, newest car, hottest clothes, etc etc. And those messages create anxiety. We are always chasing that thing to make us happy. Unfortunately, we soon find out that even when we do buy that latest device, we still aren’t satisfied. It’s a vicious cycle. Living simply is the only way to break that cycle. It allows you to focus on the materials, relationships and tasks that are most important to you.
What is it… and what isn’t it?
Simple living, or minimalism, can be thought of like a spectrum. You could donate almost all your belongings and live off grid… or you could live in the city with minimal clutter and intentional relationships. It’s up to you to decide how to live simply but when you do, you’ll see the positive results such as more money in your bank account, better relationships (with others and with yourself), and better health (mentally and physically).
How do I start living simply?
There’s a multitude of ways you can start living simply. And it doesn’t have to be as drastic as moving to a shack in the woods off the grid. One of the best ways to start living simply is to start thinking, and I mean really thinking, about where your time and money are going. When we live simply, we start to see more of those two precious commodities – so why wouldn’t you want to live simply? Start tracking your money to watch out for unnecessary automatic deductions, ask yourself before buying something if it’s really a need or if it’s just a want, and set financial goals so you’re more motivated not to spend unnecessarily. Plan out your weeks to be more intentional with your schedule and consider setting a timer for tasks. You can read about my simple weekly cleaning schedule here.
Commonly Asked Questions About Living Simply
- What are some health benefits to living simply?
Some of the health benefits to living simply include increased attention, less anxiety, increased physical health and increased mental health.
- Can you live simply in today’s modern busy world?
Yes! You most certainly can live simply in today’s world because it’s YOUR life. You control what your life looks like. Even if your job is demanding and busy, your home doesn’t have to be. Even with today’s technology, there are ways to use it to help you live a simple life like setting screen time limits or deleting distracting apps.
- How can I live simply with children?
As the adult in the household, you control the home environment. Living simply with children may look like setting limits on screens, enjoying the outdoors once a week and setting routines that promote relationships over materials such as family dinners, bedtime snuggles and afternoon walks. It may also mean simplifying the bedroom or play area. Consider rotating toys so not all of them are out at the same time or reducing the decor.
- Where can I live simply?
That’s the beauty of living simply. You can do it anywhere. You don’t have to live off grid or even in the countryside. You can start living simply wherever you live right now.
- Can I start living simply even if I’m older?
Yes! You can start making changes to live simpler at any age. We are always learning and growing, aren’t we?
Last Thing You Need To Know About Living Simply
Living a simple lifestyle isn’t complicated. It brings us back to our roots and what really matters. You can live simply regardless of your career, financial situation, location or even relationship status. Once you start living simply, you’ll see it’s more about your attitude than anything and a simple life is a happier life.