Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by life that it was like the weight of the world was bearing down on your shoulders? Remember that you are not alone – many others have gone through the same struggles. A growing number of people are choosing to live a more minimalistic lifestyle – why not give it a try and begin today?
Living simply means different things to different people. How your friend decides to simplify their life may be far different from how you would choose to make such a change. You don’t need to resign from your job or sell your car to live sustainably, nor do you have to move to a cold, rustic cabin in the woods. You may opt to do some of these things, but they are not essential for a simplified life. This process isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon, something you have to take one step at a time. By making small, incremental changes, you can reduce stress and achieve a simpler life. These ideas may take you down the path to living a life of serenity and simplicity.
1. Analyze the people and experiences that trigger feelings of stress. Compile these into a list. Don’t forget to include anything that causes you to feel overwhelmed or trapped. Take some time to consider how you can distance yourself from these circumstances or people. Can you walk away from stressful interactions and people without getting overwhelmed? If possible, select the one that you can detach from the quickest, and begin taking the steps to do so. Take a deep breath and begin by addressing one stressor at a time. It’s not practical to assume you can eliminate all of them in one swoop.
2. Think of all the different ways you spend money each month. Do you ever find yourself splurging on items you don’t need? Take a look at your bank account to observe where the majority of your money is going. An effortless way to live with less is to cut back on discretionary spending. Analyze your spending and make changes where you can to ease the strain of financial stress.
3. Reorganize your house and sell or donate the items you no longer need. People amass an abundance of possessions, filling their homes with a variety of items. The accumulation of material goods requires you to devote additional time to cleaning and upkeep. If it’s been 5 or 10 years since you’ve looked in those boxes in the garage, you can likely part ways with the items with little heartache.
4. Make it a point to spend more time outdoors. Connecting with nature gives you a chance to reflect on your life and feelings.
5. Consider what activities bring you the most joy. What brings the most joy to your life? Maybe spending time with your children or your nieces and nephews brings a smile to your face. Perhaps you’re ready to pick up an old hobby and make it your own again.
6. Cherish your time as if it was a precious gem. How do you spend the majority of your days? Who do you spend the majority of your time with? Are you content with that choice? Make a conscious choice to invest your valuable time in activities that bring you joy. Ensure you’re in the company of people you love and care about when you do activities – it’s the best way to make sure you’re having a good time.
7. Spend quality time with your loved ones to deepen your connections. Cherish the bonds that you have with others and keep them safe.
8. Analyze what you eat on a daily basis. What you eat and your dietary choices are fundamental to your well-being.
9. Analyze how much movement you are engaging in each day. Regular physical activity is closely connected to food intake. If you are feeling disconnected from your body’s needs, make a conscious effort to move and exercise every day. Before beginning any exercise regimen, ask your doctor if it’s the right choice for your health. Twenty minutes of walking each day can give you a sense of tranquility and restore inner peace.
The journey to a simpler life begins with understanding your inner self. To find motivation to start your own journey, take a look at these helpful ideas. You have the power to choose your own journey towards a simpler life, so why not start now?
