6 Easy Ways to Simplify Your Life

The world is complicated. In your day-to-day life, you may not have much control over the things of the world, but you do have a say in your day-to-day.
6 Easy Ways to Simplify Your Life
Through it all, don't forget to make time for fun. Shutterstock
Barbara Danza
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The world is complicated. In your day-to-day life, you may not have much control over the things of the world, but you do have a say in your day-to-day.

When things get complicated, simplify.

Simplifying little things in your life can help you reduce stress, think more clearly, be more productive, improve health, and enjoy more inner peace. Simplifying gives your mind and spirit room to breathe, calm down, and simply be present in the moment.

Here are six easy ways to simplify:

Declutter

If your outer environment is cluttered and messy, your inner environment will feel the same way. Start with one very small space, a countertop, a drawer, a bag—and clear out all the things you don’t need or love. Clean out the space and return only the most valuable items to it as neatly as possible. Rinse. Repeat.
With every new tiny space that’s decluttered, enjoy the sense of progress and the free space that’s cleared in your mind. Keep going. Make it a regular practice.

Pick a Uniform

Reduce decision fatigue each day by picking a general uniform and sticking with it. What’s the simplest, most appropriate type of outfit that will carry you through your day? Get it in every color and check a daily decision off your list.

Batch Cook

Rather than cooking one meal from start to finish, plan ahead and prep meals for the week ahead. Chopping onions? Chop more than you need for the meal you’re preparing to have on hand for subsequent meals. Grilling chicken? Grill much more than today’s serving size to repurpose in different ways throughout the week. Meals that reheat well such as soups, stews, and casseroles can be prepared in large batches for easy access all week long.
Just one significant effort in the kitchen can have lasting effects for days, if you plan accordingly.

Renegotiate Obligations

Overscheduling ourselves and our family members can make life complicated. Simplify your calendar. Look ahead and ask yourself if what’s scheduled is too much. If it is, reschedule or cancel appointments, renegotiate agreements, and create a schedule that’s calmer and more manageable for yourself and your family.

Get Back to Basics

Ensure you’re taking care of the basics of your own well-being. Drink plenty of water. Eat nutritious foods. Get enough quality sleep. Help your family members to do the same. When things get complicated, the simplest things can easily be tossed out the window. Keep them front and center.

Have Fun

Don’t forget to have fun. When it comes to fun, one person’s idea of fun may be very different from that of another. Be sure to make time for the things that you actually find fun. Have fun with your loved ones. Keep things light-hearted. Smile. If you’re having trouble determining what you might find fun, what might bring you joy, remember—it’s usually the simplest things.
Barbara Danza
Barbara Danza
writer
Barbara Danza is a contributing editor covering family and lifestyle topics. Her articles focus on homeschooling, family travel, entrepreneurship, and personal development. She contributes children’s book reviews to the weekly booklist and is the editor of “Just For Kids,” the newspaper’s print-only page for children. Her website is BarbaraDanza.com
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