Love Living a Simple Life
Simple Living
“Humans are rich in proportion to the number of things they can afford to let go.”
Simple living is about getting rid of unnecessary things and concentrating on the essentials. This isn't easy, as it goes against the values we have long held and lived by. However, living a simple life is a mindset that gives us the space to be who we are.
We need to get rid of the useless things we often fill our lives with and leave space for what matters. We want a life that isn’t constantly busy and rushed but has space for contemplation, creation and connection with the people we love, and time for nature and creative activity.
That doesn’t mean zero clutter and no disorder or complications at all. We are not solitary, isolated and withdrawn monks or nuns. We have possessions, distractions, relationships, social life and occasional busyness. We just need to reduce them to make space for personal development and self-actualisation.
But we often fill our lives with the internet, social media, news, entertainment, games, porn, booze, unnecessary snacks and fair-weather friends. It’s probably because we’re afraid of facing the reality of our lives and try to distract ourselves instead of taking meaningful actions. These distractions are more tempting and, at the same time, more destructive than we may realise.
When we live a simple life, we no longer feel overwhelmed and stressed as we did in the rat race. We can change our plans (when we want to) and choose how to spend our time. We don’t have to mix with toxic people who gossip and stab each other in the back because they either want status, envy others or are unhappy in their own lives. We can be selective about who we let into our lives.
Living a simple life is not the same as minimalism. Minimalists live with as little as possible and aim to cut back as much as possible. On the other hand, living a simple life makes our lives cohesive (coordinated and organised) without conflicting goals. To live a simple life, we must ensure that our ambitions, occupations, and interactions are harmonised and supportive of each other. Living a simple life is a deliberate and courageous move forward. It is a step toward a life more aligned with our values and focused on what matters. Living a simple life reduces stress and anxiety, prioritises self-care, and improves our health, and it’s crucial to our happiness and fulfilment. Here are some tips for living a simple life:
Let Go: We can’t have a simple life if we’re unwilling to let go of what we’re accustomed to and comfortable with. Letting go can be difficult, but it is easier to do gradually. Let go of something for a month (e.g., part of your TV watching) and see whether you like it.
Declutter: We must eliminate unnecessary items and reduce clutter in our homes and workspaces. Decluttering our physical lives can also help us feel less cluttered in our minds.
Wake up Early: A quiet, unrushed morning is a treasure. Wake up early and enjoy some quiet time to read, write and meditate. Find joy in doing simple things by yourself.
Reduce Consumption: We need to spend less money, use what we have before buying again, and get rid of our credit cards (keep just a debit card). Shopping isn’t therapy; it’s a waste of time and money. Buying things (hedonic consumption) doesn’t solve our problems; it creates more.
Our Attitude is crucial to living a simple life and enjoying a less busy and cluttered life. The real solution is to change our attitude, see the significance of a simple life, and apply ourselves with devotion and commitment to our duties as good citizens, friends, parents, or partners. Living a simple life is a mental tool consistent with our character, attitude and mindset. It is connected to the truth, not to hype, hysteria or frenzy.
Make Time for What Matters: Put everything else aside to make time for yourself. The time that can be spent with your loved ones or used to relax, exercise, or enjoy a hobby. It’s easy to fill our time with seemingly fascinating, trending things. We hear about what others do and want to incorporate that into our lives. But it’s harder to remember that we are reducing time for many other essential things crucial to our happiness and paying a hefty opportunity cost (the value of the alternative given up when a decision is made).
Choose Contentment, not Excitement. We sometimes put too much emphasis on competitive culture and temporary excitement. Stop chasing fleeting pleasures (the hedonic treadmill), wealth or status and competing with others. Say no to things that sound cool, trendy and interesting so you can say yes to what’s truly important in your life.
Do not Accept Too Much: Overcommitment is the most significant offence against simple living. To simplify your life, cut out as many commitments as you can. Do this regularly (every few months or so) to ensure they don’t pile up. You need room for the significant things: reading with your child, walking in a park or taking a nap.
Build a Liveable Life (a sustainable life), one you enjoy. Start with the basics and prioritise your health and happiness so you can be mindful and attentive. This requires adjustment and re-evaluation of the steps necessary for a liveable life. To live a liveable, simple life, we should focus and direct all aspects of our lives around a clear goal. All we do should move that primary goal forward, and our energy should not be divided among many trivial targets.
Value Your Attention: Attention is your most valuable possession. Give it as a gift to the people you love most, not to a bunch of clowns on the internet. Give it to the work that matters most, not to distractions.
Do not Choose Productivity over Tranquillity: We overemphasise productivity and effectiveness at the expense of health and happiness: walking with a loved one in a local park, sitting in a quiet room alone or spending time with a good friend. Appreciate what you have and live in the present moment.
Avoid Burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when we feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained and unable to meet constant demands. To avoid burnout, structure your day, take time off, attend to your needs, realign your goals and expectations and eliminate unnecessary engagement.
Enjoy Taking Care of Your House. Doing the daily chores for ourselves and those we love is a privilege. Play your favourite music and dance around the room with a big smile while dusting and decluttering the dining room.
Change Your Habits: Develop new habits of writing, reading, walking, working out, playing or reading with the kids, or sending a letter to a friend.
Read Inspiring and Uplifting Novels: It’s better to have six books on your shelf that you’re going to read than a hundred you never get to read.
Eat Wholesome Food: Simple (less processed), fresh, unadulterated (unmodified) food is much healthier, more nutritious and more delicious than processed junk food.
Reduce Screen Time: Unplug from technology and depend less on online services.
Make Wise, Intentional Choices: Be aware of your urges and impulses. Make more deliberate choices about diet, exercise, and your overall well-being.
Prioritise Self-Care: Simplicity allows you to prioritise self-care and mindfulness.
Be Aware of How You Spend Money and Time: Start tracking money and time spent on various activities.
Travel Light: When you travel light, you feel freer, less burdened, and less tired. This applies to your journey in life, not just intercity travel.
Redefine Success: Redefine the meaning of success for yourself.
Living a simple life helps us find contentment in what we have rather than constantly seeking more. It helps us appreciate life's small joys and blessings. When we focus less on what we don’t have, we enjoy more what we already have and open ourselves to finding a deep sense of contentment and peace.
It is important to remember that living a simple life is not a step back but a step towards a more prosperous, fuller life aligned with our true selves. It is a step forward into a life guided by our values, not societal pressures. It is a step toward a more intentional, impactful and fulfilling life.
