Are you striving for a more simpler life but feel bogged down by the hustle and bustle of day to day life?
You’re not alone.
Living a simple life in a modern world can be tough. We are constantly being bombarded with ads and messages telling us we need the latest gadget or must-have item. It can be hard to resist these temptations when it feels like everyone around us is living a more glamorous life than we are.
In a world that is constantly moving faster and becoming more complex, it can be easy to get caught up in the rat race and forget what truly matters in life.
If you are searching for happiness, one of the best things you can do is simplify your life, let go of unnecessary things, and focus on the things that are most important to you.
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- 14 Surprising Reasons to Drive Less & Ditch the Keys
- Is it possible to live a simple life in today's world
- How Living a Simple Life in a Modern World Can Help You Find Happiness
- 15 ways to live a simple life in a modern world
- 1. Let go of your attachment to material possessions
- 2. Unsubscribe from emails
- 3. Get rid of clothes you don’t wear
- 4. Stop comparing yourself to others
- 5. Spend time with people who make you happy
- 6. Disconnect from technology
- 7. Learn to say no
- 8. Do one thing at a time
- 9. Give minimalism a try
- 10. Pay off your debts
- 11. Live in the present moment
- 12. Get comfortable being alone
- 13. Focus on your relationships
- 14. Other people's business is not yours
- 15. Declutter
- Final thoughts
Is it possible to live a simple life in today’s world
There’s no denying that life today is pretty complicated. We’ve got a million different apps to keep track of, we’re constantly being bombarded with news and updates, and it seems like there’s always something new we need to buy.
So it’s no wonder that more and more people are longing for a simpler time. But is it actually possible to live a simple life in today’s world?
The short answer is: yes!
It’s not impossible to live a simple life in today’s world, but it definitely takes more effort than it did in the past. In order to simplify your life, you need to be intentional about it. You need to make a conscious decision to let go of certain material possessions, unplug from social media and the news, and focus on what’s truly important to you.
It might not come naturally or be easy, but if you’re willing to put in the work, it is possible to live a simpler, more fulfilling life.
How Living a Simple Life in a Modern World Can Help You Find Happiness
There are all sorts of complicated life hacks out there that claim to make your life easier. But in my experience, the simpler you keep things, the happier you’ll be.
Here are just a few of the benefits of living a simple life:
You’ll have more time for the things you love
When you live a simple life, you don’t have to waste time on things you don’t enjoy. You can let go of obligations and activities that don’t bring you joy and focus on the things that do.
This doesn’t mean you have to become a hermit – you can still socialise and do things with friends and family. But by simplifying your life, you can make more time for the relationships and activities that are most important to you.
You can enjoy a stress free life
One of the best things about living a simpler life is that it’s less stressful. When you have fewer things to worry about and less clutter in your life, you’ll find it’s easier to relax and enjoy yourself.
You’ll also be less likely to experience decision fatigue – a condition that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out due to too many choices.
You’ll have more money to spend on the things you love
When you’re not wasting money on unnecessary things, you’ll have more to spend on the experiences and items that are important to you.
This could include travel, books, weekends away, date nights and anything else that brings you joy. And when you’re not spending your hard-earned cash on things you don’t need, you’ll have more peace of mind and financial security.
You can focus on your health and wellbeing
We are seeing more and more health problems arising due to stress and poor lifestyle choices. But when you live a simple life, you’ll have more time and energy to focus on your health and wellbeing.
You can exercise regularly, eat healthy meals, get enough sleep and do things that make you feel good. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be able to live a happier and healthier life.
And it’s not just your physical health that will improve – simplifying your life can also do wonders for your mental health. When you’re not constantly worrying about things, you’ll have more headspace to focus on the present moment and enjoy your life. Thus reducing any anxiety or stress that comes with everyday life.
You can connect with nature
In today’s world, it’s easy to feel disconnected from nature. We spend most of our time indoors with modern technology, staring at screens. But when you simplify your life, you can make more time to get out in fresh air and connect with the natural world.
This could mean spending time in your garden, going for hikes in the woods, or taking a trip to the beach. Whatever it is, making time for nature will help you feel more connected and grounded.
You remember to appreciate life’s simple pleasures
When you’re not distracted by material possessions or a busy lifestyle, you can take the time to enjoy life and its simple pleasures. You might also find that you appreciate the people in your life more.
All of this is to say, living a simple life can bring you a lot of happiness. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, downsizing your life and simplifying your routine can make a world of difference.
15 ways to live a simple life in a modern world
1. Let go of your attachment to material possessions
Our attachment to material possessions can be one of the biggest obstacles to living a simpler life. We can get caught up in the cycle of working hard to earn money so we can buy things, and then feeling stressed and overwhelmed by all the stuff we have.
The first step to breaking this cycle is to let go of this attachment to material possessions. Easier said than done, right?
But it’s important to remember that stuff doesn’t in fact make you happy. In fact, it can quite often do the opposite.
2. Unsubscribe from emails
We all have that inbox filled with unread emails and newsletters we never even open. And yet, we leave them there, taking up space and cluttering up our inboxes. Pinging notifications on our phones various times a day.
It’s time to unsubscribe from these emails and newsletters so you can declutter your inbox and your life. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel when you’re not constantly bombarded with emails you don’t even read.
3. Get rid of clothes you don’t wear
We all have that drawer (or two) full of clothes we never wear. Whether it’s because they no longer fit, or we just don’t like them anymore (or we never actually wore them), these clothes are taking up valuable space in our homes.
The thing about clothes we don’t wear: we actually won’t miss them when they’re gone! So get rid of them and free up some space in your closet.
Read also: How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes: An Essential Guide
4. Stop comparing yourself to others
In today’s social media-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly comparing ourselves to others. We see posts about people’s “perfect” lives and we start to feel like we don’t measure up. The anxiety that comes from these comparisons can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of inadequacy.
But the thing is, we don’t know what’s really going on behind those posts. Everyone has their own struggles and problems, regardless of how perfect other people’s lives may seem on social media.
Simple living is about being content with what you have, concentrating on our own life, and not constantly striving for more. So instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on being grateful for what you have.
Read also: Perfectly Imperfect: 12 Reasons Why Imperfect is Perfect
5. Spend time with people who make you happy
One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good. These are the people who lift you up, not bring you down.
Spending time with these people will help you feel happier and more content with your life. Our well being is closely linked to the company we keep, so choose your friends wisely!
6. Disconnect from technology
We’re all guilty of spending too much time looking at our phones or staring at screens. And while there’s nothing wrong with using technology, it’s important to take a break from it every now and then.
Disconnecting from technology will help you feel more present and can even lead to improved sleep. So put down your phone, stop wasting time scrolling, turn off the TV, and take a break from technology.
7. Learn to say no
Modern society has a tendency to be overscheduled and overloaded. We try to do too much and we end up feeling stressed out, overwhelmed and burnt out.
One way to being living simply is to learn to say no. If you don’t want to do something, or you’re already too busy, just say no. It’s okay to put your own needs first. Rather than taking on too much, learn to do calming activities, such as meditation or reading, instead.
8. Do one thing at a time
On a similar note, try to avoid doing too many things at once. Multitasking may seem like an efficient way to get things done, but it’s actually more likely to lead to mistakes and increased stress levels.
When you’re trying to do too many things at once, you’re not really focusing on what the most important things are. Does that sound familiar?
We live in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with distractions, but that doesn’t mean we have to try and do everything at once. By learning to concentrate on one thing at a time, you’ll be able to get more done and feel less stressed in the process.
9. Give minimalism a try
If you’re looking for a way to live simply, then minimalism may be for you. Minimalism is all about letting go of the unnecessary and only keeping the things you really need and love in your life.
Most people who practice minimalism say they have reduced their anxiety, feel less stressed and have more freedom. If you’re interested in trying this lifestyle, there are a few things you can do to get started, such as decluttering your home, getting rid of unnecessary possessions and simplifying your daily routine.
For more tips on minimalism, read these articles:
- Minimalism For Beginners: 10 Tips To Kickstart Your Minimalist Life
- 12 Unexpected Benefits of Minimalism
- A Minimalist List Of Things To Get Rid Of
- My Road To Minimalism: Where It Began & Where I Am Now
- 20 Must Read Minimalist Blogs to Discover in 2022
10. Pay off your debts
Another way to practice simple living is to pay off your debts.
Having debt can be a huge burden and it’s something that can cause a lot of anxiety. By simplifying your finances and paying off your debts, you can feel more in control of your life.
Stop paying for things you don’t need and focus on paying off your debts as quickly as possible. Are you a member of the gym but never go? Do you have subscription services you never use? Cancel them and use that money for a more important purpose.
You’ll be surprised at how much of a weight is lifted off your shoulders once you’re debt-free.
Read also: 10 Ways to Achieve Financial Minimalism
11. Live in the present moment
One of the best things you can do in order to live simply is to live in the present moment. The past is gone and the future is not guaranteed, so why worry about things you can’t control?
These days, we are so focused on the future that we forget to enjoy the present. We’re always chasing after something, whether it’s a new job, a bigger house or a better car. But what we don’t realise is that we already have everything we need in order to start living the life we want.
12. Get comfortable being alone
In today’s society, it’s normal to feel like you need to be constantly surrounded by people. But the truth is, you don’t always need to be around others in order to feel happy and fulfilled.
That’s not to say you should isolate yourself completely from others, but one of the best things you can do for yourself is to learn to enjoy your own company. Spend time doing things you love, get to know yourself and learn to love your own company.
13. Focus on your relationships
One of the most important things in life is our relationships. Whether it’s with our family, friends or romantic partners, these relationships can have a big impact on our happiness.
Make an effort to focus on the relationships that are most important to you and make sure you’re giving them the time and attention they deserve. Let go of any toxic relationships that are dragging you down and focus on the ones that make you feel good.
14. Other people’s business is not yours
One of the quickest ways to simplify your life is to stop worrying about other people’s business. It’s easy to get caught up in gossip and drama, but it’s not worth your time and energy.
Focus on your own life and don’t worry about what other people are doing. This will help you to live a simpler, less stressful life.
15. Declutter
If your home is full of clutter, it can be hard to focus on what’s really important. Declutter your home, you can clear your mind and make more space for the things that bring you joy.
Society leads us to believe we need to buy more and more stuff and fill our houses with this stuff. Then we need bigger houses to hold all our stuff!
But if you declutter your home, you’ll find a clearer space. You can enjoy peace and start living a more simpler life.
For more tips on decluttering, read some of these articles:
- Overwhelmed by Clutter? Getting to the Root of Your Clutter Problem
- 7 Ways to Keep Unwanted Gifts from Cluttering up your Home
- Why Is Decluttering So Hard: 9 Reasons You Can’t Clear The Clutter
- The Perfect System: Never Have To Declutter Your Purse Again
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Final thoughts
Despite what you may have heard, living a simple life doesn’t mean giving up everything that makes you happy. It just means making conscious decisions about the things you really want and need, and letting go of the rest.
If you can use some of these ways to simplify your life without sacrificing your happiness, you may be surprised at how much more content and fulfilled you feel.
Are you living a simple life in a modern world? Have you tried any of these tips for simplifying your life? What worked best for you?