Life becomes complicated quickly. Schoolwork, jobs, family, community obligations, and a million other things fight for our attention. We are pulled in a million directions, expected to do more and more. The world is lying to you. Peace is not found in achieving more. Peace is found in simplicity.
If you struggle with an overwhelming schedule and complicated life, enter your email above, and I’ll send you a free PDF guide to uncluttering your schedule along with two bonus freebies. I promise if you use it, you’ll find more clarity in your goals. Here are 20 easy ways to simplify your life at home and digitally.
If you haven’t already, check out the first post in this series where I talked about 15 ways to simplify your life. These were life lessons, as well as lessons in productivity.
Making changes as small as these will have significant rewards to your peace of mind and productivity.
Have you tried some of these ideas already? How did they help you become better? Share with us in the comments below!
Household
1. Pack lunch or other meals ahead of time.
Make it easy for when you get ready in the morning. Try meal prep if you’re really into this idea.
2. Use an instant or crock pot to cook
Pop a few ingredients in the pot in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner with minimal work.
3. Organize your workspace
Aim for less. Why have 20 pens when you only use 3 on a daily basis? Keep the area in your peripherals especially empty to avoid distractions.
4. Do dishes immediately after each meal
Seriously. Not only will they always be done, but it’s so much easier than scrubbing at crusted-over pots and pans once the food has set.
5. Create a laundry system
Whatever your system is, aim to wash often and like dishes, put away clothes as soon as they are done in the dryer.
6. Hire help
If you have the funds, free up time by hiring a piano teacher, for example, rather than teaching your kids yourself. Look for a cleaning service or help with budgeting if you need it. Get a personal assistant.
7. Re-hang towels to dry
Try limiting your towels to one set per household member. You’ll have less laundry, less clutter, and you’ll have to keep up with laundry instead of letting it pile up into an enormous mound.
8. Start a capsule wardrobe
Worry less each day about what you wear because more things will match each other. At the least, do some spring cleaning to simplify your closet.
9. Unload your purse each day
This is something I love doing. At the end of the day, I leave my keys, phone, and wallet on a shelf. The rest goes back to where it belongs in the apartment. This keeps my purse clean, and each important item has a place I know it won’t get lost.
10. Double recipes and freeze (unless it is a dessert)
This takes the same amount of effort with twice the reward. Avoid this for desserts if you struggle controlling your sweet tooth.
11. Pack light
You’ll worry less about losing things and it will be easier to carry if you need to be flexible with transportation.
Digital
It’s easy to see clutter around the house, but getting rid of digital clutter can be just as rewarding. Here are more ways to simplify, this time digitally.
12. Unsubscribe from emails
Reserve your email for important communications, rather than the next deal for 15 stores you receive emails from. You can use sites like www.unroll.me to see all the subscriptions you have and unsubscribe quickly.
13. Unfollow negative people/companies on social media
Everyone needs less negativity. Negativity can seep into thoughts and attitudes through social media, especially if that’s the majority of what you see all day. Limit the negativity and use social media for good.
14. Switch to digital and get rid of the paper mess
Use tools like Google Drive, Asana, or Trello for tasks. Scan photos for digital versions (and have more than just the physical copy for important ones now).
15. Keep only one tab open on your computer
I didn’t realize how unfocused I was until I closed out the other tabs. Any time your mind wanders, you’ll get distracted by the other tabs and avoid getting stuff done.
16. Organize your email
Emails stack up. Purge your current inbox. If you absolutely must keep something, create a folder for important documents. You can also create a folder called “Follow up” for tasks that still need to be done. If you’re really into this, try to keep only 10 emails or less in your inbox at a time (not including the folders).
17. Limit media time
I wish we had more self-control, but the fact is, most of us don’t. Don’t beat yourself up about it, though. Set limits on your phone or through browser apps like StayFocusd. Using apps takes the pressure off you and also reduces the brain power wasted on controlling your media input.
18. Put your phone out of reach when working
Allow time for checking emails, notifications, etc., but only for after. When you are working on important tasks, stay focused and unplugged.
19. Automate bill payments
One less thing for you to do each month. However, if you struggle with budgeting, it may be beneficial to pay manually.
20. Delete apps
More storage space and fewer distractions.
Want more? Check out the first post, 15 easy ways to simplify your life.
Like I’ve said before, don’t worry about implementing all of these. That would end up adding more stress than it resolves. Instead, implement one of two ideas this week and add more next week. Eventually, you can make your whole routine using these ideas. Whatever you do, make each day better.
Choose to make a change today. Comment below with which change you’ll make in your life!
Pin it for later!
