38 Ways to Simplify Your Life + Feel More Peaceful

We've all heard "less is more," but it's a powerful little statement when put to the test. After completing a "get rid of 100 things challenge" recently, I realized simplifying can, and should, be applied to many other aspects in life. I've also found that the more I simplify, the easier and more refreshing it becomes. I run my business from my home and noticed a connection between my physical environment and my mental state and productivity. This was the biggest motivator to get started. Once I started, I didn't want to stop. It soon went from "do I need these items in my home," to "how can I streamline my business?" and "who can I hire who actually enjoys doing this task?"

Here are just a few ideas you can simplify your life:

  • Learn when and how to say no. Respect your time.
  • Focus on quality rather than quantity.
  • Automate your bills, opt for paperless billing and do as much banking online as possible.
  • Organize your digital files and auto-backup your hard drive.
  • Take a few minutes to unsubscribe from all emails you don't need, or use a program like unroll.me. Those 40% emails are tempting, but that's part of the problem.
  • Separate work from home life if possible. Stop checking your work emails from your phone.
  • Check email at designated times, like twice per day.
  • Exercise and eat healthfully. Both of these will give you more energy, thought clarity and save you time and money dealing with health issues.
  • Leave a time window around your commitments for decompressing and unanticipated issues.
  • Use something like Evernote to keep all of your ideas, lists, business cards, etc. in one place.
  • Use the cloud to eliminate USB drives, emailing things to yourself, etc.
  • Keep your kitchen clutter-free and inviting so you're more likely to cook.
  • Keep your cell phone, laptop, exercise equipment, etc. out of the bedroom so it's a clear relaxation and sleep zone.
  • Spend time volunteering. It will make you appreciate what you have.
  • Stop being busy for the sake of being busy. Take time for yourself and learn to relax.
  • Ask others for help and delegate when it makes sense. Instead of splitting chores 50/50, talk about which person is better or enjoys which tasks the most.
  • Don't shop unless you need something and avoid buying things that aren't on your list.
  • Start a gratitude practice. At the end of each day, write down 3 things you're grateful for.
  • Try things before you buy them. You can get numerous cookbooks from the library or borrow something from a friend.
  • Focus on experiences. One of my favorite simple quotes is, "Collect moments, not things." -Aarti Khurana.
  • Let go of guilt and embrace forgiveness.

Which are your favorite ways to simplify? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.

1 Comment

Danielle Zeigler

I’m an SEO specialist + digital marketing strategist with over 14 years experience in the industry. I’m here to tell you it IS possible to tackle your marketing with authenticity, grace and ease, and still get results.⁠

I work with passionate business owners and marketing directors who are 𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 and spreading their efforts too thin. They want to know what's working, what's not working, and where they should really be spending their time and money.⁠

But I'll be honest- I'm not here for the people chasing vanity metrics. My philosophy is grounded in 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲-𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 and what I've dubbed #SEOwithSoul. I don't believe in hacks and "beating algorithms" as a long term strategy.⁠