Simple Ways to Simplify Your Life
It’s the story of modern life. We are busy and stressed. Our calendars are full of commitments, and our to-do lists are full of tasks. Every little thing we can do to simplify our lives helps.
Here are some ideas that have worked for me over the years. I hope you find a few ideas that help you simplify your busy life.
I receive a steady stream of emails every single day. They quickly get overwhelming if I don’t have a system to organise them. Unsubscribe from newsletters and marketing material that no longer serve you.
Set up automatic mailboxes to receive regular newsletters, bank statements, phone bills, etc.
Organise the emails you want to keep in folders. Delete what you don’t need.
Allocate time to read and reply to emails a couple of times a day. Turn off notifications.
Apps
Delete apps you don’t use. If your situation changes, you can always download them again.
Organise your apps in a way that works for you. I organise mine in folders according to the colour of the icon—so I have a blue folder, a white folder, a purple folder etc.
For more ideas for simplifying your digital world, check out this post: The Ultimate Digital Declutter.
Beauty
Simplify your beauty routine. I used to be a sucker for the newest skincare and make-up products. The models on all the ads and YouTube channels look so pretty. But every time I’ve forked out the cash for the newest matte toner or waterproof mascara, I’m left disappointed and go back to my tried-and-true favourites. Then I feel guilty about the money I’ve wasted, so I keep the newish unused products in the bottom of my bathroom cabinet for at least a year before I throw them out, with a fresh wave of regret.
Now I skip the cycle and avoid beauty advertising altogether. I have a very simple skincare and make-up routine with a few versatile products. I recently found a tinted BB cream with 50+ sunscreen. Perfect!
Simplify your hair care. I coloured my hair for years. Some hairstyles I’ve had required me to blow dry my hair every time I washed it to like the style. It took some transitioning, but I now have natural coloured hair cut into a style that I can easily wash and wear.
Clothes
Buy clothes that are easy to care for. If it’s wrinkled in the store, it will need ironing to look good when you get it home. Avoid buying clothes that need special care and simplify your laundry routine.
I use a slower spin cycle on my washing machine, hang clothes on hangers and air dry. I transfer the hangers to the closet when dry, and my laundry is done. No folding. No ironing. No piles of laundry.
I use a peg tree for my socks and underwear and ensure they are folded and in the drawer by the end of the day.
Create a work ‘uniform’. It doesn’t have to be multiple pieces of the same clothes, although it could be. Work out a style that your feel comfortable and confident in and stick to it. Take the decision fatigue out of getting ready in the morning.
Buy multiples of things you love. I found a bra that is comfortable and versatile. I have two black and two nude of the exact same bra. I use the product code to order more online when they wear out.
Buy multiple pairs of the same socks. Then they all match each other, and you don’t need to pair them up.
Need to declutter your closet? This post, How to Plan a Minimal Wardrobe, has lots of practical ideas to help.
Food
Cook double quantities of meals and have leftovers the following day or freeze to use another day. I do this a lot now that there are only two of us.
Do your grocery shopping online to have it delivered or collected. Save your grocery order to use again in a few weeks. It’s much easier to adjust a saved list than to start from scratch every time.
Make a list of simple and quick meal ideas and keep the ingredients you need on hand for days you don’t have a lot of time or don’t feel like cooking. Knowing you have everything you need for something tasty and easy will help you resist the urge to buy takeaway or go out.
Buy spice mixes. Rather than having 100 different herbs and spices, just keep a few mixes that go with the foods you cook regularly. I discovered a lovely Lamb Roast herb mix recently.
To simplify meals further, follow these steps and Create a Meal Plan that works well for your family.
