The beginning of a new year allows us to reflect and take stock of the goals and aspirations we have for ourselves.
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the news, social media, and our culture – and it has created a desire in many of us to simplify our lives.
What choices do you want to make in 2022 that will help you create the life you want? Here’s a list of 22 ideas for how you can simplify your life.
- Clean out your closet
Tidying up your closet will give you a little breathing room. Letting go of things that no longer serve you will allow you to see and use the things you do want to wear.
2. Create an easy morning ritual
Creating morning habits that start the day off right will ease you into the day and make morning decision-making much less complicated.
3. Unsubscribe from emails
Nothing feels better than pressing “unsubscribe” from a bunch of random emails. Virtual clutter can make us feel as overwhelmed as physical clutter. Spend 30 minutes going through all your emails and unsubscribing from any lists that no longer bring you happiness.
4. Organize your emails
While you’re clearing out your inbox – archive everything email you can! Inbox zero feels amazing.
5. Watch less TV
Watching less TV, and spending less time in front of screens in general, will allow you to slow down and relax.
6. Set your bills to autopsy
I know this assumes a certain level of money in your checking account, but if you have it, anything you can set to autopay will save you time and stress. Not worrying about being late with the rent, utilities, or reoccurring fees is truly wonderful.
7. Say no to weekday events
This one is hard if you’re a social person, but if you’re working full-time or in school, allow yourself the time you need to decompress during the week. Try scheduling evening activities only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights for a month to see how it feels.
8. Spend less time on social media
Set a timer, because the infinite scroll of Instagram and TikTok can be so appealing! Letting yourself just flip from app to app mindlessly can end up feeling toxic. I
If you struggle to put your phone down, set a timer – let yourself graze on social media for 20 minutes and then put the phone down. Check out our digital detox ideas.
9. Start a capsule wardrobe
For people who express their creativity through clothes, this may be more difficult. But, if you find yourself gravitating towards a specific style or color palette, then a capsule wardrobe might be a fabulous idea.
Capsule wardrobes are a way to pare down the number of clothes to a small number of useful items that you love. A capsule wardrobe is a great way to simplify your morning routine.
10. Meditate daily
Meditation reduces stress and allows you to develop your concentration. I find meditation is a way for me to refocus my day – after I meditate I’m much more cognizant of what is important and what I need to let go.
11. Get rid of toxic friends
Perhaps the toughest on the list, but who needs the kind of drama toxic friends bring into your life? Not you! Let go of the people that you know are holding you back.
12. Understand your money situation
Knowledge is power. Not knowing where and how you spend your money can cause unnecessary stress and leads to poor financial habits. Master your money so it won’t become the master of you.
13. Track what you need to get done daily or weekly
If you write it down, you don’t have to remember it. Keep a list of what you need to get done today, this week, and this month so you don’t have to fret about forgetting things.
14. Let go of any resentments
Letting go of bitterness and resentment will free you up to let new things in and allow you to heal. It may take work with a trusted therapist or coach, but let this be the year you allow yourself to grow.
15. Avoid gossip
The ultimate act of simplicity can be as simple as saying, “Who cares?” Someone else’s life and mistakes don’t need to send you spinning and speculating. Leave the gossip and the friends who gossip, behind.
16. Plan your meals in advance
Meal planning, meal planning, meal planning – it seems like it’s all everyone on the internet can talk about. Probably because it can be a helpful way to eat healthy without a lot of stress.
Check out our favorite meal prep recipes.
17. Create spaces you love in your house
Right after you clean out your closet, make a plan for the rest of your house. Can you create spaces for yourself that are free of clutter and relaxing?
Is there a spot where you can meditate or a place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee? Create some calm spaces in your home.
18. Have a Place for Everything
Certain things just seem to float around the house. In my house, there always seems to be exercise equipment out of place because we hadn’t dedicated a specific place for it. Make sure everything has a “home” and that it eventually makes it there!
19. Limit Your Communications
Email, texts, voicemails, and messages on Facebook, and Instagram all take up valuable time. Block your time in such a way that you only answer emails and messages during a certain time of the day.
20. Have an easy skincare routine
It’s important to have a consistent routine to maintain your skin, but if it’s overly complicated, you might end up skipping it. Create an easy plan that’s so simple you’ll stick to it.
21. Lay out your clothes the night before
Morning you will thank yourself if you have prepared everything you need for the day. This is especially helpful if you work out in the morning – it makes getting ready so much easier!
22. Always ask – will this simplify my life?
Be honest with yourself and ask if it’s going to bring value to you by simplifying your life.
What other ways have you been able to simplify your life? Let us know in the comments below.