In the last few years I have been working to simplify my life and along the way have noticed some pretty clear benefits to simple living which I wanted to share with you all today. The simple living journey is different for everyone, so I’d love to hear about any benefits you might have discovered along the way as well!
1. Reduced Clutter
Decluttering is one of the key elements to simplifying and over time I have been working my way through various parts of my house and reducing the amount of stuff I have which has had a multitude of benefits. Having less stuff makes cleaning so much easier as I don’t have to move things out of the way to vacuum or dust, which saves a lot of time even in a little apartment like I have. More than that, having less stuff makes me feel more organised which in turn makes me calmer and more in control. It’s definitely something that is a work-in-progress and will require continual sweeps of my house to gradually get rid of more stuff, but it’s a real winner!
2. Reduced Environmental Impact
I kind of came to simple living from the environmental side of things, but the more I focus on simplifying the more I realise the eco benefits it brings as well. By not focusing on accumulating stuff I am instead able to focus on buying less, and what I do buy I try and choose options that will stand the test of time. I also focus on reducing the amount of waste I create and spend more time pottering in my garden. All have benefits to both myself and the planet!
3. Rhythms and Rituals
One thing I have learnt about myself through focusing on simplifying is that I work best when I set up some rhythms and rituals to my day, and week. For me this means things like setting aside part of my Sunday to do meal prep for the week ahead, using the last part of my evenings to set myself up for the next morning before unwinding sans technology and giving myself time in the mornings to start my day slowly. These rhythms actually allow me to create more space in my week to do things that I want to do, and definitely also help keep me feeling organised and on top of things. Your rhythms and rituals might look different, but whatever they are I have a feeling you’ll find them beneficial!
4. A Focus on Experiences
One of the biggest benefits to simple living is a focus away from things and towards people and experiences, and I’ve definitely noticed that myself. In the past few years my family has really moved towards choosing experience based gifts over things, and this year in particular I have been prioritising travel over things like clothes and shoes. It really does make me feel happier and more fulfilled.
5. Reduced Stress
One of the other key benefits to simple living for me is reducing the stress in my life. Part of this comes from setting up rhythms and rituals, but it also comes from a reduced focus on keeping up with the Joneses and instead on the things that I have decided matter most to me. Step one: get your finances in order! The other upshot of this is that it tends to cost a lot less, so there can be a reduced level of financial stress as well.
These are some the key benefits to simple living I have discovered, I’d love to hear yours too!
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
merilyn
November 13, 2016 at 9:35 am (7 years ago)this is my ideal liz!
now I have to put some of the more challenging ones into practice!;))
practice makes perfect!
simples!!!
lol m:)X
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
January 3, 2017 at 9:06 am (7 years ago)This year is all about practicing more simple living for me I think xx