Do you often find it challenging to maintain daily habits? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with consistency when it comes to incorporating new routines into our lives. This struggle becomes even more pronounced when we endeavor to simplify our lives by adopting habits such as tracking expenses, reducing shopping, limiting technology use, and more. However, I’ve discovered that by gradually integrating these habits into my daily routine, I’ve not only made the process more enjoyable and rewarding, but I’ve also found myself making better choices in the long run.
In my quest for simplicity, I’ve drawn inspiration from the research of author and behavioral scientist Katy Milkman. Milkman’s insights, shared in an interview with NPR’s Life Kit, emphasize the importance of recognizing that changing habits is a gradual process that requires both time and consistency. Contrary to the notion of quick fixes, Milkman suggests that meaningful habit changes take time to solidify and require a steady routine.
With Milkman’s advice in mind, I’ve compiled a list of 10 daily habits that have helped me simplify my life. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it serves as a starting point for anyone looking to embark on a journey toward a more intentional and streamlined lifestyle. I encourage you to select one or two habits from this list and gradually incorporate them into your daily routine.
- Track your income and expenses: Keeping track of your finances is essential for gaining insights into your spending habits and identifying areas where you can cut back or save more. Whether you use a budgeting app, a pen and paper, or a simple spreadsheet, taking a few minutes each day to record your income and expenses can have a significant impact on your financial well-being in the long term.
- Utilize existing resources: Before making new purchases, take stock of what you already have. Whether it’s food in your pantry, clothes in your closet, or household items, make an effort to use what you already own before buying something new. This not only helps reduce unnecessary spending but also minimizes clutter in your home.
3. Declutter in bursts: Decluttering your space can be a daunting task, but breaking it down into smaller, manageable chunks can make it more manageable. Consider taking on decluttering challenges or experiments, such as Courtney Carver’s “let go of one hundred things in less than an hour” challenge, to make the process more engaging and enjoyable.
4. Limit technology usage: In today’s digital age, it’s all too easy to get sucked into the endless scroll of social media or the constant ping of notifications. Setting boundaries around your technology use can help you reclaim your time and attention. Consider establishing phone-free zones in your home, taking regular breaks from screens, or setting specific times for checking emails and messages.
5. Simplify your wardrobe: Streamlining your wardrobe can not only save you time and energy but also help reduce decision fatigue. Take time to declutter your closet regularly and only keep items that you love and wear frequently. Embrace a minimalist approach to dressing by focusing on quality over quantity, and consider adopting a capsule wardrobe to simplify your daily outfit choices.
6. Avoid recreational shopping: Impulse shopping can quickly derail your efforts to simplify your life and clutter your space with unnecessary items. Instead of giving in to the urge to buy something new, try implementing a waiting period before making purchases. Create a “to-buy” list and wait for 30 days before revisiting it to assess whether you still need or want the item.
7. Engage in low-cost hobbies: Finding fulfilling activities that don’t break the bank is key to simplifying your life without sacrificing enjoyment. Consider exploring hobbies like sashiko mending, gardening, or cooking, which offer creative fulfillment and relaxation without requiring significant financial investment.
8. Practice gratitude: Cultivating a daily gratitude practice can shift your focus from what you lack to what you have, fostering a sense of contentment and abundance in your life. Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for, whether it’s a beautiful sunset, a delicious meal, or the company of loved ones.
9. Enjoy simple pleasures: In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook life’s simple joys in pursuit of bigger and better things. Take time to savor the little moments of happiness and contentment in your day, whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning, taking a leisurely walk in nature, or spending quality time with loved ones.
10. Find community: Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your values and goals can provide invaluable support and encouragement on your journey toward simplicity. Consider joining online communities, attendinglocal meetups, or connecting with friends and family members who are also interested in simplifying their lives.
Incorporating these daily habits into your routine can help you create a more intentional and fulfilling life. Remember that simplicity is not about deprivation or sacrifice but about prioritizing what truly matters to you. By taking small steps each day, you can gradually simplify your life and create space for the things that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Resources to help you simplify your life
Do you want to learn more about daily habits that will help you simplify your life? Explore the resource list below:
Books
- How to Change by Katy Milkman
- Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez
- Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver
Articles
- 7 Judgement-Free Ways to Change Your Shopping Habits by Courtney Carver
- 30 Things You Can Do To Live More Simply by Tyson Popplestone
Podcasts
- NPR’s Life Kit: “A behavioral scientist’s advice for changing your life.”
- NPR’s Life Kit: “Instead of New Year’s resolutions, start and stick with ‘Tiny Habits’”
- The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos “will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness.” The episodes have also helped me change my habits!
Embark on your journey toward simplicity with these valuable resources at your disposal. Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress. Enjoy the process and celebrate each step forward as you create a life filled with intention, joy, and meaning.