{"id":125426,"date":"2025-02-10T17:49:47","date_gmt":"2025-02-11T00:49:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/?p=125426"},"modified":"2025-02-10T17:58:32","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T00:58:32","slug":"simplify-daily-habits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/simplify-daily-habits\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Daily Habits That Will Help You Simplify Your Life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Slowly adding new daily habits to your routine will make simplifying your life more fun and rewarding. Choose one or two daily habits to try from the list below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Note: This article on daily habits is by contributing writer, Tammy Strobel.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you find it challenging to maintain daily habits? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. I struggle with this, too. For example, simplifying my life posed unique challenges, especially when incorporating new daily habits like tracking expenses, avoiding shopping for fun, quitting social media, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve found author and researcher Katy Milkman\u2019s<\/a> writing helpful. She studies habits and how to make better choices. Last year, Milkman shared some of her research with NPR\u2019s Life Kit<\/a>. In the interview, Milkman explained that there isn\u2019t a quick fix to changing daily habits. For example, it took me years \u2013 not 30 days \u2013 to simplify my life. That isn\u2019t a bad thing, though. Milkman noted that changing habits takes time and a consistent routine.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

12 Daily Habits That Will Help You Simplify Your Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Below are 12 daily habits that helped me simplify my life. The list below isn\u2019t exhaustive, and it\u2019s meant to be a jumping off point. I\u2019d also encourage you to choose one or two items on the list to add to your daily routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Take a tiny walk after a meal <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rather than sitting on the couch after I eat a meal, I\u2019ve been going for a 2 to 5 minute walk. Rachel Fairbank, a journalist with The New York Times, inspired this tiny habit. In her article, Fairbank shared the findings<\/a> (NYT gift link) of a meta-analysis that \u201ccompared the effects of sitting versus standing or walking on measures of heart health, including insulin and blood sugar levels.\u201d Researchers discovered that very tiny walks \u2013 between two and five minutes \u2013 \u201chad a significant impact in moderating blood sugar levels.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Track your income and expenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re new to tracking your income and expenses, you can use an app, a pen and journal, or a basic spreadsheet. For example, I take time daily to record my income and expenses. I\u2019d encourage you to do the same. Over time, you\u2019ll notice patterns and trends that you can change. If you want to declutter your finances<\/a> over the long-run, this is a great first step. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Use what you have<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before you buy something new, use what you have. For instance, if you\u2019re trying to save money on groceries, cook the bulk food that is already in your pantry or refrigerator. Alternatively, if you want to buy a new sweater, inventory what\u2019s in your closet. Ask yourself: Do I wear what I already have? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Declutter in bursts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA decluttering challenge can make the sometimes mundane process of decluttering a little more fun,\u201d says Courtney Carver<\/a>. I agree! It\u2019s been fun to do decluttering challenges and experiments \u2013 like Courtney\u2019s \u2013 over the years. If you\u2019re struggling, try Courtney\u2019s challenge and \u201clet go of one hundred things in less than an hour<\/a>.\u201d Using challenges like the decluttering burst or the 10-10-100 decluttering challenge<\/a> can help add some fun to your daily habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Limit technology use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Limiting technology use has helped me get off my phone and into my life<\/a>. I still fall back into bad habits \u2013 like doom scrolling \u2013 but I\u2019m able to course correct more quickly now. Setting myself up for success is key. For example, I create phone free zones in my home, take movement breaks during my work day, turn off my phone, and more. Our phones \u2013 and other devices \u2013 aren\u2019t going anywhere, so consider how you can create healthy habits around technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Simplify your wardrobe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

My wardrobe is small and I love it! However, keeping my wardrobe streamlined and simplified<\/a> is an ongoing process. For example, I recently donated clothes<\/a> to my local thrift store. The clothes were in great condition, but they didn\u2019t fit my body anymore; some items were too big and others were too tight. I don\u2019t try to fit my body into clothes anymore. If they don\u2019t feel right, I let them go. This keeps my wardrobe light and lovely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Don\u2019t go shopping.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Avoid recreational shopping. Instead, make a \u201cto buy\u201d list. Then wait for 30 days before you purchase the thing you wanted to buy. For example, I have t-shirts, dresses, and a typewriter on my \u201cto-buy\u201d list. After waiting for 30-days, I didn\u2019t buy any of the items. Instead, I saved my money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Try a low cost hobby  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A few months ago, I wrote about eco-friendly tips for everyday life<\/a>. One of my favorite tips was focused on sashiko<\/a>; the Japanese art of visible mending. I love how this art form is a visible antidote to fast fashion<\/a>. Repairing your clothes can be a rewarding process, and it is \u201cthe perfect simple, low-cost hobby to get you off your phone<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Practice gratitude  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In my early twenties, I tended to compare my life to my peers. I thought that prettier jewelry, a luxury car, or a bigger house would make me happier. However, I discovered that isn\u2019t true. A daily practice of writing a short gratitude list in my journal helped me simplify my life and stay rooted in the present. I don\u2019t need a fancy car or a big house<\/a> to be happy. My gratitude practice helped me figure out what was enough, and that is an excellent antidote to the comparison trap<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Create a list of simple pleasures  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Savoring simple pleasures<\/a> is a joyful habit. I love making coffee in the morning, journaling, snuggling with my cat, and giving my husband a hug. These pleasures are ingrained into my daily routine, are focused on experiences (not things), and they cost little to no money. What simple pleasures bring joy, delight, and gratitude into your life? If you\u2019re looking for ideas, check out my big list of simple pleasures<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Find community   <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re having trouble sticking with new daily habits, find community. You could Join The Simplicity Space<\/a> or ask a friend to be your “simplicity buddy.” It\u2019s way more fun to change habits with friends. The support and accountability you\u2019ll receive is invaluable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Limit your news consumption<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Reducing stress is a big part of simplifying your life and consuming too much news, especially “breaking news” is stressful. Instead, put boundaries around your news consumption. Don’t consume news at the beginning or end of your day for instance. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the news, take a break and read some of these uplifting books<\/a> instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resources to help you simplify your life <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Do you want to learn more about daily habits that will help you simplify your life? Explore the resource list below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Books <\/h4>\n\n\n\n