When chaos and disorder threaten to derail your days, take a deep breath and implement a few of these strategies instead. Then enjoy simpler days amid our fast-paced hustle culture.
Simple living is a constant balancing act of shoulds and coulds, have-tos and want-tos, yeses and nos, and making the best choices for you and your family in your current season of life.
There’s no quick fix or magic formula to create a simple life once and for all. It’s one of those things that just requires continual time, effort, and intentionality until you find what works best for YOU.
That said, when I look back on my journey towards a simpler home and life, a handful of strategies have made a big difference for me, my family, and my home.
If you’re tired of feeling tired and ready for less chaos and more calm, keep reading for 7 strategies to simplify your days!
1. Avoid Overstimulating Situations:
Are you easily overstimulated by loud, messy, chaotic, and cluttered spaces and people?
Yup, me too!
As a result, I’m more conscious of my surroundings and avoid overstimulating environments. This is one reason I love the early morning hours of peace and quiet.
This is also why Dave and I don’t do much traveling and why we enjoy entertaining so regularly — we’d rather have people at our house than go somewhere else.
If you can relate, you’d likely benefit from waking up earlier to start the day quietly, taking a 15-minute walk by yourself mid-day, and trying to avoid overstimulating people and places (like Costco on a Saturday morning!)
Related Reading: Practical reasons to know and understand your personality type.
2. Declutter Your Environment:
I’m not a minimalist… but I feel calmer when my surrounding spaces are visibly free from most clutter. And since my surrounding spaces are usually my home, I make an effort to keep my home neat, organized, and clutter-free (most of the time).
Where do you spend the most time? Your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, office, car? Be intentional about decluttering those spaces and enjoy feeling more relaxed AND productive!
Related Reading: 3 Daily routines to keep your home clutter-free
3. Get Enough Sleep
I’ve always tried to prioritize sleep — even as a teen and college student. And yes, as a mother of 4, I’ve had my share of sleepless nights due to babies who never slept!
Now that my kids are older, I still rarely get 8 hours of sleep, but I also don’t think I need 8 hours. I feel rested and seem to function well on 6-7 hours, so that’s what I shoot for.
If you’re regularly tired, lethargic, or even downright exhausted, consider ways you could get bit more sleep… and before you say you “don’t have time to get more sleep,” check your phone’s screentime to see how many minutes you spent scrolling this week. 😉
Related Reading: The Effects of Sleep on Everything.
4. Eat Simple Foods At Home
By eating at home, you’ll save time (it doesn’t take long to make a pot of soup, a casserole, or pasta), money, and calories. You’ll also eliminate the overstimulating environment of noisy, smelly restaurants.
Even if your schedule is quite full or you don’t enjoy cooking, you can still enjoy eating simple foods at home by purchasing frozen or pre-packaged foods, ordering take-out, or subscribing to a meal delivery service.
Related Reading: How I Meal Plan
5. Say “No” Regularly
Saying “no” is a vitally important skill to develop if you’re striving to simplify your life.
And it IS a skill you can learn and grow into — I know this because I’ve gotten better at confidently saying “no” when a decision doesn’t align with my current season of life.
Saying no is more than turning down volunteer requests or shrugging off responsibilities. It’s a way to show respect (for yourself and others), a way to exercise self-control, and a way to live more intentionally.
The fact is, we are always saying no to something… don’t let it be your sanity.
Related Reading: 99 Effective ways to say “no”.
6. Monitor Your Media
It’s been 5 years since I stepped away from social media (both personally and for my business) and I haven’t regretted it once.
We don’t have cable, I don’t subscribe to any magazines, and I don’t have any “NEWS” or “Info” apps on my phone.
I have one Christian news source that keeps me in the loop on the basics, but other than that, I focus my mental energy on my home, our church, our schools, and our local community.
This is likely not the right approach for everyone, but if you feel overwhelmed or anxious about all the “problems” in our world, it might be time to distance yourself and start monitoring your media.
We turned off almost all phone notifications, we keep all technology out of our bedrooms, and we even rearranged our home a few years ago to make our TV less visible.
Related Reading: 5 tips to touch your smartphone less
7. Plan Ahead
You knew “planning” would make the list eventually! In fact, in many ways, the concept of planning infiltrates every one of the strategies above.
Without planning, I wouldn’t have the time or energy to keep my home neat and orderly, get to bed at a reasonable hour, make food at home, etc.
If your life feels like it’s unraveling faster and faster, and you don’t know how to stop it, you must start planning ahead.
Take 30 minutes before bed tonight to plan what you will eat for breakfast and dinner, refill water bottles, pack lunches, set your coffee maker, and make your to-do list.
Then set your alarm at least 15 minutes earlier than normal and enjoy the drastic differences in the start to your day (seriously, these small changes could transform your morning).
Continually look for things you can proactively do now, instead of reacting to later, and… when you “mess up” or things don’t go as planned, try to learn from the situation and keep pressing forward.
Related Reading: Prevent Burnout by Focusing on Planning and Progress
Simple living is work… but it’s worth it.
If you desire to simplify your life, there’s no better time to start than RIGHT NOW!
It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. These strategies are a great starting point… pick one and give it a try today!
You won’t regret it.
Shannon says
Hi Andrea! I love your blog and just wanted to share some ideas I had for your man cave/ pool house – the “clubhouse”, or “the dock house” or “the cabana” or the “pool veranda” or the “splash shack”!
Good luck with the renos – I’m sure whatever you do it will be amazing!!
Andrea says
Haha — love all these name ideas Shannon!
I’ll will add them to our list 🙂
Jean C says
I think these are great ideas.
While I am not a fan or user of social media, I think it is very important, particularly in these times, to be aware and informed about what is happening at the local, state and national government level. Democracy is too important and fragile to be ignored. I subscribe to Pour Over based upon your recommendation – but find that it isn’t enough in these challenging times. I believe that citizenship obligates to be informed and involved – no matter the season of life we are in.
Andrea says
Thanks for sharing Jean!
Cheryl says
Thank you
Fran says
You are 1 very wise woman….I truly enjoy all your posts ❤️
Andrea says
Thanks so much, Fran!
Penny Doolin says
I love reading your emails, but maybe I should stop because sometimes it makes me feel discontent with my life.
Elizabeth says
I was very encouraged by your list! I strive to have a clutter-free home, as everyone seems calmer without the chaos. We guard our family time and are sticklers about bedtime. I whole heartedly agree with you about eating in being tastier and less stressful than restaurants! Thanks for sharing everything. 🙂
Andrea says
you’re welcome Elizabeth!
we’re hoping to keep an early bedtime for our kids as long as possible! Nora already had one night a week where she is out later for an activity at our church, and I’ll be honest, that whole day evening feels more rushed and “stressful” just because of ONE activity for ONE of our kids. It’s crazy (but she loves it and it’s free!)
Roxie says
You are wise beyond your years. I can tell you one thing I’ve learned – the more money you have, the more you want and the more you spend!
Andrea says
yup, exactly!
sort of like “the more space you have, the more things you feel you need to fill the space!”
Lynn S. says
I like the idea of no media on your phone but how do you get alerted for upcoming bad weather?
Andrea says
well, to be honest, the thought of being alerted for bad weather has never once occurred to me as information I need to know! I do not have any alerts on my phone, except for phone calls and text messages
I do have a basic weather app that I often glance at it in the early evening so I can tell the kids what type of clothing they should pick out for the next day… but that’s it. If it rains, we go inside. If it’s sunny we go outside. We do not have to worry about hurricanes or extreme weather where we live, so the weather has never been anything I’ve been too concerned about.
Kim says
Your #5 and #6 have been huge for me!!! I recently joined a precept ladies bible study (a 3 week study of Ruth). I loved the study and being with other women of like mind. However, the drive was 45 minutes from my home, the study was 2 1/2 hours and I had to devote about 7 hours a week to studying. I had to say “No” to the next session, it’s too much for me. I’m no longer on any social media site. I felt like there were better uses of my time. Thanks for the post!
Andrea says
oh wow — that’s a lot of time for one Bible study. Glad you were able to say no without feeling guilty.
On a side note, I’m starting a women’s Bible study on Ruth THIS WEEK! It’s VERY ‘low key’ and a small time commitment though (and right at our own church).
Sarah C says
I’m actually on a mission to do just this–simplify my life even more. The one I’m specifically working on is sleeping more. I’ve gotten into some bad habits of staying up late. It’s too easy for an extra 1.5 hrs to slip by and it really wasn’t spent productively. By 10pm the only thing my brain is really capable of is spinning stressful situations.
Andrea says
happy simplifying! it’s a great goal to have!
Rebecca M Tabb says
I love this mindset. We are so inundated with stories of those who accomplish great feats and those of us with Type A personalities sometimes feel like we aren’t succeeding if we’re not overachieving. That quote really speaks to me and my mindset of being great where you are but not so driven that we leave what really matters behind.
Andrea says
yes, the stories of great accomplishments are fun — but they are the minority. Stories of normal people doing everyday things are not nearly as exciting! 🙂
Dawn says
This post resonates with me as it does for many of your readers! I don’t want to wait until I’m older and all the kids are out of the house to be self-aware of how I function best. If I understand myself, I can do what is best for me AND my family, now and later on. I am sure I have said it before, but I really appreciate your posts!
Andrea says
Thanks Dawn 🙂
I agree 100%. Don’t wait until later when you have more time… do it now and enjoy years and years of simple living!
Alicia says
Ahhh this is a breath of fresh air to read. I have also taken the route of no media – news, social, TV, etc – for ALL the reasons you listed! Also the older I get, the more I’m coming to understand that I don’t need to do something “big” or have a “big” purpose. For too many years I felt like I had to “do something”. But Raising my 5 boys is a noble and challenging job and I feel blessed to do it! I don’t need “more” and it’s okay that I feel content with that. Thank you for this reminder !
Andrea says
um… yes! I’d say being a mother to 5 boys is enough of an accomplishment for anyone!
Lisa says
I completely relate to every single word of this article!! TRUTH!
Annette Silveira says
Man, #7 speaks to my soul! I think the desire to “be more than I am” is at the root of so much stress and strife in so many lives. I know it’s something I need to take a hard look at when I’m feeling pulled in too many directions.
Andrea says
Yeah, that’s a biggie for me too! I have to constantly remind myself of it too — it’s so easy to get sucked into bigger, better, more, etc.
Casey says
One of my favorite post of yours to date!
The one I am struggling with currently is definitely media. I’m becoming increasingly aware that it’s a major contributing factor in my daily anxiety. Not just obvious negative news, etc, but the Instagram/Facebook/Youtube. It’s a huge time suck and comparison game. I am much more content and have way more time on my hands when I choose to let those things go.
I also realized after reading this that we feel a tremendous amount of pressure from immediate family to “do all the things.” This past weekend was booked with several events we just should have said no too. Do they ever lay on the guilt when you say no? Both sets of our parents tend to really make us feel bad if we decline invitations….
Anonymous says
We only have a limited number of “yeses”.
When we say No to an invitation, it helps us keep the YES items!
If you listen to Jon Acuff (How to say No) that may be a motivation to you. It was for me!
Andrea says
exactly!
Casey says
I’ve never thought of it that way…thanks for the recommendation, I’ll have to check it out!
Andrea says
Thanks Casey!
I would have to say that our families do not make us feel bad about choosing to say no. Sometimes they joke with us and say things like “but you never do ________” but we personally don’t feel like this is pressuring us to do something we don’t want to do.
Honestly, I often find that whenever I feel guilty about something, it’s often because I LET myself feel guilty. I LET the other person get to me, I LET the pressure break me, etc. etc.
This is not to say I’m a horrible person for feeling guilty, but rather, I have control over when and why I feel guilty.
Just something to think about — maybe it will help you the next time you get pressure or push-back from your family members. 🙂
Casey says
Thanks for your reply! And you’re right….my husband repeatedly tells me “No one can MAKE you feel guilty!”
Kim says
This article is exactly why I keep coming back to your blog! You articulate so many things I never knew how to put into words……especially #1.
Also, I thought I was the only teenage girl on the planet who preferred a good night of sleep more than a slumber party.
You are wise beyond your years! I look forward to reading your blog for years to come!
Andrea says
thank you so much!
I hate sleepovers — thankfully, they don’t seem to be as popular these days with all the creepy pedophile stories out there. Most parents I know are NOT fans of sleepovers, especially not for younger children!
Linda says
I feel the exact same way about sleepovers. I maybe went to ONE as a youngster, and,I hate to say it, faked sick so I could go home to my own bed and sleep schedule!!!
Andrea says
haha — I think there are lots of people who strongly dislike sleepovers! I’ll probably end up with the title of “mean mom” for not giving into many sleepover requests!
Leanne says
This verse popped into my head when I read this today:
2 Thessalonians: 4:11-12
and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
* This is why I have continued to read your blog for so long… it reminds me I do not have to overcomplicate my life! Right now we are in a season of evaluating social media/media/technology with all these up and coming teenagers…and we see how COMPLICATED it can make life…and how we are erring on the side of simple… and it may not be very popular!
Thank you for the daily encouragement!!!
Leanne
Andrea says
Thanks Leanne — I’m sort of dreading that time of kids wanting to try social media (and it will be here before we know it!)
Good luck as you make wise decisions for your family!