Simple living has been on the rise, and it’s easy to see why. The world we live in can be incredibly overwhelming. We’re taught from birth that more is better, that money is power. We praise each other for our busy schedules, run on little to no sleep, and fuel our bodies with cheap snacks that fill us up but don’t necessarily fuel us. We’re so focused on the future we’re often completely disconnected from the world around us.

Simple living may be the solution you need to slow down and start living your life again. But what is simple living? It isn’t abandoning your possessions, going organic, and quitting your job. It is taking time to focus on the present – not your cell phone, your weekend plans, or that breaking news alert. It’s building connections, fostering a sense of community, and letting our spirits shine, unburdened by the things that weigh us down every day.

Living simply looks a little different for everyone, but if you’re ready to start living a simpler live, here are a handful of steps you can take to begin.

Unplug – There’s no denying the fact that we live in a hyperconnected world. We’re constantly tethered to our phones, endlessly checking our emails, always waiting for the next piece of breaking news or update on our digital newsfeed. Life is constantly unfolding around us, but we’re often so absorbed in our technology we can’t truly be present. If the thought of spending an entire day unplugged is tough to stomach, challenge yourself to enjoy an tech-free evening – no cell phone, no Netflix, no PS4. Read a book, play a board game, or simply sit back and enjoy the silence.

Stop accumulating stuff – Most of us have more things than we know what to do with. It’s easy to understand why. We’re constantly bombarded by advertisements and promotions for the newest tech gadget, the hottest trend, and the coolest clothes. The worst part? We often don’t even realize it. We also fail to realize another truth – the fact that we don’t need most of that stuff to make us happy. To simplify your life, try to streamline the things you own. You don’t have to go overboard. Keep things that hold meaning or provide value, but don’t hoard unnecessary items for the sake of having more stuff. Instead of letting things you no longer use gather dust, donate them so that they can serve a purpose for someone else. Getting rid of the junk will leave more room in your life for the things that matter – your family, your passions, your community. Check out my declutter for cash challenge. It was so liberating to get rid of all that stuff!

Connect with nature – Before we had cell phones, cars, and grocery stores, we had nature, and that was enough. Our environment provided all the essentials we needed to survive: food, water, shelter. Over time, our situation changed, and now find ourselves living in cities and suburbs and spending our days in office buildings, sitting in traffic, and picking over the produce at the grocery store. Get back to your roots and get some fresh air. There’s something peaceful and grounding that comes with spending time outdoors. Spend an hour digging in your garden, or find a quiet path and take a walk.

Simplify your diet – The next time you’re tempted to buy a bag of chips, pause and scan the ingredients list. How many things do you recognize? Chances are, you won’t find too many familiar terms on the list. Consider the foods you eat – how many are grown from the earth or, at the very least, are produced with minimal processing? To live a more simple life, try to stick with a more simple diet. Ditch the preservative-packed snacks and opt for almonds, carrots, or celery. If you’re faced with a freezer filled with frozen dinners, try replacing those pre-packaged meals with fresh poultry, healthy veggies, and simple sides like wild rice. Focus on the simple pleasures those foods bring and you’ll find this shift to simple eating easy.

These are just a few tips to help you live a more simple life, stress less and enjoy the present!

What tips do have for someone wanting to enjoy a simple life?

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