17 Easy Ways to Simplify Your Life

Most of us are so busy we barely have time to brush our teeth, let alone explore major shifts in lifestyle — even when those shifts promise to restore vitality and balance. That’s why, if you want a life that feels more sane and relaxed, it may help to start small. Making even one or two tiny changes is often enough to help you feel that other positive transformations are within reach. To help you along, here are 17 quick and easy suggestions — from action steps to attitude adjustments — that can have a surprisingly big impact on your sense of freedom and happiness.

1. Pay your bills immediately

Some people advise holding on to your money until the last possible moment. The idea is that this helps you accrue interest. I say, pay your bills the minute you receive them so you can turn your attention elsewhere. As long as a bill is hanging out there in the unpaid category, it occupies mental space worth far more than the pennies in interest you stand to gain. Another option: Pay your bills the day you get paid. The minute you deposit your paycheck, send in all the bills that have arrived during that pay period. That way, the bills won’t be on your mind, and you will know exactly how much money you have left over until you get paid again.

2. Empty your trash

Staring into an overflowing wastebasket makes you feel bloated, while an empty receptacle signals that your slate has been cleared, and you’re ready to move forward. One of the quickest “feel-good” exercises is taking out the trash. (Another place to “take out the trash” is your computer desktop. It’s a spot that gets cluttered quickly — and it feels great when it’s clean!)

3. Take “time for self” every day

If you let the batteries in your camera die, it doesn’t work. Don’t neglect your own personal batteries. Take what sociologists call “time for self” every day. Figure out what replenishes you — a daily walk, yoga, practicing guitar or a warm bath before bed — then incorporate it into your routine.

4. Spend time outdoors every day

Whether it’s sunny or overcast or snowing, step outside to reconnect with nature. Even if it’s only a walk around the block or having your morning coffee on the front step, that short time outside will refresh and energize you.

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By Wanda Urbanska, Experience Life

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Elisa F.

7:39AM PDT on Apr 16, 2013

Fantastic ideas! Thank you for sharing.

April 16
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Melania P.

10:06AM PDT on Mar 19, 2013

I find all of these suggestions so helpful, thanks, sharing!

March 19
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Marcel E.

6:36AM PDT on Mar 16, 2013

Thanks

March 16
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Heather H.

11:07AM PST on Feb 27, 2013

Thanx for the ideas could almost certainly use some of them

February 27
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susan k.

3:18AM PST on Dec 21, 2012

December 21
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Kathy P.

2:20PM PST on Dec 11, 2012

love

December 11
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Sarah M.

6:50PM PST on Dec 2, 2012

Thanks you.

December 2
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Joanna M.

10:39AM PST on Nov 30, 2012

One of the best and easiest things I did was to disconnect from Facebook - it's amazing how much time and stress I eliminated with that simple move! At the end of their life, I'm pretty sure nobody ever said, "I really wish I looked at more pictures of my 9th-grade softball team member's toddler" or "played more Farmville."

November 30
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Sheri J.

7:24PM PST on Nov 24, 2012

Those are some good tips. I have already done some like: take out the trash and recycle, compost, spend time in nature (i always go outdoors in my backyard and compost everyday), and hang clothes outside to dry.