Many people are striving to live a simpler life in 2018. With so much hustle and bustle these days, it's no wonder families want to slow down and enjoy life rather than rush through it.
Read on to find out how you can simplify your life in 2018. I've included 13 ways that should help you!
1. Clean out the clutter. Your life and home will be a lot easier to manage without a ton of "stuff" in the way. Starting with closets, declutter every space in your home. Getting this done right away will put you in a positive mindset for a simple new year. Now for me personally, this happens the first few weeks of January which is literally happening right as I am writing this post. (Yep, I just took a little break). 😉
2. Organize your tasks. Keeping yourself organized with a planner or calendar ensures you get things done - and on time. There will be no rushing or last-minute tasks when you have a simple, streamlined schedule.
3. Learn to say "no". Reduce the number of commitments you take on in 2018. If it is not something that will make you happy or help you thrive, you should turn it down. Take a look at your responsibilities from 2017 as well. Get rid of anything you don't enjoy - or that doesn't contribute to your well-being.
4. Downsize your home. If you are stressing over the mortgage, rent payment, or utility bills, it may be time to think simpler. The idea of downsizing may also be applicable for anyone looking to retire. If the kids have moved out and one out of the five rooms are being occupied, it might be worth moving to a smaller home. Also, finding a smaller residence gives you the simplicity you need to worry less about your finances. Everyone can still be comfortable without living in a 3000+ square foot home.
5. Create a budget. It is important that your money is in check if you want to live a simple life in 2018. Take a look at your expenses and cut back where you can. Having more money going into savings or paying off debt will give you a happier future.
6. Delegate household chores. You don't have to stress over keeping the entire house clean by yourself! Ask your spouse to pitch in. Find chores that your children can do, no matter their ages. If possible, hire out for the laundry or housekeeping. This will free up some of your time to focus more on what matters in life.
7. Practice self care. Taking a time out for yourself is a great stress reliever. Afterward, you will feel refreshed and ready to take on your day. Set time aside every day, whether it be a 30-minute soak in the tub or just a 10 minute meditation session.
8. Eat healthy. Fueling your body with the right foods give you more energy and leaves you feeling satisfied. It also prevents illness and feeling sluggish when you are trying to get through the day.
9. Cook at home. Eating out is much more convenient, it's true. However, restaurants can really cut into your budget. And they often leave you feeling yucky or overly full. Cooking at home is much easier, and simpler, when you find recipes that your family loves. You can even get the children involved to make the process easier for you!
10. Limit screen time. Relax your mind by taking time away from the TV or computer. Find more enjoyable, inspiring hobbies like reading, crafting, or cooking. If possible, reduce your cable bill or cut it out altogether in favor or Netflix or Hulu. The amount of money you save is astounding!
11. Put down your phone. Step away from social media and enjoy the simple things in life. You may not realize what you are missing by always being connected. Take your children to the park and leave your phone in the car. Play with them rather than letting them play while you check email or surf the web.
12. Use your evenings wisely. Once the kids are in bed, take some time to prepare yourself for the next days. Make lunches and have them ready for the busy morning. Create a to-do list of tomorrow's tasks so you will be more productive. Preparation is key to a simpler life.
13. Get enough sleep. Avoid staying up too late at night. Make sure you give your body enough time to rest and re-energize for the next day. Having a good night's sleep will help your body function properly. This means you will be more productive, less stressed, and less likely to get sick.
Use the above methods to simplify your life and enjoy your days. Slowing down and removing all the clutter and unnecessary stress is important for you to be happier, healthier, and more productive!
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This is something we all should be mindful for in 2018. I am definitely doing the eating healthier portion every day!
I would be able to simplify my life when I get to that empty nest phase. As long as you have kids to attend to, I won't have that luxury. There will always be clutter! I can squeeze in a few of these tips, one hour max a week. Longer than that will create chaos in the house!
Your tips are simple but so so useful! I need to stick somewhere in my house and to re-read them during the 2018. I hope they will help me to have a better year!
These are really great suggestions. I'm having some screen free time and using it instead for self care.
These are such great tips! I am going to start with numbers 4,6,and 9. Always great to find new ways to simplify my life.
I love all the ideas that you have here! It would be so much better to live a simple life and these tips are perfect for that. I plan to declutter every month!
Cleaning clutter is number one on my list for 2018 too! Eating healthy is #2. Though eating healthy tends to be on my list every year and that resolution always seems to flop. Hopefully this year will be different. We'll see!
I'm surprised that I'm actually doing some of the things on your list already! Yay me! I must be on the right track.
My life sure can use more simple. I hate how crazy things get around here.
These are such simple ways that we can keep our lives a bit calmer in the new year. I just started decluttering my home so I can find things easier and feel more at peace. An organized mind starts with an organized home.
This year will be the year we make a budget and stick to it.
These all sound like nice ways to make life better. I can definitely get behind all of these. I would like to try implementing a lot of these things.
I really need to create a budget and stick to it this year. I start the year off strong and then fall apart fast.
Yes! I love all of these. I have been going through and purging the things I don't love. I figure if I haven't used and if I don't love it why am I keeping it?
These are all such great tips. I know I have to do them but I forget and get back into bad routines. I'm taking this to heart and getting on the ball- Thanks!
So many things I can take from this post to make my life simpler. Such an awesome post!
These are some great tips. The last few years I have started saying no to things and it is so freeing. I used to feel guilty and offered explanations but no more. No is enough and by just saying it has relieved me of so much stress.
I love these ideas! Cooking more at home and cleaning out clutter is something I have been working on doing!
These are great recommendations! I live alone so I have to do my own chores but I stretch them out throughout the week so I'm not overwhelmed. I've been trying to de-clutter for a while now. I belong to a local swap and shop group and have an E-Bay account so I plan to sell some things.
I have to start organizing my tasks - that is a definite yes for me. I think it's about time I start using my agenda!
I found that the two things that help me keep my life simple are staying organized and saying no. If you can stay on top of those two, you are FAR ahead of the game.