I’ve spent the past decade working to streamline my life, and I finally saw the fruits of my labor this morning as I jotted down a “appreciation list” in my journal.

Now, even when I have a lot on my plate, things move along fairly smoothly. It’s as if I’ve smoothed out the bumps in the road, and am now able to move through my days with minimal resistance.

The everyday stuff is definitely easier than it was before, but that doesn’t mean my life is perfect or easy (I still deal with lots of big things like raising a toddler and running a business).

This is partly the result of good luck (a mix of privilege and luck), but it is also the result of deliberate action. When I look back, I can see that there were a few key things that led to my success, and I’ve put them all here for your convenience.

I’ve compiled 15 easy ways to improve your daily routine, and I hope you’ll find some ideas here.

Techniques to make your life simpler

Please use your imagination as you peruse this list of suggestions for simplifying your life and come up with ways to put the advice to use in your own life.

Though the specifics of what works for me may not be applicable to your situation, I do believe that the overarching principles are helpful guidelines for everyone.

1. SET LIMITS AND DEFINE YOUR OWN RULES

I doubt I’m the first person to stress the value of setting limits. Not only is it important to set limits with others, but it’s also crucial to establish those limits within yourself.

If not, you’re passing up an easy and effective way to simplify your life.

Creating safe and secure boundaries requires formulating one’s own set of ground rules. It’s up to you to decide now whether or not you’ll act. For instance, I made up my mind a long time ago that I would never again clean the house during my daughter’s naptime. It’s too valuable, so I use it for other tasks (like writing) or for myself.

Having a set of personal rules to follow can reduce a lot of stress because you don’t have to make decisions all the time. Have you ever taken a break, only to feel guilty the whole time because you could have been doing something else?

This used to happen to me all the time, but I’ve learned to deal with my feelings better by setting rules for myself. It’s a one-and-done kind of decision for me; I don’t rethink it. Decision fatigue is costly.

This is just one method that has helped me, but ultimately, you must determine your own limitations. Take a look at how you’re currently spending your resources (time, money, and energy) and ask yourself if there are any limits you’d like to impose.

How to politely decline offers of help and generally ignore stressors is covered below. My life has become much simpler as I have worked on honing these abilities, but that doesn’t mean I’ve arrived.

2. STREAMLINE MEALTIME

Keeping meal preparation simple is another way to make life easier.

Meal planning and preparation, meal delivery services, and even the capsule pantry and food “uniforms” that I use to maintain a minimalist approach to eating are just a few of the many available systems. The jar method is something I’m very curious about, so I hope to attend this workshop soon.

Simpler mealtimes can be achieved in a variety of ways, as no single strategy will work for everyone. If worrying about how to put food on the table for your family is causing you stress, however, it is imperative that you put in the effort to find a method that works for YOU.

3. LEARN TO “PAUSE”

One simple piece of advice that has simplified my life immensely is the art of pausing. It encourages me to take my time and think things through thoroughly.

Whenever I need to make a big decision, like buying something or accepting an invitation, I pause for a moment to think it over.

I’ve found that by giving myself a moment or two to reflect, I’m more likely to make deliberate decisions that are in line with my values and priorities rather than making hasty, rash choices.

When I need to take a breather in the middle of the day, I press pause on my hectic schedule. For instance, I frequently take a few deep breaths and sit for a minute or so after parking my car. Because of this, I no longer feel frazzled and can instead look forward to each new moment of the day.

4. TURN IN EARLY (AT THE VERY LEAST ONCE A WEEK)

Do you know what makes day-to-day life simpler? Not being tired! ?

I am aware that for the vast majority of people, getting eight hours of sleep every night on a consistent basis is simply not doable, despite the fact that getting enough sleep is critical to one’s health and well-being.

Having said that, I believe that if you commit to making it happen at least once a week, you CAN get eight hours of sleep. * Make it a top priority in your life; if you need to, you can order pizza for dinner or tell yourself it’s okay to put off doing the dishes until the next day. Do everything in your power to get some early sleep!

*I am aware that this isn’t always possible; however, you should strive to do the best that you can. It does in fact make a very significant impact.

5. IDENTIFY YOUR “PAIN POINTS”

Let’s talk about something everyone needs to do: an audit of their pain points.

Step one is becoming acutely aware of all the ways in which your daily life causes you discomfort. Where is the rubbing occurring? To what do you attribute your anxiety?

The obstacles you face could range from the minor (you can’t seem to find your keys) to the major (your phone is always dead) (you really struggle with grocery shopping because you have three kids at home).

The details (even the minor ones) do matter, so make a list of your complaints.

After that, you should think outside the box to find a solution that causes the least amount of hassle. Invest in a hook for your keys, equip each room with a phone charger, and start placing your grocery orders in advance.

It may sound silly to say, but after conducting such an audit, I feel like I have a completely new perspective on both the problems and the potential solutions.

6. ESTABLISH A SPECIFIC PLACE FOR EVERYTHING

I’m sure you’ve probably heard this before, but it bears repeating because it’s so true: life is a lot less stressful when everything you own has its own designated space. It will save you a lot of time, but more importantly, it will save you mental energy!

It’s easy to let things pile up and get lost in the shuffle, but having a specific place for everything can help simplify your life and make it easier to stay organized. When you know where everything is, you can find it quickly and easily without having to search through a cluttered mess.

Designate a specific spot for keys, bills, and other frequently used items so you can grab them and go when you’re in a hurry. Put away dishes after meals instead of leaving them in the sink, and make sure to put laundry in the hamper instead of letting it pile up on the floor.

Taking a few minutes each day to tidy up and put things away will save you time and hassle in the long run. Plus, a clean and organized home will help you feel calm and relaxed, which is essential for living a simplified life.

When it comes to simplifying your life, one of the best things you can do is establish a specific place for everything. That way, when you need something, you know exactly where to find it. This can be tricky if you live in a small space, but it’s still possible to make it work with a little creativity.

Here are some tips for establishing a specific place for everything:

• Use storage containers to help keep things organized. You can find all sorts of containers at your local store or online. Just make sure they’re sturdy and will last long-term.
• Label everything so you know where it goes. This is especially helpful if you have a lot of similar items or if your family members are also using the same space.
• Put things away as soon as you’re done using them. This will help prevent clutter from building up over time.
• Invest in furniture that has built-in storage. This can be anything from a coffee table with drawers to a bed frame with compartments underneath.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to having a more organized and simplified life!

7. STOP TRYING TO OPTIMIZE WHAT IS ALREADY WORKING

If something is working, don’t try to fix it! This is a motto that you should live by in order to simplify your life. There is no need to over-complicate things that are already running smoothly. If something isn’t broken, don’t try to fix it! This goes for everything from your daily routine to the way you organize your home. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Trying to optimize what is already working will only lead to frustration and wasted time and energy.

My theory is that we overestimate the value of variety in our lives. We’re always on the lookout for novel ways to prepare food, dress, and otherwise improve our lives, but why must we have things so complicated?

It can be tempting to try and optimize everything in our lives, but sometimes it’s best to leave well enough alone. If something is already working, there’s no need to try and fix it. This can save you time, energy, and money in the long run. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should never change anything or try new things. But if something is already working well, there’s no need to go out of your way to make it better. Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one.

8. CUT THE CLUTTER

If your home is cluttered, it can be difficult to relax and feel at peace. Take some time to declutter your living space and get rid of anything that you don’t need or use. You may be surprised at how much lighter and happier you feel once your home is decluttered.

Start by going through each room and sorting items into three piles: keep, donate, and trash. Be ruthless in your sorting – if you haven’t used something in a year, chances are you don’t need it. Once you’ve sorted everything, put the “keep” items back in a place where they make sense and get rid of the rest.

Don’t forget to declutter your digital life as well! Go through your computer files and delete anything that you don’t need. Unsubscribe from any emails that are cluttering up your inbox. And take some time to clear out your social media feeds so that you’re only seeing content that is truly meaningful to you.

By decluttering your home and simplifying your life, you’ll be able to focus on what’s really important and find more peace in your day-to-day life.

Having fewer belongings reduces the time and effort required for upkeep. In a world where time, energy, and money are always in short supply, this is welcome news.

It’s clear that this is a major convenience gained from adopting a minimalist lifestyle, but it’s also just the beginning of the benefits you’ll enjoy.

9. TAKE A MOMENT TO EXAMINE “WHY AM I DOING THIS?”

Make it a habit to constantly probe your underlying motives for your actions. plus, if you’re stumped for an answer,… then perhaps you should think twice about that!

What I’ve realized is that many of the things we do on a daily basis, either out of habit or because we believe they are what we “should” be doing, actually serve no useful purpose.

When we ask ourselves this question, we become aware of the meaning behind our actions (or lack thereof), which in turn enables us to recognize what we can safely let go of.

10. BUILD SYNERGY INTO YOUR SCHEDULE

If you want to simplify your life, one of the best things you can do is to build synergy into your schedule. Synergy is when two or more things work together to produce a result that is greater than the sum of the parts. When you build synergy into your schedule, you create a flow where each task supports and reinforces the others.

By building synergy into your schedule, you can simplify your life by reducing the number of separate activities you have to juggle and creating a more efficient flow between tasks.

I’m sure you have certain errands that you always do together, but that’s just one way to establish a routine in your day. The other option is to try synchronizing your motivation with your tasks.

One way to do this is to batch similar tasks together. For example, if you have a number of errands to run, try to do them all in one trip instead of making several trips. Or if you have a number of phone calls to make, group them together so you can make them all at once instead of spreading them out throughout the day.

Another way to build synergy into your schedule is to structure your day around your natural rhythms. If you are a morning person, schedule important tasks for the morning hours when you are feeling fresh and energized. If you are an evening person, save those tasks for later in the day when you are more likely to be productive.

11. ESTABLISH MORNING AND NIGHTLY RITUALS

We all have rituals that we perform every day, whether we realize it or not. Waking up and going to bed at the same time each day, brushing our teeth, and even making coffee in the morning are all examples of rituals. While these rituals may seem small, they can actually have a big impact on our lives.

Morning rituals set the tone for the rest of the day. They can help us feel more prepared and organized, and can even give us a few minutes to ourselves before the busyness of the day begins. Nightly rituals can help us wind down and relax after a long day. They can also help us reflect on our day and prepare for tomorrow.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating morning and nightly rituals. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Wake up 10 minutes early each day and spend some time reading or journaling
• Make your bed as soon as you get out of it
• Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in silence before starting your day
• Take a few deep breaths and stretch for a few minutes after waking up
• Make time for breakfast, even if it’s just a quick healthy snack
• At night, disconnect from electronics an hour before bedtime
• Write down three things you’re grateful for from each day
• Spend 5-10 minutes meditating or doing yoga before sleep
• Diffuse lavender essential oil in your bedroom

Having a set morning and evening routine can help to simplify your life by providing structure and order. By taking care of the same tasks each day at the same time, you can free up your mental energy for other things.

Some ideas for morning rituals include: making your bed, drinking a glass of water, meditating or doing some form of mindfulness practice, eating a healthy breakfast, and spending some time reading or journaling. For evening rituals, you might consider winding down with a cup of herbal tea, writing in your journal, stretching or doing some gentle yoga poses, and setting out your clothes for the next day.

Of course, you don’t have to do all of these things – just pick a few that work for you and make them part of your daily routine. The key is to be consistent so that these activities become automatic and require little effort on your part. Over time, you’ll find that following these rituals makes your days run more smoothly and helps to reduce stress overall.

12. TRANSFORM CHALLENGING TASKS

If there’s something you’ve been dreading doing, it’s likely because it feels like a challenging task. But that doesn’t mean it has to stay that way! There are plenty of ways to transform challenging tasks into simple, manageable steps that will make them much easier to accomplish.

Here are some tips for transforming challenging tasks into easy wins:

1. Break it down into smaller steps. When you’re facing a daunting task, it can help to break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. This will make the overall task seem less daunting and will give you a clear path to follow.

2. Set a deadline. Another way to simplify a challenging task is to set a deadline for yourself. This will help you stay focused and on track, and will ensure that the task doesn’t drag on forever.

3. Delegate or outsource. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a task, see if there’s someone else who can help you with it. Delegating or outsourcing can take some of the pressure off of you and will help get the job done more quickly.

4. Create a plan of action. When you have a plan of action, it’s much easier to execute a challenging task without getting overwhelmed. By mapping out what needs to be done step-by-step, you can stay focused on each individual step and avoid getting bogged down by the bigger picture.

No matter how easy you try to make your life, you will still have to do things you don’t want to do.

But, instead of complaining about hard things, you can make your life easier by looking for ways to change them.

For example, no one likes a long commute, but if you can’t avoid it, try to find ways to make it more fun. You could listen to a podcast, talk to friends, or play some good music.

Put on a face mask while you clean the bathroom or dance while you wash the dishes. Since you’re going to have to do something hard anyway, you might as well do everything you can to make it fun.

13. SET DAILY ASPIRATIONS

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget what’s important to you. One way to simplify your life is to set daily aspirations.

Aspirations are different than goals. Goals are specific, measurable, and have a deadline. Aspirations are more general and can be tweaked as needed.

Some examples of daily aspirations could be:

• Be more patient with others
• Get 8 hours of sleep
• Drink 64 oz of water
• Eat 3 healthy meals
• Spend 30 minutes outside
• Do something nice for someone else

You can tailor your aspirations to fit your own needs and wants. The important thing is that they are realistic and attainable. Having daily aspirations will help you focus on what’s important and make your days more meaningful.

Every morning, before you do anything else, ask yourself, “What do I need to have a good day today?” and then act accordingly.

For many reasons, this is a very potent inquiry.

To begin, it aids in determining which tasks are most important. You don’t need to be so hard on yourself about getting everything done; just concentrate on the things that will make the most impact. Having a day like this is crucial.

To add to that, this inquiry prompts you to consider your health, which is of paramount importance.

I understand that you have a lot on your plate and that you have some tough responsibilities, but please remember to set aside some time each day for whatever it is that brings you the most joy and vitality. Even though it goes against common sense, I promise that your life will become simpler once you give in to this recommendation.

14. TRY TO SIMPLIFY YOUR FINANCES

One of the easiest ways to simplify your life is to try to simplify your finances. There’s no question that our lives are becoming increasingly complex. We have more responsibilities and less free time than ever before. So it’s no wonder that many of us feel like we’re constantly juggling a million different balls.

One area of our lives that can often feel especially overwhelming is our finances. With so many bills to pay, deadlines to meet, and financial goals to keep track of, it’s no wonder we sometimes feel like we’re in over our heads.

This can be done in a number of ways, but some of the most effective methods include:

1) Automating your finances as much as possible. This means setting up automatic payments for your bills and other regular expenses so that you don’t have to remember to pay them each month.

2) Creating a budget and sticking to it. This will help you keep track of your spending and make sure that you’re not overspending in any one area.

3) Invest in a financial planner or accountant. These professionals can help you organize your finances and make sure that you’re on track to meet your long-term financial goals.

4) Putting aside money each month into savings and investment accounts. This will help you build up a nest egg for the future, which can make life much simpler down the road.

5) Paying off debt as quickly as possible. High levels of debt can be very stressful, so it’s important to work towards eliminating it as soon as possible.

By following these tips, you can make a big impact on the simplicity of your financial life. Try implementing one or two of them today and see how much easier things become!

15. CELEBRATE EVEN SLOW PROGRESS

You don’t have to wait until you’ve reached your goal to celebrate. In fact, celebrating even slow progress can help you stay motivated and on track. So, if you’re working towards a big goal, don’t be afraid to give yourself a little pat on the back for every small accomplishment along the way.

This doesn’t mean you should go overboard and throw a party every time you lose a pound or save a few dollars. But, taking some time to recognize and savor your successes, no matter how small, can help you maintain your enthusiasm and focus as you work towards your larger goals.

Making peace with slow progress is a simple way to ease stress. Quit being so critical of yourself, lower your standards, and start appreciating the process.

You should always keep in mind that there is a limit to how much you can accomplish in a single day. No matter how hard we try, we can only do so much; the question is whether we will accept our limitations and allow ourselves the luxury of a slower pace or punish ourselves for not accomplishing more.

From what I’ve seen, the end result is essentially the same. The only real distinction is in one’s own mind. I hope that you’ll take time to enjoy even the smallest successes and relax a bit.

Permitting yourself to do something is often the hardest part.