50 Ways to Living a Simpler Life

In a society of “more, more, more” it can be hard to find ways to living a simpler life. Consumerism often leaves us in perpetual dissatisfaction and more people are switching to minimalism. And here are 50 ways to guide you toward living a simpler life.

Frankly, consumer culture left me hollow. I went through a phase of my life where I was getting daily deliveries from Amazon. My roommate accused me of shopping in my sleep and she wasn’t far off.

At some level, we’ve all been there. You somehow feel inadequate so you buy a thing to compensate. And you’re in an unspoken competition with everyone around you.

It’s exhausting. Envy is rampant. And the joy is fleeting. Not to mention the harm it brings to the planet.

Consumerism is so entrenched in our society that it can feel hard to break the addiction. Living simply requires living counter-culturally. It’s uncomfortable at first. But the more I shed from my life, the more I develop a sense of peace.

Living simply can be liberating. You’re not so bogged down by random shit or worse, debt. Simple living yields lasting contentment. Instead of chasing dopamine spikes, you’re settled in feelings of “I have enough, I am enough”. 

Radical, right?

So here are 50 ways to living a simpler life. Come out of scarcity mindset and into a world of abundance.

Related: 10 Ways I Learned How to Be Happy.

50 Ways to Living a Simpler Life

1. Practice gratitude. This deserves two slots on this list.
2. Stop the “what if” game. Untangle the mind: you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
3. Stop comparing yourself. Other people’s success doesn’t take away from yours. Focus on your own journey.
4. Stop competing in an invisible race and status ranking.
5. Understand that “more stuff” clutters your life and won’t always make you happy.
6. Become an expert at self-care. Here are some ideas: 50 Self-Care Ideas for Better Mental Health.
7. Have a morning and evening routine.
8. Unwind before bed by reading, meditating, journaling, etc.
9. Establish clear boundaries. Honor them.
10. Say “no” more often. Not only does it simplify your life but it hones your focus. I refer to this quote by Warren Buffett: “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”
11. Learn how to read your mental and physical signals. Honor them.
12. Nest. Find joy in your own home, make it a representation of you. This may require getting rid of a lot of shit.
13. Speaking of which, broaden your definition of “home”. It doesn’t have to be your four walls with all your crap in it. Home is your city, your community. Home can be borderless.
14. Practice minimalism in all aspects of your life. If you need guidance, refer to The Minimalists, Joshua and Ryan.
15. Watch less TV. Hollywood and ads can be major triggers.
16. Consume less violence. Your brain stores information like a library and will hold on to the gruesome stuff as a way to keep you safe.
17. Make time for family and friends.
18. Keep romance alive, and not just when it comes to relationships. Romance yourself, awaken enchantment toward the world around you. This usually involves going out into nature.
19. On the same note, prioritize sexual wellness.
20. Forgive those who wronged you.
21. Don’t live in the past.
22. Don’t live in the future.
23. But planning in a vague direction is okay.
24. Write down a few goals for the next 6 months. Work toward those.
25. See a psychologist. I’m of the opinion that everyone needs therapy, no matter how well your life has gone.
26. Let go of limiting self-beliefs.
27. Be extremely selective with what you buy. Remember that you vote with your dollar. Where will you contribute in society?
28. Shed relationships which bring no value to you (i.e. toxic people).
29. Meditate. Refer to my Meditation Series for guidance.
30. Practice acceptance of all things, including yourself.
31. Acknowledge that imperfection is the way all things should be.
32. Embrace uncertainty.
33. Be present in all situations.
34. Find pleasure in the small things.
35. Restore your childlike wonder. The one who’s happy finding seashells and building snowmen rather than shopping online.
36. Sample joy from everything around you and understand other people’s joy doesn’t take away from yours.
37. Connect with your community. With strangers. With your environment. Connection is everything.
38. Make healthy decisions for your body.
39. Nurture your hobbies.
40. Read what makes you happy, not what you think you should read.
41. Prioritize your creativity.
42. Identify what authenticity means for you. Refer to this piece I wrote on 5 Mantras to Check In with Your Authentic Self.
43. Seek growth where you feel stagnant.
44. Address any feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out). Why is that there and how can you train yourself out of it? Understand that the concept of “missing out” is bullshit and you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
45. Stop doing things you don’t want to do just to spare people’s feelings.
46. Get rid of junk you’ve held on to. It’s hard when stuff has sentimental value but hold on only to the truly worthwhile.
47. Train yourself to notice triggers to consumer culture.
48. Understand that society will always find new ways to sell you “more, more, more”. Noticing and ignoring it gets easier overtime.
49. Know that there are many ways to live a life and our current society’s prescription doesn’t have to be your way.
50. Get comfortable living counter-culturally.

Today’s Tunes: Where the Light Goes by Josh Kramer