Do you ever sit and wonder, “What would life be like if I had everything sorted? What if I knew how to calm myself and my demeanor overall?” If you’ve been asking yourself any of these questions lately, then you’ve come to the right place. I’d take a sigh of relief if I were you. Here are 10 gentle habits you can now include in your life to create a calmer version of yourself.
1.Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind
Is your space—whether it’s your bedroom, office, workspace, or living room—cluttered with things scattered everywhere? If so, it’s more than just a mess; it could be weighing down your mind.
Now, don’t get me wrong. This isn’t about shaming you for living in a cluttered space. Instead, it’s about recognizing how this clutter might be affecting your mental well-being in ways you might not even realize.
But let’s face it, decluttering a space that’s been left to its own devices isn’t a walk in the park. Here’s how to get started:
- Make up your mind: Decide that you want to clear the mess, and know that you can do it.
- Set aside time: Dedicate a specific time or even a whole day to focus on decluttering one room.
- Get motivated: If you’re feeling bored or demotivated, hop on YouTube and check out decluttering tips. They’ll give you the boost you need!
- Add some fun: Play your favorite music while you’re at it—it makes the process more enjoyable.
So, how exactly does decluttering your space benefit your mind? Well, your environment has a profound impact on your mental state. When your space is clean and organized, you’ll feel refreshed and energized—this isn’t just a theory; it’s proven!
2.Fix Your Sleep Schedule
I can’t stress this enough—you need to fix that sleep routine. If you want to simplify your life is your goal, then simplify your life schedule is the first step.
Now, there’s always a debate: Do you need eight hours of sleep? Nine? Some people even swear they can’t function without twelve hours! So, what’s the magic number?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to sleep. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Find your sweet spot: For some, eight hours may be enough; for others, even twelve might feel insufficient.
- Listen to your body: Discover how many hours of sleep your body truly needs to function at its best.
- Set a consistent bedtime: Whether it’s 9 P.M. or 11 P.M., choose a time that allows you to wake up early and refreshed.
There’s no black-and-white rule here. You need to find your personal “grey area” and stick to it. For instance, if nine hours of sleep is your ideal, aim to go to bed between 9 to 11 P.M. and wake up between 6 to 8 A.M.
Once your sleep routine is fixed and on track, you’ll find yourself achieving a lot more with ease. The benefits of a well-regulated sleep schedule extend far beyond just feeling rested—it’s about reclaiming your energy and productivity.
3.You Are What You Eat
As cliché as it might sound, it’s true—you really are what you eat. Your diet has a way of revealing itself in different parts of your body. Think about it:
- Too much sugar? It shows up on your face and in multiple areas of your body.
- Caffeine overload? You’ll notice it in your complexion, demeanor, and even your gut.
- Greens and veggies? They help flush out toxins, bringing a natural freshness to your face and body.
It’s crucial to maintain the right balance in your diet so your body can thrive. Here’s why:
- Quick results: Start eating clean and healthy today, and you’ll notice a significant change in just a week.
- Long-term benefits: The foods you consume have a profound impact on your overall health and well-being. Make sure that the impact is positive.
Now, if you’re anything like me—someone who loves fast food, sodas, and those irresistibly gooey fudge brownies—it might be tough. But here’s the deal: we all need to start somewhere.
Imagine how much better your lifestyle could be after changing your eating habits. It’s not just about cutting out the bad stuff; it’s about introducing the good stuff that will make your body and mind flourish.
4.Control Your Thoughts
Your mind can be your greatest ally—or your biggest monster—if you don’t learn to tame it. How often do you find yourself overthinking about things beyond your control? The what-ifs spiral into endless loops, dragging you down with them.
But is there a way to control these thoughts? Can you really stop overthinking about things you can’t change? The answer is yes, to some extent, you can.
One effective method is the 5 Senses Technique—a simple yet powerful way to give your mind a much-needed break. Here’s how it works:
- See: Focus on something in your surroundings. It could be anything—a picture, a tree, or even the sky.
- Hear: Tune into a sound. Listen to the hum of a fan, the chirping of birds, or your favorite music.
- Touch: Feel the texture of something around you, like the fabric of your clothes or a nearby object.
- Smell: Inhale the scent of something pleasant. It could be a candle, a flower, or even the fresh air.
- Taste: Take a bite of something, whether it’s a piece of fruit or a small snack.
Whenever you catch your thoughts spiraling, make use of these five senses. They can help ground you in the present moment, breaking the cycle of overthinking and giving your mind the space, it needs to reset.
5.Set a Daily Routine
Some people find the idea of a pre-decided daily routine unnatural, maybe even restrictive. But here’s the truth: setting a daily routine can be incredibly beneficial for a minimalist lifestyle. It can help you:
- Achieve more: By organizing your time, you can accomplish more throughout the day.
- Keep track of activities: A routine helps you stay on top of what needs to be done.
- Stay organized: Structure in your day promotes a minimalist and organized lifestyle.
But let’s be real—how often do people stick to the routines they set for themselves? The key is to avoid setting unrealistic expectations.
Here’s how to create a routine that works for you:
- Be realistic: Your routine should align closely with your current lifestyle. If you currently spend 30 minutes doing yoga, don’t suddenly allocate 2 hours to it—that’s a recipe for frustration.
- Make small adjustments: Instead of cutting your 4-hour screen time down to just one hour, try reducing it gradually. Small, manageable tweaks will help you achieve your goals without feeling overwhelmed.
- Start with what works: Begin with the routine you already have, and make minor adjustments as you go. This way, you’ll stay motivated and feel a sense of accomplishment.
By setting a routine that reflects your lifestyle and making gradual changes, you’ll find it much easier to stick to and see real progress.
6.Minimize Your Screen Time
Watching your favorite series, scrolling endlessly through Instagram and TikTok, and keeping up with your friends’ activities online—it’s all fun, right? But it also adds up to your screen time, and too much of it can be harmful to your health, body, and mind.
It’s important to know when to unplug from the virtual world and reconnect with the real one. Here’s how you can start:
- Set a screen time limit: Decide on a specific amount of time you’ll allow yourself to be on screens each day.
- Stick to your limit: Do your best to follow through with the screen time limitations you set.
- Create more time: By limiting screen time, you’ll find extra hours in your day to do things that truly matter.
- Boost your energy: Less screen time often leads to more energy and a clearer mind.
If I had to give you a list of simple living tips, it would be this: Limit your screen time. Not only will it free up more time in your day, but it will also have a refreshing effect on your mind and body.
By consciously reducing your screen time, you’ll create space for more meaningful activities, ultimately leading to a calmer and more fulfilling life.
7.Connect with Nature
Spending too much time indoors can take a toll on your mind, often in ways you might not even realize. In a world where everyone is glued to their phones, it’s easy to lose touch with nature. Yet, connecting with nature is one of the simplest and most effective ways to ground yourself and appreciate the beauty of life’s little moments.
Connecting with nature doesn’t require grand gestures. It can be as simple as:
- Taking a walk in the park: Enjoy the greenery and fresh air as you stroll through nature.
- Watching the sunset or sunrise: These moments of natural beauty can be incredibly calming.
- Sitting by a lake or under a tree: Find a quiet spot to sit and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
- Observing from your window: If stepping outside feels like too much, just sit by a window and take in the view.
When you surround yourself with the green and refreshing elements of nature, your mind will naturally start to mirror that calmness and clarity.
Among the many ways to simplify your life, connecting with nature stands out as a powerful method to stay aware and present. Even on days when stepping outside feels like a challenge, just a few minutes of observing your surroundings can make a difference. Your mind and body will thank you for the reconnection they need.
8.Take Out Time to Reflect and Show Gratitude
In the hustle and bustle of a fast-paced life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of taking time to reflect and show gratitude. But why is this so essential?
It’s natural for us to dwell on the negatives and forget the positives. Especially when life is moving at full speed, finding moments to reflect on the good things can seem impossible. But here’s why you should make the effort:
- Reflect on the positives: Taking time to reflect allows you to focus on the good things in life, helping you relive and appreciate them.
- Keep your mind healthy: While the human mind often fixates on what went wrong, reflecting on the positives is a powerful way to maintain a healthy, happy mindset.
- Practice gratitude: Gratitude reminds you of all the things you have to be thankful for—the things that make you happy and fulfilled.
Need a few simple living tips? Make it a daily habit to think of 5-10 things you’re grateful for each day—twice a day. Here’s how:
- Morning reflection: Start your day by listing what you’re grateful for when you wake up.
- Evening gratitude: End your day on a positive note by revisiting your list before you go to sleep.
This small practice can be a great way to begin and end your day, keeping you grounded and appreciative of the blessings in your life.
9.Organize Your Finances
One of the most common causes of stress among young adults? Managing finances. Let’s be honest: spending money is easy—we can all think of plenty of things to buy. But when it comes to saving? That’s when our minds tend to go blank.
However, organizing your finances isn’t just about spending less and saving more. It’s about ensuring that every aspect of your financial life is in order. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Keep your bills in order: Make sure all your bills are paid on time to avoid unnecessary stress and late fees.
- File your taxes: Stay on top of your tax obligations to prevent last-minute panic.
- Avoid falling behind: Keep track of all your financial commitments to ensure you’re not behind on any payments.
- Spend sustainably: Be mindful of your spending habits to ensure they align with your long-term financial goals.
Once you’ve sorted out your finances and organized them effectively, you’ll feel a significant weight lifted off your shoulders. This sense of relief and control can lead to a more relaxed and fulfilling lifestyle.
10.Let Go of Perfection
Humans—we’re always striving for perfection. No matter where we are or what we’ve achieved, there’s often no such thing as being ‘good enough’ in our minds. It’s all too common to think: I’m either perfect, or I’m a failure. That’s how you think, and it’s how I used to think, too.
But here’s the truth: Perfection doesn’t exist. There’s no perfect time, perfect date, perfect face, perfect hair—nothing is ever truly perfect. What you have and what you’ve achieved is perfect for you, and it’s time to embrace that. Even if it doesn’t feel perfect, embrace the imperfections.
Here’s why letting go of perfection is so important:
- Perfection is a myth: Understand that there is no such thing as being perfect. It’s an unattainable goal that only leads to frustration.
- Embrace what you have: What you have is enough. Learn to see the beauty in what you’ve already achieved.
- Celebrate imperfections: Your imperfections are what make you unique. Embrace them as part of your journey.
These are just ten of many tips to help you lead a minimalist, fulfilling lifestyle. Remember, a lot of what’s mentioned here is easier said than done. But what truly matters is your intention and your desire to achieve a better life for yourself.
If you want to create your ideal body and mind, you need to start somewhere—and this article is just that. If staying committed to a new schedule or embracing big changes feels overwhelming, just take it one step at a time.
