With some background behind simple living and simple abundance, there are some specific ways to incorporate simple living in your life. These 6 tips have made a difference for me as I have tried to simplify. They are:
- Stay at home
- Cook at home
- Less screen time
- Express gratitude
- De-clutter
- Serve others
- My first tip to stay home more may seem obvious or inconsequential, but just hear me out. We all have obligations and things to do which are important of course. But what about all the other things that take up our time that may not be the most important? My husband and I love to go thrift shopping in the evenings or on weekends. It’s something we really enjoy doing together. Of course we love spending time together that way, however we often notice that we also really enjoy spending time at home together. That way, we avoid the hustle and bustle of going out on the town, we avoid spending money, and the time spent at home usually ends up being more meaningful anyways. So the next time you want to go out to do an activity that isn’t totally necessary, try having a nice night at home. Watch the kids play outside, read a book, play a game, or to lead into my next tip, make a meal or a treat!
- Another way to simplify and avoid spending excess money is to cook at home. Find recipes that you and your family enjoy and eat dinner at home. Set the table and have everyone sit down and enjoy together. Just doing what you can to eat more meals at home can make a big difference in living simply. There have been a lot of studies showing that families sitting down to eat meals together has so many benefits. There are so many ways to find easy recipes too- I have several on this blog.
- Less screen time is a big one. When I was getting my bachelor’s degree in Family Life, I specialized in research and studies on the effects of media on the family and children. The bottom line is the less screen time the better- especially for little ones. You will find that cutting back on the screens will encourage creative and individual play. This is better for developing brains than spending time on screens. And a great way to use all those toys that you say your kids never play with!;) Encourage reading, doing simple crafts, playing outside, or even helping out with chores. And when you do want to break out the screens, co-viewing educational material is best. I will share more on this in another post!
- When you appreciate the little things in life, it’s amazing how your ability and drive to simplify increases. Show your Heavenly Father that you are grateful for the things you have by taking care of them and by not feeling this need to have more and more all the time. When you start showing gratitude for the things you already have, that is simplicity in action. Express gratitude in prayer to God and to others. The more you appreciate, the more you have.
- De-clutter! Yay, everyone’s favorite right? How many times do you walk in a room and think you have too much stuff? It’s overwhelming right? Take some time to go through clothes, toys, kitchen items, books, games, closets, etc. and get rid of the stuff that’s just taking up room. Clothes you don’t wear, games you don’t play, toys that don’t get played with. This is a very immediate way to see results. You’ll feel better, I promise.
- Last but not least, serve others. The scriptures teach that when we lose ourselves in the service of others, we find ourselves. Sometimes taking a break from thinking so much about ourselves and the things we need will be just the thing we need. Go visit your sister, get flowers for a friend, take a meal or a loaf of bread to a neighbor, give someone a compliment, and so many others! There is no limit on the ways you can serve someone. Try to think outside yourself and you will be impressed at how things in your life will sort themselves out… simply.
It’s all so simple right?!