15 ways – Mind Beauty Simplicity

It’s the start of a new year, which commonly stands for a fresh start. And one of the best & sure fire ways to see change is to simplify life. And from personal experience, I’ve discovered simplifying can be done in a multitude of categories. Last year, I shared 15 Ways to Simplify Your Life & it received so much praise that I wanted to share 15 more ways for this new year.

pin it for later

Here are 15 More Ways to Simplify Your Life in 2023

1. Create a Vision Board

I find vision boards & collages to be a creative & visual representation of my goals & aspirations. It takes me back to the days where I would spend hours cutting out magazines & making collages that I would hang on my bedroom door or closet. Back then, it was usually photos of the Jonas Brothers or Zac Efron, but I digress. Whether it’s digitally on Pinterest or done the old fashion way, I think vision boards are a fun way to really ask yourself what you want to accomplish or strive for & the new year is one of the perfect times to do that.

2. Downsize Your Digital Footprint

We tend to focus on the physical clutter when we are simplifying our lives & tend to neglect our digital space. In the new year, look through your social media platforms & let go of the ones you aren’t using or ones that aren’t benefiting you. Go through your followers & mute or unfollow those who aren’t inspiring you or are providing a negative pool. I also recommend cleaning up your devices, desktops, files, photos etc to make space for new memories & projects in 2023. If you are looking for specific decluttering tips in the digital space, click here to read 15 Ways To Downsize Your Digital Space.

3. Let Go of Clothing You Don’t Love or Use

I love closet declutters! As we know by the countless blog posts I have about said topic like 30 Items You Don’t Need in Your Wardrobe I find it so refreshing to let go of clothing that doesn’t fit, is worn out, or has simply met it’s expiration date. Make space for new items, a fresh style & one that works with your lifestyle in the present moment.

4. Prioritize Relationships That Lift You Up

Life is too short to place your time & energy on people who don’t deserve it. Focus on the ones who lift you up, encourage & help you grow into the person you wish to be. When we waste time on those who bring us down, we are only hurting ourselves.

5. Let Go Of Habits You No Longer Want to Entertain

Every time I think about this point, I picture people rushing for that gym membership on January 1st. And then by March, they are back to their usual routines. My biggest suggestion with letting go of old habits & striving for new ones, is to be realistic. Take baby steps if possible in the direction you want to be in. Habits are better formed this way then going full force all at once. Whether it’s adding a few healthier options on the grocery list or carving out a few hours in your day being active – these small changes will keep the enjoyment alive.

6. Say No More Often

I talked about this concept in my 11 Things I Intentionally Say No To blog post & I’m reiterating this fact because saying no is so powerful. I used to be quite the people pleaser & thought I had to accept every invitation or request that was presented to me. News flash, saying yes to everything simply causes intense burn out. So, in the new year say no more often & put your self care & rest time above certain things. Pleasing people won’t give you more friends, it only hurts yourself.

7. Learn to Gift More Practically

Living a simple life means not allowing excess clutter to enter your home or someone else’s. I’ve learned to gift & shop more practically by choosing clutter free alternatives. During the holidays, I shared 50 Clutter Free Gift Ideas that can inspire any gift related holiday in the future. I’ve learned gifting practically saves you money & allows you to shop smarter.

8. Shop Smarter

When we feed into consumerism & trends of society, we tend to over shop which can become detrimental to our bank accounts. By living a more minimalist life, I’ve learned I can live without so many things society tells us we should have. I prioritize the essentials & even find cheaper & more efficient alternatives. Not to mention when we shop smarter, we are helping the environment as well [ especially if it’s sustainable alternatives]. Check out this blog post on sustainable alternatives & plastic free swaps here.

9. Slow Down Your Routines

Society makes us feel like we need to be busy all the time. We need to be doing more & productively become faster. This is not the case. It’s actually more productive when we slow down some & take our time. Allow ourselves those breaks so burn out doesn’t fester. One of my favorite things to do is have slow mornings on the weekend or whenever I can. I’ll make a warm beverage & just sit in silence for a few minutes before my day really starts. Instead of rushing through our tasks, we should learn to savor them.

10. Stop Keeping Up With The Trends

You don’t need the new Ugg ultra minis or flair leggings. You don’t need to the newest iPhone if yours is still working great. Only buy trends if you genuinely love it. Otherwise, you are wasting your money on items that will go out of style in a few months or you’ll just get tired of. Stick with classics & buy items that make you happy & fit your style. If certain trends do that for you, great!

11. Lessen Your Screen Time

Downsizing my social media & intentionally choosing other activities other than looking at my phone or laptop screen has helped me stay grounded & relax more often. As a blogger, it’s tough because I’m always in front of my laptop typing away. But I try& schedule in time for reading a good book or spending quality time with family & my husband. Getting lost in good conversation is one of my favorite things & sometimes we can forget that act of connection when we are starring at our phones all the time.

12. Get Outdoors

I want to take more walks in the new year & get outdoors more often. I love going on hikes or just walking through the neighborhood. It’s so healthy to get that fresh air & vitamin d. And I think it’s something we tend to forget. In the dark winters especially, I find short walks to be so relaxing & help me get through the season depression that tends to creep in when it gets darker earlier.

13. Focus on Experiences

Focusing on experiences over material items opens yourself up to making new memories, stepping outside your comfort zone & evolving as a person. I love spending money on experiences & trips over new clothing or makeup now a days. In my honeymoon blog post to Maui, I talked about how the best money to spend in with traveling. And it’s so true. When you let go of the notion to add more clutter into your home & instead venture out and see the world, you are expanding your horizons & getting a taste of what else is out there. And you aren’t creating physical baggage for yourself that will weigh you down.

14. Downsize Your Products

I love simple routines for the efficiency & the quickness. As someone who has rather sensitive skin, I rarely like to experiment with new products & have an array of items to choose from. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” stands true with my lifestyle & my wallet also has thanked me. The concept of decision fatigue can really wear at us & so when we have less to choose from, it becomes easier for us to then focus on the parts of life that matter even more.

15. Live in the Moment

A habit I’m trying to enforce more in the new year is being more present & living in the moment. I think we all tend to live in the mindset of “what’s next?” when we really need to be focusing on the “right now.” How many times do you find yourself scrolling your phone mindlessly instead of engaging in heartfelt conversation? All of a sudden the voices around you sound like the adults in the Peanut specials & you missed every word someone said. Not only is that rude, but you are doing yourself a disservice of escaping from the present moment. Stop rushing your life & worrying about the future so hard. It’s good to plan & have goals, but I think we tend to forget that our future is based on what we do in the present.

How do you plan to simplify your life this year?

-B

Lifestyle, Minimalism

15 Ways To Simplify Your Life

January 1, 2021March 18, 2022 mindbeautysimplicity

Resolutions are a funny thing. We set these “goals” before the start of the new year to become a better version of ourselves. And I’m all for setting goals & improving one’s self, but can someone just wake up an entirely new person? I don’t think so. I think it takes time & with a set of changes put in place. When I started on the journey of minimalism, I didn’t just wake up & say “I’m getting rid of everything I own!” It took time & reflection to get where I am today. And I’m here to let you in on some of the secrets to simplify your life this coming new year.

SET SMALLER GOALS

Instead of choosing one main goal for the entire year, why not break them down into smaller ones each month or even each day. In the past, I talk about the importance of celebrating your small victories & the way to do this is to appreciate every moment & set realistic tasks to accomplish. You’ll ultimately feel more successful & productive without feeling overwhelmed in the process.

2. DECLUTTER YOUR BELONGINGS

A clear mind begins with a tidy environment. This is the perfect time to go through your belongings & ditch whatever is not serving you. If you are unsure where to even begin in the declutter process, here are a few posts to reference:

I Want To Declutter, But Where Do I Start?

10 Things You Don’t Need in Your Wardrobe

You Are Not Defined By Your Possessions

CHOOSE EXPERIENCES OVER THINGS

Top 30 World Travel GIFs | Find the best GIF on Gfycat

I say this all the time, your experiences are what you leave with. I also talk about saving money & spending it on meaningful things. Experience are just that- meaningful. If you are someone who is able to travel the world (once it’s better) then go for it! Soak up all of that culture & newness. I think that’s also the best way to enhance your knowledge of the world & become less ignorant as well. There is so much more to life than your immediate bubble.

3. BE GONE OF TOXICITY

Youre Toxic Toxic Person GIF - YoureToxic ToxicPerson NotHealthy - Discover & Share GIFs

I could seriously make a blog post solely on this topic. In the new year take pride in your social circle & choose people who really have your back. Toxicity can be found in many individuals, even family. If you have people in your life who suck the life out of you & create a burden to your wellbeing, let them go. I know if that individual is a family member, it can be difficult. But I’m here to give you the green light to even walk away from them. Life is too short to spend it with soul suckers.

4. PRIORITIZE YOUR REAL LIFE. NOT YOUR DIGITAL ONE

What Does Influencer Marketing Look Like Today? — DevTribe: New York App & Tech Development

On a personal end, deleting most social media (minus facebook) was the best decision ever. Granted, I still have a social media presence for my blog, I find that to be more business related. Even so, I make sure to take breaks from it all from time to time. I also have learned not to place such perfectionism to my overall aesthetic. The idea of themes & “brands” can overtake the mind. Stop clouding the mind with such pointless worries. If there is a social media platform you are tired of having, maybe this year is the time to get rid of it. I’ve even considered deactivating my facebook or at least seriously cleaning house of old content.

5. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF MENTALLY & EMOTIONALLY

It’s easy to tell yourself to go on a run or eat a salad once in a while, but when was the last time you asked yourself how you were feeling? I think when it comes to living simple, you have to embrace those emotions & treat your mind with care. I preach self care very often. But the most important form of self care is letting yourself feel those emotions, reflect on them & use them in a healthy way. When I wasn’t feeling as emotionally sound, these were the times I ran to shopping for the cure. Don’t rely on external stimuli to mend your sensitive heart.

6. CREATE A ROUTINE

Hair Morning GIF by SpongeBob SquarePants - Find & Share on GIPHY

This especially was helpful during these uncertain times where I had to make a entirely new routine for myself. Instead of laying in bed all day, I woke up most mornings to a cup of tea & breakfast, planned a workout & pampered myself so I was ready for the rest of the day. But the important part of this routine is to slowly take in each task. We live in a world that revolves around staying busy & moving fast. Stop and smell the roses once in a while.

Related Post: The Benefits of Slow Living

7. BUILD A CAPSULE WARDROBE

Closet Envy GIF - Closet Clothes Fashion - Discover & Share GIFs

Once you’ve decluttered your belongings & paired everything down, why not consider owning a capsule wardrobe with a set number of pieces? I can tell you, you’ll probably still have plenty of outfits to choose from & getting dressed in the morning will be quick & easy.

8. GET ACTIVE & BE HEALTHIER

Lifting Weights GIF by SpongeBob SquarePants - Find & Share on GIPHY

There are so many ways to transition into a healthier lifestyle. Drink more water, eat more greens, exercise for at least 20 minutes a day & just simply get moving. We live in such a sedentary world. We are on our phones & laptops more often than not. Especially being at home a lot this year, I find getting up, moving those legs & getting fresh air to be so important for our wellbeing. I don’t focus on the ideas of diets. That is a short term way of thinking. I like to consider it to be a lifestyle change because I’m more likely to stick with it. If I miss a few days or even a week, I don’t beat myself up over it. My end goal isn’t necessarily a number on the scale. It’s more so an active way of living.

9. TAP INTO YOUR CREATIVE SIDE

As human beings, we wear a multitude of hats. I don’t think any of us are just one type of person. I found myself discovering a lot of new hobbies this year. I embraced my creative side & started writing. Whatever hobby you want to try or skill you want to learn, this is the year to do it. The simplest way to grow as an individual is to learn. Read more books, learn a new language or skill. You are never too old to be a student.

10. BE PRESENT

Smell Rose GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY

Put down your phone & look up. There is so much more to the world then what’s on your screen. Sure, you may find all your news facts & information through the internet, but the best ways to enhance knowledge is taking a look around & listen to people speak. Start conversations, share opinions & open up your mind to new ideas. Use those senses of yours & dive deep into exploration. Life is short, so enjoy every moment. Next time you are at an event or location, try not to take any photos. I think our generation visits places all for the infamous photo op. I’ve found the most fun times were left pictureless.

11. BE MONEY SMART

Jerry Maguire GIF by Jerology - Find & Share on GIPHY

Instead of buying an entirely new wardrobe, why not pay off some student loans or credit card debt. I’m no finance expert, but I find people tend to spend money like it’s growing off trees. I’d rather live more modestly & have money to see the world. Prioritize your spending habits & possibility save as much money as you can this year. Last year, I participated in a low buy & I might do the same this coming year as well.

12. STOP PUTTING UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS ON YOURSELF

Unrealistic GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY

Sometimes when we create these goals for ourselves, we focus too much on our fantasy self. If you want to read more about this concept, click here. Your fantasy self is this unrealistic or dream like persona. It’s the personality we wished we had. It’s the skills we wish we knew. And it can even go as superficial as appearance. Many times are fantasy self is exactly what is holding us back from our true being.

13. LEAVE OTHER OPINIONS TO THE SIDE

Opinions GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY

I find a lot of my clutter results from items other people decide we need. Especially when you are young & starting out on your own, older people tend to see themselves as the experts to life. And don’t get me wrong, I still call my mom about how to properly boil & egg or folding a fitted sheet. But sometimes, adults are wrong. And as newly adults, we need to make our own mistakes & decide what is necessary & what is not.

14. RELATIONSHIPS ARE GREATER THAN THINGS

I feel like sometimes we forget people don’t really care about what we have. The most important thing to be in this world is a good human. Personality will always be greater than appearance. Nobody is going to like you more just because you own a designer purse or a pool. (Well….a pool is nice). But seriously, what matters most is how you speak to others, what you do for them & building solid relationships. For the family you have, through blood or by choice, it should be cherished as such.

15. YOU ARE ENOUGH

The biggest take away from all of this is understanding you are far more than what you own. If everything was taken away from you tomorrow, would you be proud of the person you are? You are the prize to the world. Everything else is just bonus. Never look at the things you have as tickets to be treated any better, seen as more successful & more liked. I don’t care if society has taught us otherwise. I’m here to tell you, in my mind, you are simply beautiful.

Be sure to follow me on my social media platforms:

Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest |

Tag: 15 ways

15 More Ways to Simplify Your Life for the New Year