Here are the 14 things I gave up for a simpler life.
If you feel constantly overwhelmed, booked up in a bad way, and struggling to find any free time for yourself, I recommend reading through. Giving up these things has completely changed my life in my shift to a more minimalist life, and I’m so happy I did.
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Giving up these things and living more minimalist can free your time and allow you to actually spend time enjoying life as you really desire to.
Not to mention, save you money for some as well!
14 Things I Gave Up For A Simpler Life
1. Cooking fresh every single meal
While I love eating freshly made food, it really takes up way too much time daily that I want to be spending doing other things. Meal prepping allows you to still save money by home cooking meals yourself, but having them ready to heat up in minutes. It also makes it super easy to plan meals and your shopping lists.
2. Always trying the new skincare/makeup
Social media and such always makes it seem like you need the newest products and like you have to at least try them, seeing if you want to use them instead. I got clear and minimalistic about my skin care and makeup, found things I really like and am okay with using up, and likely won’t try anything else until they are gone. (Unless it is something super special, but very unlikely!) Ya know, underconsumption core.
3. Buying endless new decor every season
I actually stopped doing this a lonnnggg time ago, and I’m so happy I did.
While I do like some decor, I don’t need a ton in my space to feel the vibe. I have a small amount of special decor for each holiday, and unless I really absolutely want something, I don’t get any more. Minimalist hints/sprinkles of holiday decor basically, is how I do it these days. And it is totally enough! (Less to store, less to clean, less to deal with)
4. Doom scrolling
This is definitely a hard one, as social media is literally so addicting. But you CAN overcome this if you work at it. Don’t open socials to “waste time” or pass time. Use that time for actual positive activities, or simply rest.
Socials are great for inspiration here and there, but not to be spending hours every single day. Live your life!
5. Listless food shopping
It can be so easily to rack up the grocery bill and also waste time if you don’t go in with a list and plan. I used to just go in with a “general idea” of what I wanted plus my weeklies, but not any longer. I decide what I’m making, plan out and list it before hand. This saves me both serious money and time.
6. Letting to-dos pile up
I used to be so overwhelmed that I couldn’t help but let things pile up honestly. And it really sucked. Now, I’ve learned to manage things much better overall, save time with other things to keep up with these to dos, and motivate myself to keep on top of tasks so I am never overloaded.
The feeling of not being overloaded anymore itself is enough to keep the momentum going for sure.
7. Non ingredient friendly recipes
I’m partly a food blogger so this may seem kind of weird, but it is true. Constantly needing new ingredients can be stressful and also not money friendly, so doing meals that can work well with what I already have, and with cost friendly ingredients are mostly what I do. (Obviously I’m not a typical food blogger, I am a minimalist, budget friendly food blogger lol)
8. Being lazy about reusable bags
Bringing your own reusable bags cuts down on both waste and clutter in your home. I love bringing and using my own bags, and it helps me keep things organized and stress free, mainly with food shopping.
Plus your home bag collection will go wayyy down.
9. Mindless sale shopping
This is super hard, especially when we have access to stores all the time digitally. But, both in store and online, put your blinders on and try to focus on what you are actually looking to buy. If something you need or have been really wanting is going on sale, great to take advantage. But loading up your cart aimlessly is just going to lead to more things taking up space in your home and head.
You don’t need to buy something just because it’s on sale!
10. Overloading my todo list
I used to be horrible with this a few years ago, but no longer. I make sure when I’m planning my days that my list for each day is actually manageable. You can do amazing things, but you are human. Plan your days in positive, productive ways that don’t cause burnout or extra stress if possible.
11. Not planning effectively
I started todo lists years ago, but not very well. I have evolved much further to using a whole digital system. I literally couldn’t live without it these days! I plan my days, months, years, and keep every single thing all in one place. The system I use is Notion and I couldn’t recommend it more for simplifying and taking control of everything in your life.
I even made my first template that you can use, ready made if you wish. You can check it out here!
12. Allowing digital noise
Notifications, news updates, responses, requests, ugh. The constant digital noise can have a huge impact on your mental health, stress levels, and productivity.
Consider turning off notifications for anything non essential, so you don’t always have things coming into your view, potentially steering you away.
13. Not downsizing and decluttering space/closet
This was a HUGE one to me. I had SO MUCH clothing, accessories, random items taking up so much space, and affecting my mental health. It was so much to clean, take care of, and honestly, just even decide what to wear. I always ended up wasting so much time dealing with my extensive closet and the clutter around my space.
Just literally, downsize and only keep the items that truly speak to you and you know you want to keep around.
For your closet specifically, try having an overall capsule closet, with some statement pieces and special items for when needed. I swear by this!
14. Living without routines
Routines transformed my life and I will always swear by them. Knowing that no matter what the days bring, you have that stable start and end that you can look forward to and count on to get you right (as possible, we know life happens).
Don’t underestimate their power. Routines combined with your downsized and streamlined items and lifestyle is a total gamechanger.
For more on routines, see this post here.
