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9 Steps to Living a Slow and Simple Life

November 6, 2017 by Missy Rakes 13 Comments

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  Simple living has become a major buzzword in our culture over that past few years and I think it’s because our modern lives are so consumed with being busy and rushing around that people are craving more peace, quite and simplicity. When you talk about simple living it seems like a kind of pie in the sky concept that no one can actually obtain, but I think it’s a possible principle to live by and that’s why today I’m going to share some practical tips for slowing down and building in more white space into your day-to-day lives.

 

Turn off the Background Noise

  We have access to constant noise in our culture and I think it’s easy to become immune to it, but building intentional quiet into our lives is so important. Turn the TV off. Turn the music off. Turn the phone off and listen to the sounds of life. Extra noise can often mean extra stress that we don’t even know we’re adding, so turn down the noise. Keep a quiet house (and car!) and see how it affects your family and stress level.

 

Say No To Excess Screen Time

  Just like noise is everywhere in our culture, so are screens. We can’t control the screens at the gas pumps or the check out lines, but we can control the ones in our own home. Setting limits on screens in your family will make your life significantly simpler. Some ideas could be no screens at mealtimes or after a certain hour before bed. Screens drain us and should be limited in order to live a more simple and gratifying life.

 

Work with Your Hands

  There’s nothing more simple than sitting down after a long day and doing something relaxing with your hands. I love to crochet, but you could also learn to knit, sew, garden, draw, bake bread or anything else that appeals to you. When I’m working with my hands, my soul feels refreshed and my mind relaxes. We were made to create, so take a break from consuming and try a new hobby that just might be your new slow and simple stress reliever.

 

Stay Home

  There are a million and one reasons to leave our houses these days, but being intentional about spending more time at home is good for our families, our waistlines and our wallets. Implement a stay at home day once per week and see what fun (free!) activities or projects you can do around the house.

 

Learn to Say No

  There are a whole lot of good activities available, but the truth is, we need to be intentional about what we sign up for and what we give our time too because we can’t and shouldn’t try to do it all. Being selective about where our time goes is incredibly important. We all need down time in our lives (especially our children) and shouldn’t feel the need to be 5 places at once every day.

 

Schedule Downtime

  We’re all so busy and on the go in our culture because it’s seen as “successful,” but is it really? Our brains, our bodies and our souls crave downtime. It’s like a pressure relief valve for the soul and our cluttered minds. Try setting aside 10-20 minutes each day (without your phone!) to just sit and relax. You don’t have to be doing anything, but just sit and let the stress of the day melt away. I love laying down with some relaxing music and a sleep mask over my eyes for a short amount of time each day. It really does make a huge difference in my stress level and helps me to remember what’s most important.

 

Spend More Time Outdoors

  We are all so busy rushing from one activity to the next, that we often forget to stop and spend a little time in nature each day. Being in nature is a balm to the soul. It helps us to relax and relieve stress. Prisoners are required to spend 2 hours per day outside because it’s so beneficial, are you and your family getting the same?

 

Cook Simple Meals

  We have access to basically any food we want, which is great, but sometimes it seems like a burden because we have to decide which “perfect meals” to make each night. If you want to live simpler and lower your stress levels, then come up with a meal plan with easy, basic meals. Every night doesn’t have to be special or fancy. Make a list of 10-12 easy, no fuss meals that the family enjoys and rotate them throughout the month.

 

Declutter Your Home

  If you’re always bringing stuff into your home and never getting rid of anything, then you have a problem. Sitting around in a home that is full of clutter and stuff can stifle our creativity, stress us out and also make us depressed. Think about how much time you spend cleaning, moving, picking up and rearranging your stuff. Pretty crazy, right? The less we have, the more freedom we have and the less burdened we will feel. Set aside a time each week to go through one area of your home and make a donation pile of the things that you don’t use, like or need. I bet you’ll be surprised at just how much has accumulated.

 

  So many of these things are counter cultural, but if you want to live a slow and simple life then you need to be willing to go against what our culture is preaching. What would you add to the list?

 

Other posts you might enjoy:

If being a homemaker or caregiver has left you feeling drained, then you'll want to check out these 10 Life-Giving Habits that you can employ to feel refreshed and motivated on gracefullittlehoneybee.comCheck out this list of Ideas to Produce More and Consume Less on gracefullittlehoneybee.com

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  1. Maribeth Alexander says

    November 6, 2017 at 9:21 am

    I love this post! I'm retired, but I still try to find ways to simplify my life. You have some really great, common sense ideas here. I especially like staying at home and turning off the noise.
    Reply
    • Renee says

      November 18, 2020 at 7:36 pm

      oh that's just wonderful
      Reply
  2. Andrea says

    November 7, 2017 at 9:34 am

    Great article! I really enjoy your site!
    Reply
  3. Jennifer says

    November 10, 2017 at 11:36 am

    Love these! Thanks!
    Reply
  4. Kimberly says

    November 11, 2017 at 2:24 pm

    For me I would add reading my Bible and journaling. Great reminders in your article. Thanks?
    Reply
  5. Summer Sellers says

    March 28, 2018 at 10:14 am

    I love this! Such simple tips that are easy to put in place. There truly is so much rushing around these days. Everyone is proud to say they are "so busy" and I think we could all use a little slow-down.
    Reply
  6. Beverly says

    April 1, 2018 at 2:45 pm

    If so inclined, visit a house of worship at least once a week. Take daily time outs for moments of quiet and reflection.
    Reply
  7. Peggy R Sasser says

    January 22, 2019 at 2:48 am

    I have been working at trying to make my and my husband's lives more slow and simple. I am happy to have found your blog because you have some very good ideas as to how to achieve this goal. I am an introvert and both my husband and myself enjoy doing our own thing and things together. I have a chronic illness and I rest for about an hour everyday, it really refreshes me. I enjoy attending some activities, such as, bible study, and going for walks and dinner with friends. I also have been slowly decluttering our home. I look forward to reading more of your ideas and further achieving my goals.
    Reply
  8. Kamal says

    May 11, 2019 at 6:12 am

    Really great tips. Thanks.
    Reply
  9. Kara says

    July 13, 2019 at 11:53 am

    Learning to say no can be so hard, but really is a big part in learning to slow down in life!
    Reply
  10. Leo says

    February 16, 2020 at 11:41 am

    Is there a Book version of 9 steps to living a Slow and Simple life, and where can I purchase one thank you.
    Reply
    • Missy Rakes says

      February 17, 2020 at 11:54 am

      No, I'm sorry. You can print it out.
      Reply
  11. Nanci D. Lucey says

    May 14, 2022 at 5:48 am

    Always seeking new ways to relax but still accomplish goals of decluttering. We are both retired but we spend way too much time on cell phones, scrolling . We think you can give us some help with this.
    Reply

Welcome, I'm Missy and I'd love to help you cook from scratch, save money and live a more simple and abundant life. Click the buttons below to follow along on social media and get to know me better. Have a lovely day!

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