The Benefits of Simple Living

So what are the benefits of living simply and what does it mean?

While the definition can be slighly different for everyone, there are some common threads. People who live a simple life, focus on the essentials and limit things that aren't necessary. It can also focus on self-sufficiency like growing and making your own food, making crafts and handmade items and not relying on modern conveniences.

The Difference Between Minimalism and Simple Living

Minimalism focuses on the idea that 'less is more'. (A style or technique that is characterized by extreme sparseness and simplicity). Removing the excess is the core of minimalism.

Simple living is a bigger concept that is more of a lifestyle choice. Minimalists live simply, but it is also possible to simplify without ever becoming a minimalist.

The goal of living simply is to focus on what matters the most to you. It could be family, friends or shared experiences. It is about limiting your distractions and simplify your life, which can involve slowing down when needed.

when you embrace a simpler lifestyle, you learn to be more content with less.

I believe many people would benefit from living a more simple life. In a world that focuses on excess and consumerism, we are encouraged to live beyond our means because we 'deserve it'.

Choosing to live more simply is countercultural, but if you are ready to choose quality over quantity and prioritize the things that make you happy, even if they aren't popular, it can be a big step forward to finding peace and fulfilment in life.

Without the distraction, noise and stress brought upon us by cluttered surroundings, too much technology, processed foods, it's easier to feel happy.

The Health Benefits of Simple Living:

It Frees Up Your Time For Creativity

You cut down on the amount of stuff you have to deal with when you embrace a simple life. There is less stuff to clean and fewer appointments to manage. You have more time for you and to tap into your creativity and do the things you love.

Allows For Better Concentration With Less Stimulation

With not as much to deal with, you will be in a better space to focus on whatever you need to - work, hobbies, exercise and conversations with your family and friends.

You might be surprised to see how well you can actually focus when you eliminate distractions with less screen time and constant electronic buzzing.

Your Brain Functions Improves With Less TV

Television is typically not watched every single night for hours on end when you choose to embrace a more simple life. Studies have shown that people who watch too much television experience a cognitive decline.

Simple Living Reduces Stress

Living simply leads to way less stress. When you don't have so much to worry about, high level stress reduces. The stress hormone, cortisol, are higher in cluttered spaces. Once clutter is removed, there is less stress. Stress can lead to poor sleep, heart issues, anxiety and depression.

Simple Living Helps You Sleep Better

Having adequate sleep is an integral part of living a healthy lifestyle. Health problems can be caused by a lack of sleep.

When you have less stress, you wind down faster at the end of the day and fall asleep faster. Decluttering your bedroom will create a more calming space with fewer distractions.

Keep technology out of your bedroom.

Being Joyful Improves Your Quality of Life

When you live more simply, it leads to a more joyful life. You focus on what matters when you have removed the excess stuff and have more fulfillment.

Reflecting on gratitude and being content with what you have will help you to fully embrace your simpler lifestyle.

The Lifestyle Benefits Of Simple Living:

Increases Self-Sufficiency

Simple living can involve living on a homestead or farm away from the city, but it doesn't have to. You can grow your own herbs, fruits and vegies anywhere.

You can make more meals from scratch with real ingredients, instead of relying on the convenience of fast food. You begin to learn to become more self-sufficient.

Help Protect The environment

You will benefit the environment when you take a more simple approach of living. Everything we purchase has an effect on our environment.

There is far less impact on the environment when we choose to focus on growing our own food, buying local and buying less.

Simple Living Relationship Benefits

By embracing simple living, you place more importance on quality over quantity. You will enjoy experiences over stuff. You will spend more time and energy on the relationships you have built with family and friends.

Not staring at televisions or dealing with the distractions of mobile phones, your relationships will grow stronger.

Master The Art Of Decluttering

Living simply helps you develop decluttering skills in your home. Simplifying your stuff saves you time, money and stress. You will hone your skills as you practice decluttering. It will get easier as you make progress and learn what is and isn't important.

Financial Benefits

Living simply will save you money. You will learn to become more intentional with shopping because you end up with fewer impulse purchases. Decluttering helps you to become more aware of what you already own so that you don't buy duplicates.

You save money when you stop buying unnecessary stuff. Most people waste money on things they don’t really need. Your expenses will be cut back.

If you live within your means, you will have less financial stress.