“Slow Living” has become a trending topic in recent years, which I have to admit I am all for! I think it’s safe to say that we’re all craving a bit more simplicity in our lives these days. Having the world at our fingertips has turned out to be both a blessing and a curse. In fact, in most households, I’d even say that it casts quite the dark cloud over those inside when left unchecked. Wouldn’t you agree?
Why Do You Need to Simplify?
So, why should you bother trying to simplify your life in this ever changing, wild world we live in? These days our culture is overrun with an abundance of “to-do’s”. We are constantly being pulled in every which direction and being told what we should and shouldn’t care about or how to go about our day. Gone are the days of simplicity when you could just focus solely on yourself, your family, your home. Now, you’re expected to hold the weight of the world on your shoulders by constantly being inundated with terrible news articles, trillion dollar deficits, adults behaving as if they’re children playing make believe and a constant stem of negativity.
But what if I told you you could opt out of all of that? While you certainly do not need MY permission to do so, I do want to encourage you to live a more present life. Where are your feet planted? Be there.
Take a good look around you. Watch a thunderstorm rolling in, make a chalk hopscotch course on the driveway with your kids, go dig in the garden. Do something that will serve yourself and your family UNAPOLOGETICALLY. It is not selfish to put your energy into your own life and the lives of those you are entrusted to lead. In fact, I feel that is just what we need more of today – for people like you and me to pay closer attention to their own loved ones and pour themselves into bettering those people. Be the best steward of the beautiful life you’ve been given!
Benefits of Living a Simplified Life
We all know there are proven benefits to slowing down. Obviously, if you opt out of the hustle and bustle that’s sold to our generation as “normal”, you will be able to find more frequent pockets of calm in your day. These little moments are absolutely life giving when you take the chance to notice them and they are so important – especially for moms!
When your days are filled with constant movement and little people needing you, those tiny slivers of peace are so important! They can make all the difference on whether your family gets a happy and balanced mom or a frazzled parent with clearly anxious energy. A few major benefits of slowing down include:
- Reduced stress
- Better overall health
- More opportunities to make memories with your loved ones
- Increased focus
- Improved mood
- Clarity in every aspect of your life
- More meaningful relationships with your kids and spouse
- …plus so many more!!
How do I Simplify?
Okay now that you’re on board, how on Earth are you supposed to “simplify”? Do you just decide to become a recluse and decline every social engagement until you’ve found your groove? Honestly, maybe. Just for a little while, if you feel that’s the best route for you. If you’re a homebody like me then this may not be that difficult! 😉
Seriously though, there are a few easy ways to begin to get a grasp on simplifying your life and you can start these things today! Right now, in fact.
1. Delete your social media
Wait wait, don’t X out of this tab just yet! Hear me out.
I took my first major break from social media after we had our second child. This was also the year I officially became a stay at home mom. I was SO overwhelmed with all of the changes in my life at the time. Keeping up with other people’s lives while I was trying so hard to navigate my own new way of living was only adding stress and confusion about what I really wanted for myself and my family. The amount of influence the social media culture has on us is honestly terrifying.
Taking an extended break from all of your social media accounts can provide so much clarity for what you actually want out of this one life you’re given. Don’t spend your time comparing yourself to others! Instead, turn on a podcast or audio book. Pursue a new hobby or pick back up on something you used to enjoy but didn’t have time for anymore. Fill the blocks of time with something more meaningful – or simply “fill” the time with rest instead of mindless scrolling. Your daily life will begin to blossom with so much more meaning, and the effect on your mood will be almost instant.
Give it a try for at least a week, I promise you will not regret having that time back!
2. De-Clutter your home
I am so passionate about this one! Having only the items in your home that you use, enjoy looking at, or that have sentimental value will change the way you feel about your home (and life) and can give you so much of your time back! Think of all the areas in your life that you’re responsible for managing. If your home is one of the biggest pain points then you probably need to de-clutter.
Luckily, this is also one of the areas of your life that you have the most control over. As the woman of the house, your home is a reflection of YOU. The items that you’ve curated for your home speak volumes about the type of homemaker you are; whether that comes across in a good way or not is entirely in your control.
There is a certain level of peace and contentment that simply cannot be attained if you live in a clutter filled environment. Getting rid of the physical items in your everyday life that are no longer serving you can be so freeing! Do a quick purge in one small area such as a cabinet or drawer – nothing too crazy. Set a timer for 10 minutes and just do as much as you can before the buzzer goes off. I guarantee you will feel better afterward!
If you want to dive a little deeper, check out this step by step guide to de-cluttering your home here: A Mom’s Guide to Decluttering 101.
3. Pay off Debt
I realize this one is easier said than done. However, deciding that this will be a priority over the next 3-6 months, 1 year, or whatever time frame makes the most sense for your situation, will simplify your life in such an impactful way. Usually by the time you’ve reached your late 20’s you don’t even realize how heavy the weight of your debts are. It’s just another part of adult life, right? Well, for some people it is, sure. But it certainly doesn’t have to be this way.
I’ll be the first to admit that I was not smart about money in early adulthood. I maxed out credit cards and would pay the minimum balances on them which basically got me nowhere fast. I overspent on holidays and treated myself if I had a hard day. Whew, I wish I could go back and have a conversation with 20 year old me!
Paying off any debts you have will take SUCH a mental weight off. It’s one of those things that you don’t actually realize how much of an effect it has on your life until it’s finally gone. The freedom that comes with living a debt free life and living within your means is a beautiful thing. It is worth every bit of work it takes to get there. Start by talking to your spouse about this and making a plan. You will be so happy you did!
Conclusion
If you’re in a season of life right now where you’re feeling the calling to step back and simplify, these 3 areas are the best places to begin your journey towards a slower life. When you follow these tips and get started today, you’ll begin to feel some of the “weight” fall off almost instantly. Striving for a life of abundance truly begins with simplifying the things you can control. So, what are you waiting for? Start today and take control of your life! Delete those social media accounts off your phone. Take a good look around your home and PURGE anything and everything that is not serving you right now. Make a solid plan to get your finances in order if needed. Take the time to breathe deeply and savor the season you are in right now.
There is a reason that our generation is feeling the pull to live a slower lifestyle. Embrace the calling and really start living a life full of meaning and abundance.
