20 Easy Ways To Simplify Your Life (Even When You’re Busy)

I dream about reading Age of Innocence barefoot in the garden while sipping milky morning coffee.

I dream about browsing niche museums and sketching landscapes in my art journal. I dream about a slow, intentional life that doesn’t revolve around pinging notifications and a crammed calendar.

But honestly, I still wake up (all too often) to answer emails in bed then chug coffee on an empty stomach before I rush to start the day.

And while those dreams of reading Wharton in the garden on a Tuesday might not be very realistic right now, I’ve learned one crucial lesson over the years:

A simpler life doesn’t happen with huge overhauls and life-changing transformations in the style of Netfliix documentaries.

It happens with tiny but sustainable shifts. With little changes and 10-minute blocks of time carved out for yourself on a busy Wednesday.

So if you’re in survival mode just charging ahead towards the weekend, this is my ultimate list of practical and realistic shifts to make today to simplify your life.

Digital & Mental Clarity

1. Limit social media

It’s easy to lose track of time scrolling social media feeds that are designed to hook you in and never let go.

And for years, I never realized just how many hours I spent scrolling and comparing my life to unrealistic influencer highlight Reels.

If you’ve been feeling stressed, anxious or depressed but you can’t quite put your finger on why, then it’s worth checking your screentime on an app that tells you exactly where you’re scrolling.

Because scrolling only feels like rest, but it’s actually exhausting your mind and killing your attention span.

Dive into some analog hobbies that will make you forget all about your phone. Because limiting your screentime will just feel like a punishment if you have nothing to replace it with.

2. Write down your priorities

Write down your top 3 priorities every morning before you start your day. Focus on getting those completed and ignore any minor and non-urgent distractions.

Set aside specific blocks of time to answer emails and notifications. Tackle your major projects in stretches of deep and focused work – without checking your phone.

Give yourself credit at the end of your day for everything you ticked off the list. 

3. Free up your calendar

Learn to say no more often and put yourself first.

It’s easy to fill up your calendar with obligations and promises when you’re a people-pleaser who doesn’t always set enough boundaries.

Learn to let go of social expectations and politely say “no” to anything that leaves you busy and drained.

It may feel rude to cut things out of your calendar. But look at it this way: you’re making more time for loved ones and for things that really matter.

4. Take control of your inbox

Dedicate a few specific times during your day to reply to emails and messages.

And spend the rest of your time on focused work that’s not interrupted by notifications and chat apps.

You’ll be far more productive when you don’t let every single ping in your inbox interrupt your flow. And you’ll be far more efficient when you’re not constantly looking into your inbox.

5. Stop multi-tasking

I used to write “good at multi-tasking” on my resume because I really thought it was a valuable skill.

But now I know better. There’s lots of new research that shows how multi-tasking is stressful, messy and ultimately very unproductive.

You’ll get a lot more done if you block off a chunk of time to focus on a single task.

Not every work environment allows for deep work, but you can start by blocking off an hour to work on a single task without checking your inbox.

6. Retrain your attention span

If you spend hours scrolling social media and watching short-form content, then your attention span is probably not what it used to be.

A viral article in The Atlantic showed that even literature students at the world’s top universities have trouble getting through thick novels like Moby Dick.

And it’s no wonder when today’s 5-second social media clips are designed to deliver an instant dopamine kick.

Retrain your attention span like you would a muscle at the gym. Start by watching longer YouTube videos and reading print magazines instead of social media posts. Then work your way up to longer books and phone-free weekends.

Physical Space & Daily Rhythms

7. Create a morning routine

No, you don’t have to wake up 2 hours earlier to make time for yoga, journaling and meditation.

A good morning routine doesn’t have to take hours. It can be as effortless as 5 minutes of gratitude journaling with your morning coffee and a 10-minute walk before work.

I have some non-negotiables that are always part of my morning routine no matter how busy I am that day. And ultimately those few extra minutes in the morning make me much more grounded and productive for the whole rest of the day.

My non-negotiables include:

• 5 minutes of guided meditation (I use the Insight Timer app)
• 5 minutes of gratitude journaling
• 10 minutes of walking or yoga

8. Streamline your wardrobe

Streamline your closet with some well-fitting basics and multiple copies of pieces that you feel great in.

A capsule wardrobe saves you time in the morning and makes you look effortlessly polished. It also saves you money because you’re not chasing trends and buying pieces you’ll never wear.

Put a “donation basket” next to your closet for items that no longer fit. Use this basket as you’re trying on outfits and come across any items you can’t wear anymore.

9. Declutter your home

Clutter is proven to affect your stress levels, anxiety and sleep quality.

You’ll immediately feel better after just a 5-minute session of clearing out your desk or organizing a kitchen drawer.

Take 5 minutes to:

• clear your workspace and make a list of the day’s top 3 priorities
• turn a few unwearable t-shirts into dust rags
• wipe down your kitchen counters and put everything away in drawers

10. Create an evening routine

Spend your evenings doing things that truly recharge your energy and leave you grounded.

It may feel restful to scroll social media and binge-watch your favorite series after a long day. But hours of screentime actually just leave you depleted and anxious in the long run.

Switch all your screens off a couple of hours before bed – including emails, streaming services and social media. You’ll sleep better and wake up more refreshed.

Feel-good habits for your evening routine:

• gratitude journaling
• guided audio meditations
• reading
• yoga stretches in bed
• scented lotions and candles

11. Meal prep

Cook food in bulk and prep meals ahead of time to save time and eat better.

You’ll also order less fast food when you have something prepared to snack on.

For starters: whip up a pot of potatoes or rice as a staple that you can add to any meal. Make enough for a few days and refrigerate in containers.

12. Start a bullet journal

Start a bullet journal to get all your to-do lists and loose ends together in one place.

A bullet journal lets you track work projects, workout routines, books you’ve read and good habits you’re trying to build – all in one convenient space.

You’ll also get the added satisfaction of crossing items off your to-do list and tracking your good habits in a day-by-day chain.

13. Reduce your spending

Reduce your spending and avoid impulse purchases if you want less financial stress.

Does a lot of your daily anxiety revolve around money? Are you giving too much thought to retail therapy? Are you spending too much time thinking about what to buy next?

Let go of that constant need to shop for bigger and better items that you think will improve your life.

Appreciate what you have now and start a gratitude journal to remind yourself of your blessings. Declutter and use the products you have before shopping for more.

Nourish Analog Habits

14. Start a gratitude journal

A gratitude journal is the quickest way to lower your stress and become a happier and more grounded version of yourself.

It’s my go-to when I’m overwhelmed and need a fail-proof way to shake off anxiety or depression.

A gratitude journal trains your brain to notice the beauty and goodness in your everyday life. It lets you be kinder and gentler with yourself.

And it’s a slow and gentle miracle balm against stress, anxiety and overwhelm.

15. Schedule in your self-care

It’s not easy to squeeze self-care it into a busy schedule. So schedule it in and make it a part of your daily routine like brushing your teeth.

Anchor a new self-care habit into your already existing routine. Oil your hair and massage your scalp after you brush your teeth at night. Or do some quick affirmation journaling with your morning coffee.

Showing your body care and appreciation lets you know you’re worthy.

16. Get an analog hobby

Rediscover what you loved as a child before your job, responsibilities and social media feeds came along.

The more time you spend diving into an analog hobby the less time you’ll waste in front of your screens. And the more rewarding your life will become.

Whether that means gardening, cooking, drawing or woodwork, find a hobby where you’re creating something with your hands in the physical world.

If you’re not sure what you like, then try a few different slow living habits over a few weekends and see what feels good.

17. Spend more time in nature

Most of humanity lives in big cities where traffic jams, noise and pollution are far too common.

And it’s not always possible to escape to a country cottage for a weekend.

Head to your local park with a book to enjoy some seasonal beauty away from the city bustle.

Start a nature journal to become more aware of the plants and animals around you. And fill your home with potted plants to make your living space cozier and improve the air quality.

18. Live seasonally

Live more seasonally to boost your mindfulness and get in touch with nature.

Shop at your local farmer’s market and know what fruits and veggies are in season.

Celebrate seasonal pleasures like wreaths in the autumn and green salads in the spring. Celebrate the changing of the seasons and holidays like the Spring and Autumn Equinox.

You’ll be more in tune with nature and your local community. And you’ll feel more grateful for seasonal bounties.

19. Enjoy your food

Don’t rush through your meals and take more time to savor and enjoy your food.

Join the slow food movement and take pleasure in your meals as an antidote to soul-less fast food.

Plant an herb garden, get a few cookbooks at your local bookshop and play around with new ideas. Buy fresh ingredients and research your family recipes.

20. Read more books

There’s nothing as restful and indulgent as an evening in bed with a good book.

Reading is the antidote to today’s fast-paced society and constant streams of news, ads and social media.

But it’s not always easy to pick up a novel if you haven’t read anything in years.

Start slow with some print magazines or join a local book club for some added accountability.

Don’t force yourself to finish books that you don’t love. And read books on subjects you’re passionate about.

Read next:

My Morning Routine: For Productivity and Wellbeing

How To Start A Gratitude Journal (That You’ll Actually Love)

10 Best Slow Living Magazines (To Inspire You)

Reclaim your life from the digital noise.

Join my one-day Analog Workshop to get practical resources and interactive sessions to help you close the screen, defeat distraction and design an intentional life.

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