The idea behind simple living is to live a simpler life where you focus on what matters. You might choose to live simply because you want to save money, or perhaps you want to enjoy your free time without feeling guilty. Whatever the reason, there are many benefits to simple living. For example, if you decide to simplify your life, you will likely find yourself spending less time worrying about things that aren’t important. And since you won’t be wasting time doing things that don’t bring you joy, you will have more time to pursue activities that truly fulfill you.
So, what are the benefits of living a simple life? Read this article to find out how simple living is good for your health, finances, and happiness.
SIMPLICITY HELPS YOU LIVE LONGER
There are many reasons why simplicity helps us live longer:
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reduces stress
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promotes good nutrition
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improves sleep quality
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Reduces the number of medications people take
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makes people more physically active
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decreases the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco
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lowers the risk of obesity
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lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases
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lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s
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lowers the risk of cancer
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lowers the risk of depression
The key to simplicity is finding a balance between what we want and need. We must learn to say “no” to things that aren’t important to us and “yes” to those things that truly nourish us. We tend to be happier when we live simply because we don’t feel overwhelmed by too many demands. Living a simple life gives you more time and energy to focus on your health and well-being. You can exercise regularly, eat healthy meals, get more sleep and do things that make you feel good. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be able to live a happier and healthier life.
And it’s not just your physical health that will improve – simplifying your life can also do wonders for your mental health!
A simple life is good for your mental well-being.
Stress causes many health issues, such as headaches, backaches, and stomach aches. In addition, stress can lead to depression and anxiety. To help reduce stress, you should focus on improving your lifestyle. For example, you might consider quitting if you work long hours at a job you hate. Or, if you feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities, you could ask for help from family members or friends.
Studies show that people who live simpler lives tend to be healthier than those who lead busy lifestyles. For example, one study found that people who lived a simple lifestyle were less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. People who live simpler lives also tend to have lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. This means that they are less likely to feel stressed out. They also report feeling happier than those who lead more complicated lives. When you’re not constantly worrying about things, you’ll have more headspace to focus on the present moment and enjoy your life.
LIVING A SIMPLE LIFE CAN IMPROVE YOUR FINANCES
So, how does a simpler lifestyle impact your finances? Living a simpler lifestyle means buying fewer things, which helps you save money. When you learn to give up some of the comforts of your life and start prioritizing what you need, you’ll naturally spend less money and gain better control over your finances. Instead of eating out all of the time, try cooking at home. Maybe cancel that gym membership you never used to work out at home instead. When you’re no longer wasting money on unnecessary things, you’ll have more to spend on the experiences and items that are important to you. This could include traveling, family vacations, date nights, or putting that extra money into your savings account!
A Simple Lifestyle Makes You Happier
When you’re not distracted by material possessions or a busy lifestyle, you can take the time to enjoy life and its simple pleasures. Life’s simple pleasures are all around us. It can be feeling the sand or grass on your bare feet, the smell of fresh tomatoes from your garden, enjoying coffee on your patio, or your beloved pet greeting you when you come home. Sit down, and list simple pleasures that bring you joy. Continue to add to it throughout the week, and the next time you’re having a bad day, you can go back and look at it. You will be surprised by how those small, free things in life can lift your mood and make you happier.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, downsizing your life and simplifying your routine can make a big difference. Learning to let go of external distractions will allow more time to focus on meaningful relationships with your spouse, family, and friends. By making more memories together and truly focusing when you connect – not staring at televisions or your cell phones – your relationships will undoubtedly get stronger. In some cases, simplifying your life can also mean setting boundaries or completely cutting out toxic relationships in your life. It’s up to you to ensure that you’re not allowing other people to affect your ability to live a simple life.
A SIMPLE LIFE MAKES YOU MORE PRESENT, MINDFUL, AND GRATEFUL
When you start living a simpler life, your mindset will shift. When you no longer try to multitask 24/7 and take life a bit slower, you will become more present in the here and now. You will have more time to be mindful and notice all the good things happening around you right now. Simple things like witnessing a beautiful sunrise, listening to whippoorwills in the summertime, or reading a book while it rains.
Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can improve your life in many ways. A great way to make gratitude a habit is to write down a few things you are thankful for daily. Be grateful every time you walk outside. You can decide to make it a good day just by being grateful. You get this one life, and what you do with it is up to you. Your time is short, so every little bit matters.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Living a simple life has many benefits, including reducing stress, improving your finances, help you live longer and happier. When unnecessary possessions and obligations do not bog you down, you have more time to focus on the things that have more meaning. You’re also less likely to feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and more able to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Living can also improve your relationships with others, as you’ll have more time for meaningful conversations and activities.
All the best in your journey to simplicity!
xo, Jen
