30 Things You Can Do To Live More Simply

Now I'm experimenting with a simpler way of living—one that's less stressful and more fulfilling. I am by no means immune to getting caught up in the crazy pace of our culture, but I'm improving every day. Here are 30 of the most helpful tips I've picked up on the art of simplifying:

What are the five most important things in your life? Have you ever found yourself at the end of the day feeling like you haven't done anything you really cared about? Decide what you value most and commit your time to those things.

We often agree to take on more than we can handle. Create some boundaries on your time. When you know your major priorities, saying no becomes easier.

Have you ever almost been asleep and then received an email, Facebook notification, or Instagram alert that woke you up? Switch these notifications off and check them at a time that works for you, not as they come in.

Rather than turning on the TV as soon as you get home, write down what you're looking forward to watching and turn it on when that show starts.

Great fashion is not found in owning more clothes but in owning the right clothes for you. This capsule wardrobe challenge can help you decide what those are.

Solitude can be uncomfortable initially. When we slow down, we can hear our inner anxieties and stress more clearly. Rather than ignoring these, listen to what they have to say.

If you're anything like me, you may see eating as a distraction from the wonderful world of productivity. Buddhist leader Thich Nhat Hanh's guidebook How To Eat (Mindful Essentials) is packed with some great tips on how to slow down and find enjoyment in every meal.

Our physical space is symbolic of our mental space. Do you really need the 25 pens, 12 highlighters, and two staplers? Clear your desk of the nonessentials. Think about what you use, and discard the rest (responsibly!).

Routines can provide us with a focused time to commit to specific actions. Look at your morning routine and evening routine and ask yourself how you can edit them to be more nourishing.

Once I started thinking more carefully about my shopping habits, I realized I didn't need as much as I was used to buying. Take the time to consider your purchases.

Life is easier to operate when you're surrounded by less stuff. This room-by-room decluttering guide can help you decide what's actually worth keeping.

Stop spending more than you earn, and commit to taking small steps to pay off your debt month by month. Enjoy the physical and mental freedom that comes from being debt-free.

It's incredible how much more room we have when we're careful with the things we bring into our home. When you own less, you don't need as much space.

"More" is not an answer. What point are you trying to reach? Figure out what enough is for you so you know when to stop mindlessly accumulating.

Organization doesn't have to mean neatly packing away everything you own. The best way to organize your stuff is to get rid of most of it.

Have you ever been about to leave your house only to realize you can't find your keys, your wallet, and your phone? Have one place for everything, and save yourself the stress of trying to remember the last place you left it.

Meditation will teach you not to let your emotions drive your decisions and ultimately save you a lot of unnecessary stress.

Mental stress is associated with physical tension. Yoga is a way for us to focus on our breath and stretch our muscles, leaving us with a sense of flow in our bodies and minds.

When done regularly, walking can be a form of meditation that relieves stress and boosts alertness.

Focus on one task at a time. Regardless of how talented you are at taking on multiple tasks, you'll perform better when you focus on the one at hand.

Don't let companies take up your mental space by shouting at you about what you need to stay relevant. Only you know what you truly need.

Business can be a form of laziness since it keeps us from focusing on what's most important. Sit still from time to time, not to read or meditate or paint or draw. Just to be. It's amazing how much appreciation you can muster when you just sit down and listen for a moment.

We don't need a lot. Rather than buying more, consider buying fewer goods that are better quality.

The book Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways To Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really Matter is one of the best guides to simple living I've ever come across.

Many of us love the feeling of being busy, but set an allocated amount of time each day for checking personal emails to keep a clear mind.

If you can't pay for it in cash, you don't need it right now. Though it may sound extreme, I've gotten rid of my credit cards and started saving up for what I really need and have found it cuts down on impulse buys tremendously.

Though it can be hard for the human ego to accept, the world doesn't fall apart when we take a break. At the end of each week, switch off your phone and computer, close your diary, and enjoy some downtime.

Unused gym memberships, the latest iPhone plan, Netflix, coffee each day from the local cafe, the expensive car repayments, the oversized house...these are just a few examples of indulgent expenses. Think about how you can limit the excess and enjoy the freedom that comes with having more money to spend on what you really value.

Don't let an abundance of choice distract you from a healthy routine. Eating should be simple: Eat foods from nature, and repeat daily.

Create time during the year to leave your day-to-day commitments behind and take a trip. It doesn't have to be expensive. Camping, a cheap cabin, or an organized retreat can all leave you feeling refreshed.