7 Ways to Start Living a Simple Life in Our Complex World

A Simple Life Is a Happy Life

First, let me share about something quite odd. In wealthy countries, people earn more money than ever before. Yet sadly, more people feel unhappy each year, and some even lose hope completely. Having more money doesn’t seem to make countries happier. Then there’s Bhutan, a small country of just 700,000 people. They live very simply. Though they don’t have much money, they’re known as some of the happiest people in the world. Incredible.

Perhaps it’s time we understood that having lots of things doesn’t make us happy.

In today’s world, where we’re always being told to buy more, living a simple life takes real strength.

I’ve watched many things come and go in my life. Through this, I’ve learned that we truly need very few things to live well.

When I was younger, my thoughts were quite messy and complicated. At that time, everything in the world also seemed messy.

Now, as I gradually focus on living simply and thinking clearly, the world around me seems easier too.

When you learn to live with less and spend your time on what really matters to you, something lovely happens. Your heart fills up with thankfulness and joy.

But how do we start living a simple life? I’d like to share 7 ways that have worked well for me. I hope they help you too. If they don’t quite fit your life? That’s perfectly fine. I hope you’ll find your own path to simple living.

7 Steps to Start Living a Simple Life

‘Morning Minutes’ matter

Start your day with three minutes of quiet sitting. You don’t need a meditation cushion or special technique. When you wake up, just sit on your bed or a chair. Notice your breath as it goes in and out. When ideas arise, just pay attention to them and then go back to focusing on your breathing. Take a moment to be grateful for what you have: your breath, your body, a place to sleep, and food to eat. This simple practice helps calm our desire for more, which can complicate our lives.

Gentle decluttering

Start with one small space – maybe a drawer or shelf. Pick up each thing and gently ask yourself, “Does this make my life better?” Let go of things gently, and be thankful for how they helped you.

Take your time. This isn’t a race. Your space will slowly become a reflection of what matters most to you.

Choose what’s enough

Be mindful of your spending. Pay attention to where your money goes. Do these purchases truly make you happy?

Before buying something new, ask yourself five questions:

Do I really need this?

Will I use it frequently?

Do I already have something like this?

Can I borrow it instead?

Will it improve my life?

This simple check helps prevent cluttered spaces and unnecessary spending.

This isn’t about denying yourself. It’s about finding contentment in having enough. When we understand what’s enough, we naturally stop wanting more.

I want to be clear about something. Living a simple life doesn’t mean being stingy. It’s about spending our money more wisely. Instead of following trends or buying things on a whim, we focus on purchasing what we really need and value. This also helps us save money.

I used to own three full closets of clothes. Two of them were filled with clothes I had worn only once and then forgotten. I now have one closet with items that I wear regularly.

Making space in your days

Our time is precious. Pay attention to how you use your time. What activities make you feel energised? Which ones make you feel tired? Living a simple life means doing things that reflect what you really want in your heart. It means learning to say no to responsibilities that don’t serve your well-being.

Focus on one task at a time

Our phones, tablets, and computers allow us to multitask easily. But this divides our focus and causes stress. Try doing just one task at a time. When you’re washing dishes, just wash dishes. When you’re writing an email, just write the email. When you’re eating lunch, just eat lunch. No phone, no TV, no reading. Just you and your food. Notice the flavours and textures. Chew slowly. Doing things mindfully brings up feelings. It’s about coming home to the present moment through our basic daily activities.

Choose your connections carefully

Choose your friends carefully, moving towards a simpler and more meaningful way of handling relationships. Try to step away from social connections that don’t serve you well. Don’t let other people’s words and actions sway you too much. Spend time on things that help you grow each day – reading, writing, learning new things… As I’ve continued to “trim” both my friend list and my life, I’ve found my heart growing steadier and calmer, and my life becoming simpler and happier.

Living a simple life allows for stronger connections. Spend time with the people you care about. Pay attention when others are talking. Share your truth in a kind and honest way. Let go of connections that don’t help you grow, so you can create real bonds.

Finding simplicity in anything

Simplicity is significant in all areas of our lives. At work, concentrate on what is important instead of getting caught up in unimportant tasks. Make calm areas in your home that help you relax and connect with others. Pick things that are good for your body and make you feel happy. Use technology carefully, seeing it as a helpful tool for your simple and quiet life, instead of a distraction. When you travel, look for events that make you feel fulfilled instead of just visiting places.

The Lasting Word

Living a simple life takes time to get used to, especially if you’ve been someone who tends to keep lots of things and lives in a rush. Be patient with yourself. Slowly, you’ll discover the peace that comes when you choose less over more, quality over quantity, and meaning over materialism.

And yes, living a simple life doesn’t mean your life will be perfect. But it might just be more beautiful, more meaningful, and more aligned with what your heart truly seeks. When you learn to be content with who you are, nourish your spirit, and simplify things, happiness comes more easily.

Let’s make this year a year of living simply.

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