Top 10 Realistic Simple Living Tips for Moms

simplify life Oct 24, 2023
simple living tips image of mom kissing baby by a round hay bale

As a busy mom, you don't want to add another thing to your plate. However, by learning ways to embrace simple living, you won't be adding to your plate, but taking away from it. Sounds amazing, right?? I'm going to share some simple living tips with you so you can free up space to live intentionally.

What is Simple Living?

While you may find several different "simple living" meanings out there, basically, simple living is letting go and simplifying different areas of your life in order to prioritize and focus on what is important to you. You prioritize each area of your life so that you can live with purpose.

Since we are all uniquely created, each person who chooses to embrace simple living will have different reasons for doing so. For me, my purpose for living simply is so I can pursue the calling that God has for me without the distractions of things that pull me away from that.

Your reasons may be different than mine, but the following simple living tips will help you in your journey, regardless of the reason. These tips will help you live more intentionally.

Simple Living Tips

There are certainly many ways you can simplify your life, but I want to share some general simple living tips and guidance. This will be especially helpful if you're just getting started, but even if you've already started to simplify, I hope you will find some new tips.

Identify your priorities and values

It will be important for you to take at least a few minutes to think about the main priorities in your life. What do you value most? I would venture to guess that your relationships with your husband and children are up there. If you're a Christian, then your relationship with God should be first.

Think about what you want your family to be known for. What are the main things your children need to learn? Is it important for you to have time for serving as a family? What about sports or music lessons? Are they priorities, or something that's nice but doesn't fit in with what you want to invest in?

As you have your priorities and values in mind, it will become easier to make choices about what will and what won't stay in your life.

 

Use routines to make life easier

Most of us want life to be easier, right? I mean, I can't be the only one! While there are some aspects of life that you can't change or fix, there are things you can do to simplify. Using routines is a fantastic way to simplify life. You will want to build a daily routine for sure, but also other routines such as weekly routines and cleaning routines.

When your family knows what to expect, they will be much more likely to follow along and not fight about everything. Also, your children will thrive on routine and learn to do more things for themselves. This makes life easier on so many levels!

Start decluttering

Yes, I said decluttering. Just the thought of decluttering may seem overwhelming, but I promise that even some decluttering will pay huge dividends! Less stuff means less to put away, less to clean around, less to worry about. Less visual clutter creates a more peaceful environment as well.

Now, I'm not saying you need to go super minimalist (although you can if you want), but cutting down on your things is a great way to live more simply. Try eliminating things that don't serve a purpose or you don't really love. Definitely give it a try.

Block out free space

My next tip is to block out free space. Now this can be free space on your calendar as well as free space in your home. We just talked about decluttering, but as you declutter you may be tempted to add back in some new things. It's fine to leave some empty spaces on your walls or on your shelves. More open space will promote that peaceful environment we're looking for.

You will also want to take a hard look at your calendar. Do the activities you're doing fit in with your priorities and values? If not, it's time to let them go. Once you free up some space and let go of some things you're involved in, be sure to keep that time blocked off. Use that time to invest in relationships instead or even some much-needed rest.

You will need to learn to say no in order to keep that space in your life. As you know, if you agree to more and more things, you will be way too busy again! We definitely don't want that!

Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude may not seem like a simple living tip, but in order to live more simply, you need to be thankful for the things you have in your life. Learn to appreciate the little things and let go of the minor things that irritate you. Gratitude can transform your mind to think more positively and enjoy the many blessings you truly have. Having gratitude in your life will help you in all areas.

Make fewer decisions

What in the world do you mean by making fewer decisions? What does it matter? Let me tell you. Our lives are made up of so many little decisions. Decisions like "What will I wear today?" "What should I make for breakfast?" and "Do I have time to run to the store?" all add up and create stress. As the stress builds, we have a harder time making bigger decisions like whether or not to intervene in the sibling fight going on.

Some great ways to make fewer decisions is to either make a schedule for things or reduce the available options. For example, creating a menu plan will reduce the decision of what to make at mealtime. You'll already know. Building a capsule wardrobe will give you less options of what to wear, but you already know you love what's available.

You could also try setting a timer when you have a decision to make. Depending on how big of a decision it is, give yourself a minute or even a couple of days if it's a big one. When making big decisions, always keep your values and priorities in mind.

Unplug

Have you ever thought about how much time you actually spend on email, social media, or tv shows? A little here and there throughout the day, a couple of hours in the evening, and it all adds up. Try to cut down on screen time and you'll realize how much more time you have to do other things . . . things that add value to your life.

I'm talking to myself here. I pop on and off Facebook way too much, but we really don't need to stay caught up with all the latest happenings. Unplugging will give us more time to focus on our family, as well as our priorities and goals. Turn off those notifications, delete that app, and give it a try.

Live below your means

Money is a big stressor in over half of Americans. I know there are times when unexpected events happen and money is tight, but there are definitely ways to decrease financial stress in your life. Choose to live more simply and live below your means.

I'm by no means a money expert, but there are some simple ways to keep money from being a major stressor in your life. For instance, if you haven't already, start keeping a budget. Tell your money where it will go rather than just spending with no idea how much you could be wasting.

Decrease your spending by thinking before you buy. Is it a need or a want? I'm not saying that you can never buy something you just want, but make sure you're actually thinking about what you're spending your money on.

Choose experiences over things. We're trying to simplify our lives, and that means less stuff coming into our homes. Perhaps you might choose to buy a membership to the local zoo instead of more toys for your children. Ask for a day of relaxation instead of the newest kitchen gadget.

Reduce your workload

Another simple living tip is to reduce your workload. Work smarter instead of harder. Delegate chores to your children, opt for grocery pickup or delivery, set up auto payments for your bills, and try a meal delivery service such as Home Chef.

Slow down and be present

When you think back over your life, I have a feeling that you will treasure those moments when you really slowed down and enjoyed the activity, cherished the conversation, and savored the relationship. The times when you were frazzled and rushing from one activity to the next will be a blur in your mind.

As you work to live more simply, be sure to slow down and be present. Go ahead, enjoy a leisurely walk. Spend time curled up in a chair with a book. Take the time to invest in relationships.

Simple Living Challenge

Now that you've read through these ten simple living tips, it's time for a challenge. Pick one tip to start on today. Not next week. Today. For example, turn off your email and social media notifications now. Write down five things you're grateful for. Grab a bag and declutter for ten minutes. Play a game with your child. What will you choose? Please comment below. Oh, and if you haven't already, please sign up for the 5-day email Reducing Chaos challenge below.

You may find these helpful:

Are You Living Intentionally?

How to Create a Daily Routine and Stick to It