My husband and I travel full-time, so we’ve learned a thing or two about keeping life simple. Since we’re always on the move, carrying too much would slow us down (and honestly, it’d just be annoying).
Travel can be stressful, so we’ve picked up plenty of tricks to make things easier—otherwise, we’d never get a break.
Maybe you’re not a traveler like us. Maybe you’re a stay-at-home parent, a busy professional, or a student. But no matter your lifestyle, these tips can help you free up time, reduce stress, and make meaningful changes.
Start with the ideas that fit your life right now, and watch how much lighter things feel!
1. Learn to Say No
The word “no” gets a bad rap, but it’s one of the best tools for protecting your time and energy. Here’s how to use it:
- At work: If your boss piles on extra tasks, politely explain that taking on too much will hurt your current projects.
- With family/friends: If you’re asked for favors but already stretched thin, it’s okay to decline.
- With your schedule: Cut non-essentials. Carpool, delegate chores, or skip errands that aren’t urgent.
2. Outsource & Automate
Free up mental space by letting go of low-value tasks:
- Set up automatic bill payments.
- Hire help for chores (like lawn care) if it saves you time for more important things.
- Delegate tasks to family members (e.g., kids walking the dog).
3. Make a Smarter To-Do List
Stop procrastinating! Before bed, write down your top priorities for the next day. Tackle those first—you’ll feel less stressed the rest of the day.
4. Embrace Minimalism
Cut the clutter in your time and space:
- Time: Limit email/social media, set work boundaries, and reduce unnecessary commitments.
- Stuff: Declutter one room at a time. Keep only what you use and love.
5. Ditch the Negativity
Complaining drains energy. Try a “no complaints” challenge—swap frustrations for gratitude. You’ll feel lighter.
6. Read Life-Changing Books
Books on productivity, mindset, and simplicity can transform your habits. Look for ones on:
- Career growth
- Healthy relationships
- Home organization
7. Trim Toxic Relationships
If someone constantly stresses you out, set boundaries—or let the relationship go. Your peace matters.
8. Simplify Your Wardrobe
Like Steve Jobs’ iconic outfit, create a “uniform” or capsule wardrobe. Pick easy, repeatable outfits to save decision-making energy.
9. Tackle Debt
Start small: make a simple budget, then use a payoff method (like the debt snowball). Less debt = less stress.
10. Time Your Evening Tasks
Set a 5-minute timer for packing lunches or a 10-minute limit for breakfast prep. Short bursts keep nighttime routines manageable.
11. Wait Before Buying
Try the “2-week rule”: if you still want an item after two weeks, buy it. Most impulse wants fade fast.
12. Prioritize Health
Exercise and self-care boost energy and focus. Even a short workout can make you more productive overall.
13. Schedule Downtime
Protect time to unwind—whether it’s morning coffee, an evening walk, or quiet reading. Don’t fill every free minute with tasks.
14. Create a Launch Pad
Designate a spot (a tray, bowl, or hook) for essentials like keys and wallets. No more frantic searching!
15. Use Phone Reminders
Set alerts for bills, appointments, or tasks. Your brain won’t have to remember everything, which reduces stress.
Small changes add up. Start with one or two tips, and enjoy the extra breathing room!
