To be clear simplicity isn’t the absence of depth, it is the clarity through which true depth can be seen. In many ways it is the quiet space where we can allow beauty to breathe and discover what really matters to us.
Simplicity and modern life
We live in a world that constantly pushes against simplicity, making it incredibly challenging to maintain a simple life. The modern world promotes a culture that can lead to an overwhelming accumulation of “stuff” and we may run the risk of becoming “stuffocated” both mentally and physically. Through our choices, we can make our lives overly complicated which can negatively impact on our overall wellbeing.
When it comes to materialism “Stuffocation” is a term coined by James Wallman, who is a cultural commentator and trend forecaster, to describe the feeling of being overwhelmed, stressed, and even suffocated by the sheer volume of possessions we accumulate. It’s the idea that having too much “stuff” can negatively impact on our wellbeing, leading to unhappiness, anxiety and a feeling of being weighed down.
In his excellent book, one I would highly recommend “Stuffocation – living more with less” he argues that our societal obsession with acquiring more and more material goods, which is often viewed as a measure of success or a pathway to happiness, is actually having the opposite effect. He suggests that true fulfilment comes from life’s experiences rather than possessions.
It is also important to be aware that beyond physical items, we are bombarded with information daily, and this digital clutter can make it hard to focus, think clearly, and simply “be” without constant input and stimulation. It is often referred to as information overwhelm and anxiety.
There can also be societal pressure to be constantly busy where we end up having packed schedules and multiple commitments. This can lead to mental clutter which leaves little space for quiet contemplation or really enjoying the simple pleasures in life, and this can end up making us feel agitated and stressed.
So what about the benefits of keeping things simple?
Simplicity often involves prioritising experiences, relationships, and inner peace over material possessions or external achievements. A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind, making it harder to appreciate the present moment or find clarity.
When we are always striving for more, we can lose sight of the beauty in having just enough, or in the inherent value of things that don’t cost anything. This could be relaxing and being truly present, basking in the wonders of nature, or enjoying a heartfelt soulful conversation.
Keeping life simple in the modern world is a wonderful goal, and it’s achievable! It’s all about making conscious choices that align with what truly brings us peace and joy, rather than getting caught in the cycle of constant accumulation, clutter, distractions and general busyness.
So here are five ‘simple’ tips for creating more simplicity in your life so you have room to focus on what really matters:
1. Cultivate a simple mindset:
Practicing daily gratitude and regularly noticing and appreciating what we already have is a great place to start as this can shift our focus away from what we lack.
When we embrace the beauty of “enough” we are able to truly appreciate and concentrate on what we have, rather than chasing endless wants or comparing ourselves to others. By simplifying our attention and expectations, we naturally reduce mental clutter and foster inner calm and clarity.
2. Review where you spend your time
Time audits can be a useful way to really understand where our time goes. It also helps to prioritise commitments and learning to set healthy boundaries and saying “no” to things that don’t add value is key to keeping things simple. A lack of assertiveness and constant people pleasing can make life complicated.
3. Reduce multi-tasking
We may believe that multitasking makes us more productive. Numerous studies have shown that it actually reduces overall productivity, and it can take us longer to complete things. The time lost in task-switching, recovering focus, and correcting errors can add up significantly. A simpler approach of single-tasking often leads to faster, higher-quality completion of individual tasks.
Also, it is worth contemplating that when our mind is scattered, we are less likely to find joy or satisfaction in our activities. The feeling of “flow,” where we are completely immersed in a task, is rarely achieved when multitasking. Personally, I have a propensity to multi-task and can be a bit of a butterfly due to a low attention span and a wandering mind. I have to really discipline myself to focus on doing one task at a time. When I do this, I feel so much calmer, lighter and more satisfied. So, it helps to be like a wasp rather than a butterfly when it comes to getting things done. One task sting at a time!
4. Declutter your physical space
Our brains are constantly processing visual information so when we are surrounded by clutter, there are more stimuli competing for our attention. This “visual noise” can lead to cognitive overload and this constant mental effort can be exhausting and lead to elevated stress levels.
A simple “marginal gains “approach is far more helpful than trying to do everything all at once. Pick one drawer, one shelf, or one file, and work from there. Ask yourself if an item truly brings you joy or serves a purpose. If not, consider letting it go and find a new home for things you no longer need. This is better for the environment and will help others too.
Also aim to keep flat surfaces around you as clear as possible because this can instantly make a space feel calmer and less cluttered.
5. Simplify your digital life
Digital clutter can build so easily so here are a few ways to simplify things:
- Pick one device or area to focus on first
- Go through your apps and delete any that you don’t use or need
- Organise your files and create folders for your files and organise them by topic or date
- Clean up your inbox and delete or archive old emails
- Unsubscribe from any mailing lists that you don’t want to be on
- Clear your browsing history and cookies
- Review your social media accounts and unfollow any accounts that don’t add value to your life
In summary
In essence, simplicity is about consciously choosing what truly matters and letting go of the excess that clutters and distracts our lives and minds. This fundamental shift in perspective allows us to be more adaptable, calmer, less stressed, and satisfied. Who doesn’t want a bit more of that!
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