Minimalism

As we age, life can become more complex and challenging. Juggling work, family, and social obligations can be overwhelming at times. For seniors, it is important to simplify their lives in order to enjoy the golden years! This blog post will discuss 10 tips for simplifying your life as you get older.

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1: Let go of material possessions.

As we age, it is important to let go of material possessions that no longer bring us joy. If you are holding onto items that you never use or wear, it may be time to declutter your life!

Senior citizens often have a lot of stuff. They’ve been collecting things for decades, and it can be hard to let go. But getting rid of clutter can make your living space more manageable and enjoyable. Consider having a garage sale, donating items to charity, or giving away things to family or friends.

It can also be helpful to downsize your home if you’re finding that you don’t need as much space as you used to. Moving into a smaller home can reduce your monthly expenses and make upkeep easier.

2: Don’t overcommit yourself.

One of the best ways to simplify your life is to learn to say “no.” You don’t have to commit to every event or activity that you’re invited to. It’s okay to decline an invitation if you’re not interested or don’t have the time.

It can be difficult to turn down invitations, especially from family and friends. But by saying “no” more often, you’ll be able to focus on the things that are truly important to you.

3: Simplify your wardrobe

Do you have a closet full of clothes that you never wear? If so, it’s time to simplify your wardrobe! Get rid of clothes that are out of style, don’t fit well, or that you just don’t like. Keep a small selection of clothing items that you actually enjoy wearing.

It may seem like a lot of work to declutter your closet, but having a simplified wardrobe will make getting dressed each day easier and more enjoyable. Plus, you’ll save money in the long run by not buying clothes that you’ll never wear.

4: Cut down on expenses.

As you get older, your income may decrease while your expenses stay the same or even increase. It’s important to cut down on unnecessary expenses in order to simplify your life.

Start by evaluating your monthly spending. Where can you cut back? Do you need to cancel any subscriptions or memberships? Are there any bills that you can eliminate? Once you’ve identified areas where you can save, make a budget and stick to it!

Living within your means will help reduce stress and make it easier to enjoy retirement.

5: Make time for your hobbies.

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Do you have a hobby that you’ve wanted to get back into? Or maybe there’s something you’ve always wanted to learn. Now is the time to make it happen!

Hobbies can provide a much-needed sense of enjoyment and relaxation. They can also help keep your mind sharp as you age. So if you’re looking for ways to simplify your life, make sure to include some time for your hobbies! Getting active will improve your health and mental well-being. 

6: Stay connected with friends and family.

One of the best ways to simplify your life is to stay connected with your loved ones. Whether you live near or far, there are many ways to keep in touch. Technology has made it easier than ever to stay in touch with family and friends via video chat, social media, and more.

Make an effort to reach out to your loved ones on a regular basis. Set up weekly phone calls or monthly video chats. Or exchange emails or letters if that’s more convenient. Staying connected with those you care about will help reduce stress and make life more enjoyable.

7: Get organized.

Another way to simplify your life is to get organized. This may mean decluttering your home, setting up a filing system for important documents, or creating a daily schedule. Whatever it takes to get organized, do it! Having an organized life will make day-to-day tasks much easier and less stressful.

There are many different ways to get organized. Find what works best for you, and stick with it! There’s no right or wrong way to do things, as long as it works for you.

8: Don’t sweat the small stuff.

One of the best pieces of advice for simplifying your life is to not sweat the small stuff. In other words, don’t let the little things bother you. Life is too short to get worked up over every little thing that goes wrong.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should ignore major problems. But it’s important to keep things in perspective and not let the small stuff ruin your day. Learn to let go of the little things and focus on what’s truly important in life.

9: Learn to say “no.”

Saying “no” can be difficult, especially if you’re a people pleaser. But learning to say “no” is an important part of simplifying your life. If you’re constantly saying “yes” to things that you don’t really want to do, you’ll end up feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.

Instead, start practicing saying “no.” It may be hard at first, but it will get easier with time. And by saying “no,” you’ll be able to focus on the things that are truly important to you.

10: Lookout for underlying diseases.

As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to diseases. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of common diseases so that you can seek treatment early on. Many diseases can be effectively managed if they’re caught in the early stages.

Some common diseases that affect seniors include heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. If you’re concerned about any of these diseases, talk to your doctor. They can provide you with information and resources to help you stay healthy and simplify your life.

Mesothelioma, for example, is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. Early symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Find out more about the causes of mesothelioma and the mesothelioma survival rate.

By following these tips, you can simplify your life and enjoy your golden years to the fullest! These are just a few ideas to get you started. So take some time to explore what works best for you and make the most of your retirement years! 

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When adopting the minimalist approach to interior design, claiming back as much space as possible will play a key role. After all, a cluttered and claustrophobic property will stop you from achieving the desired atmosphere.

Here are six of the best tips to help you regain control of your home with a view to making it look and feel more spacious.

Lose bulky furniture

When decorating the room, adding the right furniture will have a huge impact. Losing the bulky display cabinet in favor of wall-mounted shelving can work wonders. Similarly, switching a large coffee table for a compact side table can work well. Check out this guide to buying products for even greater results. If they consume less space and allow you to bypass additional purchases, success is assured.

Sell unwanted goods

If you are committed to ensuring your possessions will take up less space, a thorough review is advised. Go through all of your items and decide what items are no longer needed. They can subsequently be sold online or via offline channels like yard sales. Aside from clawing back extra space around the home, it should generate a nice cash injection. Video games, electronics, and fashion items are all common solutions.

Store items elsewhere

Even when you’ve removed the items you no longer need, some of the remaining possessions aren’t needed all the time. In this case, you may find that storage options like StorageArea.com are a life-saver. It means you get to keep the items without having them take up valuable space within the home. You’ll still have access to the items, whether they’re vacation items or filming equipment, as and when they are needed.

Knockdown a wall

Open-plan living space will make the home look bigger and less cluttered, even when the physical gains are just a few centimeters. Learning to knock down an internal wall with Dumpsters.com will serve you well. Otherwise, creating a serving hatch between the kitchen and another living space gives you a versatile approach. Sliding doors that lead out to your open garden spaces can be very useful too. The options are endless.

Use Smart Tech

A wall-mounted smart TV that gives access to your favorite streaming services and needs very few wires is a great way to avoid TV boxes and other items. It’s an approach that also removes the need for DVDs and CDs. Meanwhile, Smart home facilities ranging from thermostats to speakers or security let you use the power of digital tech. In turn, your property will feel more modern and suited to minimalist living.

Make the most of unused space

If your home has an attic or a basement, you should look to embrace it. Conversion will require a significant outlay but is also rewarded with new living spaces and a higher property value. Crucially, it means that another room can focus on one purpose rather than two, thus allowing you to keep it less cluttered. As such, the vibe across multiple rooms will carry a greater appeal. Supporting the minimalist approach is only the start.

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It’s that time of the year where everyone wants to have a patio makeover. It’s no surprise, as the heatwaves across the world are bringing people out of their air-conditioned homes to enjoy the sun. If you can’t travel to your chosen holiday destination, then the least you can do is sunbathe at home. For this and more, the patio has become our sanctuary. It’s an ideal place in the home to relax because you are never too far from the kitchen where you can go and make a snack and you aren’t too enclosed where you can’t hear the birds singing. However, patio designs are forever changing, they always present a challenge to those that find it difficult to style outdoor areas. We have to approach this area, with one eye on practical sense and the other on charming decor.

Romantic English

If you go to the south of the UK, mainly in England, you will find so many quaint little patios. These are on par with the French when it comes to simple beauty. Vines and large plants surround the patio bench, where you can sit in comfort. The plants around the benches keep you cool, as they absorb carbon dioxide and pump out soothing oxygen. Not to mention, the benches have cute cushions on them, usually made out of a mixture of cotton and wool. All local of course, as the British patio styles all, originated from local rural residential areas like villages and towns.

Consider placing some bamboo chairs around a bamboo side table, where you can place your tea and snacks. The stereotypical red and white chequered tea towels of the English countryside should make an appearance. Remember to add a stone sculpture as this is a very common feature in many rural patios. They go for something that is more or less British rococo, something like bathing ladies or tall warriors. It’s a great style which you should try and see in person next time you visit England.

The all-white Nordic

Perhaps out of all of the patios, the Scandanavian one is the most neutral. It’s very white, but you can have lots of patterns and stripes in your seating area. For example, you can have strong wooden chairs with deep seating positions, but have plenty of cushions to keep you comfortable. If you find that you live in an area where it rains or you have lots of wind to cope with and you don’t want to clean your cushions for hours on end, here is how to clean outdoor cushions with relative ease. All-weather covers are an absolute must, they will prevent your foam or sponge from getting too wet and too dry.

Your white dining table should be made out of a lighter wood such as cedar or a lightweight oak which you find in some parts of the Nordic nations. Pine is also a wood that is great for patios because it is so light and easy to style. Placing some flower pots around your patio is a great idea to break up some of that heavy neutral look. 

Modern hangout

If you want something modern, contemporary, and practical, go with the minimalist patio design. This is something that everyone can get on board with as it’s also the cheapest. All you need is a pergola or perhaps if you already have a shelter of some kind over the patio, that will do too. Hang some hammocks from one pillar to the other, making sure you set the right height so it’s not dangerous to fall out of. Then you can nail a wooden board to the pillars so you have somewhere to place your drink without knocking it over. Perhaps a windshield would be good too, in the form of a small wooden piece along the side.

Now all you need is some LED lights that you can hang or fit around the patio. You can control these types of lights with your phone making it super convenient when you want to turn on the lights or change their color while relaxing in the hammock. 

Placing some plants around the edges of the patio not only defines the space boundaries but also, gives you a little bit of a separation from the lawn. A glass coffee table surrounded by some chairs would be a great addition, but make sure that it’s a roundtable instead of rectangular. The latter will prevent movement around the patio as no one wants to be hit by sharp edges.

The rustic option

When you go to Greece or Rome, you will never forget how wonderful their patios are. They are made completely out of stone. There isn’t a single brick to be found and they use very old but strong wood such as oak, walnut, and others. Funnily enough, these usually grow in northern Europe, so they ship them in just to make their chairs and tables for the patios.

The rustic style means that the tables won’t be painted usually, but they will be smoothed down and given a nice coating of oil. This prevents them from drying and cracking but also gives them that wonderful orange and red color that you see so much in travel ads.

Consider seating that is basic, such as a wooden bar stool or perhaps a rattan rocking chair. You will also see footstools and ottomans in the rustic patio styles, as many of the old men in Italy used to use them to play cards and put their feet up in their villages. Some candle lamps would be brilliant too. Make sure they are made out of clay or wood that has been treated with fire-resistant oils. 

Mid-century style

These patios came out of the 1950s but they started to become popular in the 40s. The mid-century style was very popular because it used very lightweight materials, used very large seating arrangements such as the large wicker sofas and big open vineyard seats. This style was taken on by America and they took it to the next stage.

They introduced a large fire pit in the center where you can sit and swap stories, roast some vegetables or meat, and heat up your coffee in the snow. The lightweight seating and cushions were affordable so you didn’t mind if they sang once in a while. 

You can also go for what the Americans did, which is replace the lighter wood choices of Europeans, with the heavier teak wood. This is wood that you might find in sofas for your living room, so it’s sturdy and won’t be moved around by gusts. In more recent times, modern composite chairs made of steel and wood have been found in American patios. The steel is painted black and the armrests are wooden, so this is comfortable on the arm and you don’t burn yourself if the seats have been out in the sun all day. The powder-coated steel chairs and tables are also an option.

Which of these patio styles do you think has the best approach for your lifestyle? The classic English country patio is great if you have a small garden and patio. If you want something that is more modern, go for the American style. If you would like something with a bit more history, more of a mature feel, then go for the rustic patio. All of these will bring a great deal of style to any home. 

There are several advantages of creating a more minimalist garden. Firstly, decluttering your space will have a calming effect, especially if you introduce more low maintenance features. You can also make the most of a small area such as a patio or balcony using tricks like container gardening. A minimalist garden should also be eco-friendly. This means reducing waste, using native plants, and recycled materials. You can also welcome the local wildlife. Here are a few quick tips on how to create a charming yet minimalist garden.

Container gardening

If your space is limited or you are looking for budget home improvement plans, container gardening is ideal. You can turn old household items into planters or even complete miniature gardens. Set these up as a decorative feature. Alternatively, use wooden crates or old drawers as contained flower beds for growing herbs and vegetables. These are pretty low-maintenance as you’ll only have a small area to water, and you can move them around according to the sunlight throughout the year.

Plant raised beds

For larger gardens, raised beds are also ideal for growing low-maintenance flowers and vegetables. Build your own raised flower beds to fit the size and style of your garden. You can edge the beds with stone or recycled bricks, or even reclaimed wood. These will be self-contained and you can use them to border the garden path, wild lawn, or classic minimalist hardscaping features.

Create zones

Separate your yard into zones, to keep it decluttered and organized. Set up an area with Outdoor Furniture for dining and entertaining, and other zones for planting, a children’s play area, or even a place to meditate. You could also use trellises, screens, or shrubs to create barriers between zones. Even build your own vertical garden using reclaimed wood or bamboo, for example. Select materials that match your minimalist ground scraping theme.

Minimal plant variety

Choose a select few plants, and ensure these are native. This means they will thrive easily in the local climate and won’t be invasive. A minimal plant variety also means a more low-maintenance garden. You can search for species indigenous to your area using this native plant finder. Plan the landscaping of the garden carefully so you can watch your chosen few plants bloom against a minimalist background. Consider selecting different plants according to the season as well, so you’ll have a touch of greenery all year round.

Let your lawn grow wild

The lawn can often be the most high-maintenance part of the yard. A perfectly manicured lawn also isn’t as eco-friendly. Why not replace your lawn with easy-care wildflowers? This way you can work with the environment and encourage the natural ecosystem. Another alternative is to plant moss or other ground coverings. These will be more appealing to local wildlife and are very low maintenance. Make your yard more inviting to your guests and visiting critters this year. The trick is to make the most of the space while following the principles of sustainability and minimalism.

The very concept of minimalism revolves around the idea that less is more. It’s a way of life that encourages you to not get caught up on material things and fill your life full of junk and clutter. With that in mind, many people wonder how you decide what to buy as a minimalist. Realistically, you need certain things in your life to survive, and you can’t live with anything to your name. So, how do you look at products and determine if they fit the minimalist nature or not? Well, here are some secrets that should make things clearer:

Is the product essential?

You can answer yes or no to this question and you could still end up buying the product. It’s okay to buy non-essential items, but only if they meet other standards – which will be discussed as you progress through this guide. However, you can usually determine whether to buy something if the answer is yes. Essential items are worth purchasing because it means you need them in your life. This relates to things like microwaves, air conditioners – anything else around your home that might be key to how you live. 

Is the product multifunctional?

This is a great question when looking at non-essential things to buy for yourself. Certain products have more functions than others, which is great for minimalists. A great example is a set of AirPods Pro. Many minimalists may want to listen to music, so they look for a set of headphones. Normally, headphones seem like a waste of space and money, but items like these AirPods are different. Why? Because they have numerous functions that let them act as various products. As well as letting you listen to music, they have features that replicate those of hearing devices, amplifying sounds around you and helping you hear more clearly. They can also act as earbuds by blocking out noise, and serve as hands-free devices to make and receive calls. 

Storage furniture is another fine example of a multifunctional product. On the one hand, a footstool could function as a footstool. However, it also has storage inside to function as an extra storage box. Items with multiple functions are crucial for minimalists as you can minimize the products you buy by getting things that serve many purposes. 

Does the item have longevity?

The final question is whether or not the item has longevity. In essence, will it last for a long time and be used often. If it will, then it can be worth buying. Again, this helps to fit the minimalist mindset by stopping you from constantly buying things over and over again. You can buy a product, use it for years, and have no need to constantly replace it. 

Overall, these questions should help you figure out if a product fits the idea of minimalism or not. If it isn’t essential, it should at least be multifunctional or have longevity. Ideally, it will have both of the last two factors – or all three!

It’s never a healthy feeling to think that you don’t have much meaning in your life, or that perhaps everything you do on a daily basis doesn’t really hold much meaning for you. Finding meaning in life is essential for more positivity and happiness. However, meaning in your own life should be completely personal to you; you should avoid comparing your own life to others to find meaning, and instead look within to the simple ways you can find your own fulfillment. 

Here are 5 ideas for how you can do that.

1. Set Your Own Goals 

You can find more purpose and a sense of accomplishment in life when you set your own goals. Goal setting can also help you to become more focused on achieving something specific, which can be very motivational. 

Your goals should always be your own and it doesn’t matter whether they are big or small. They can be career-oriented or goals for your personal life — whatever it is that you want to achieve. You can then plan out the right steps to achieving your goals and feel more positive knowing that you’re working towards something which has more meaning for you. 

2. Find Your Passion 

This could be in your job, or in your personal life as a hobby. Having any sort of passion in life is key to feeling more fulfilled and finding more enjoyment in your day-to-day routine. If you’re struggling to know where your passions lie, try new things, and be open to new experiences. Think about what you already like to do and tailor any new hobbies around that. 

If you’re thinking on a larger scale regarding a career which you’re passionate about, then be sure to think carefully about which careers appeal to you, what kind of working routine you would like, and how you can work to achieve any career goals. 

3. Care for Your Mental Health 

If you’re suffering from mental health struggles in any capacity, this can serve to really disrupt your life. It can leave you feeling as though your life has no meaning at all, or perhaps sets up barriers that stop you from achieving what you want to achieve. 

Caring for your mental health, and acknowledging that you’re struggling, is key to giving your life more meaning, and living the life you want to live. You can always seek help, like with edentreatment.com, to get your life back on track the way you want it to be. 

4. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

The only way to reap the biggest rewards and find new experiences is by stepping out of your comfortable routine. Try something new, try activities you’ve always wanted to do, and do those which scare you. Don’t let feeling anxious hold you back, as something you choose to do may become the thing that you’re more passionate about.

5. Surround Yourself with the Right People

Who you spend your time with can either add meaning or take it away. The right people will promote more positivity and passion in your life and these relationships will provide more fulfillment than toxic or negative ones which can sap your energy. Be sure to reevaluate any relationships if you need to. 

Try these ideas as key first steps to finding more meaning.

Do you sometimes feel like you just don’t have enough time in the day? When someone asks how you are, is your answer always, I’m busy with work?

Too many of us are feeling overwhelmed. Especially women. Particularly mothers. Times dedicated to wandering, exploring, playing and checking out the world have taken a back burner to the pressures and stresses of everyday life.

Just keeping up with the frantic pace of businesses, piano lessons, school activities, and organized sports leave many women barely able to come up for air some days. We are often left feeling scattered and exhausted. To put it plainly, the pace of our cultural business leaves us feeling empty.

Thankfully, as women, we do have an outlet. We don’t have to buy into this hectic pace. Instead, we can take the intentional path of slowing down. We can choose to simplify our schedules, and through doing so can enrich and enhance not only our health and well-being – but that of your kid’s and spouses, too.

We can cultivate a mindset that reduces stress, anxiety, worry, and distraction.

How is this done? Through mindfulness.

While life may be busy, it doesn’t have to feel crazy and cluttered. By creating a mindful lifestyle we allow ourselves to not only begin the process of slowing down and learning but savoring those moments of pause in our lives. Beyond this, science has also proven that those who lead less complicated lives live longer, score higher on aptitude tests, and have lower instances of anxiety-induced illness.

Changing our perspective changes our whole experience of life. Mindfulness changes our opportunities.

With these truths in mind, and as we are all currently in the season of thankfulness, I’d like to share with you today ten tips for bringing more mindfulness to your current season of life:

When walking, just walk. When sitting, just sit. This is mindfulness of the present moment. While easier said than done, with practice and a heaping teaspoon of self-compassion, you can start to savor the life you have, right as you are now. The fruits of this effort can be life-changing. Give yourself grace. Sometimes it requires effort to let go of the busyness and just walk forward.

Stop living a life of obligation. If a project doesn’t add value to your day, don’t do it. It’s better to schedule activities and events that you can put your whole heart into. Don’t pack your calendar full of things you feel you should be doing. Leave those spaces intentionally vacant for occupation or people who bring meaning to your life. Don’t should all over your perfectly good day.

Stop over-scheduling your kids and yourself. Choose only one thing for everyone to do at a time. Swimming or gymnastics. Civitans or Rotary Club. With only one plate to spin, you can remove the cap of a chauffeur and replace it with something a bit more fashionable, something more tailored to you. Plus, with less to focus on you will appreciate each activity all the more.

We all want to have big, fun, exciting days! But too many jam-packed experiences can leave us feeling drained and unable to truly savor what was so splendid about the days, to begin with. Instead, space out your fun days around practical days. Schedule in several days of calm too.

Why should the little ones have all the fun? When you allow yourself to lavish in the spirit of playfulness you bring about a sense of lightness, curiosity, and wonder to any day. You need and deserve time to play. Find something you love to do today, and do it for yourself. You owe it to your inner child to do so!

Like many others, I have had a tendency to try to squeeze one more thing into my day. Generally, this is at night when I know I do not work and think my best. Don’t do it! It leads to stress and exhaustion. Yes, sometimes we need to do so, but more often than not, it can wait.

I find that I can accomplish more in a day when I only check my email twice daily. I check my email each morning at 9 am and again at 1 pm. I peruse emails while I eat meals and have time to spare in my day to be intentional about answering messages and decluttering files. This allows me to get more done, be more focused, and clear the digital clutter out of my day. I also am intentional about not checking my email at night or first thing in the morning. I find my response levels are not as accurate or professional.

Another tip? Consider using unroll.me, a site which syncs with your email address and allows to you designate the time of day when you will receive your emails. I’ve used this in the past and it worked well for me.

If you truly want to relax, you must start by getting your to-do list out of your mind and onto paper! You have to stop ruminating over your mental list. Write it down. Know that it won’t be lost. Move on.

A bonus? Brain dumping can give you a jump start on creating your nightly and weekly to-do lists too!

While this may sound sacrilegious, you need to schedule rest for your week. Give yourself several intentional periods of quiet each day, if only for a few minutes at a time. You need this time to reboot, as rest and relaxation can be truly soothing to the soul. Read that book you’ve yet to finish. Go for a walk to check out the fall foliage. Set the example for your family on what a life well-lived looks like.

It’s worth repeating that you have to learn to love the season of life you are in. You are in exactly the place you should be. You are exactly where you need to be. Be there fully. Stop the self-doubt. While life can always get better, why chase the wheel? If you feel you have areas of your life you need to address, schedule a time to do so. Schedule a day to create a dream board. But today? Maybe you need to simply slow down. Take your time. Enjoy your life. Learn a valuable lesson. Take a moment to pause.

If you feel you have areas of your life you need to address, schedule a time to do so. Schedule a day to create a dream board. But today? Maybe you need to simply slow down. Take your time. Enjoy your life. Learn a valuable lesson. This isn’t about complacency, but about savoring your moments of pause.

Now it’s your turn. Is your life too busy right now? Do you feel overwhelmed? Share the steps you’d like to take to simplify your schedule today in the comments below. I can’t wait to read them all! Here’s to intentional living.