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A Simple Life is a Happy Life

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Published: Oct 4, 2018

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living simple essay

Rebi Simple Living

It's time to focus on the simple things in life.

Simplicity in Life: The Value of Simple Living

December 28, 2021

Happiness means different things to different people, but research has shown that simplicity in life is so much more fulfilling than all the material things.  

When simplicity is the goal in life, most of your worries will disappear. You can focus more on what’s really important and be truly happy.

Jump Through Article

What Is Simplicity in Life?

Simplicity in life is a state of mind where simplicity has been achieved. 

Living a simple life does not mean living an impoverished one, though it may seem like that to some at first. It rather means appreciating the little things in life more than the material things.

By little things, I mean more free time, your loved ones, your hobbies, nature, good food, etc. 

Basically, more experiences and less stuff.

When you achieve simplicity in life, you feel calmer in daily situations and simplicity becomes a habit. It shines through every aspect of your life.

Jump to: 10 Ways to Embrace Simplicity

Example of Simplicity in Life

You can apply simplicity to every aspect of your life but for the purpose of exemplifying simplicity let’s take a look at simplicity in nutrition . 

When you eat simple and whole foods you feel lighter and have more energy. Eating simple saves you a lot of time and is also good for your wallet.

Learn how to prepare a number of meals you love to eat and rotate them through the month. 

That way you’ll always know what to cook, you can prepare meals in advance, and you can go in and out of the grocery store exactly knowing what you need to buy.

Simple eating is easy, healthy, and economic. It might sound boring to some, but you can always treat yourself to an exotic meal at a restaurant.

Importance of Simplicity in Life

There are many benefits to simplicity in life. 

One of the most important benefits is that simplicity gives us choices in the way we spend our time, money, and energy. 

With simplicity in life, it can be easier to recognize what is truly important among all the different things fighting for your time and attention.

The biggest benefits of simple living are:

  • Lower cost of living
  • More free time
  • Less stress
  • Sustainable (smaller footprint)
  • Better concentration
  • Better sleep
  • Stronger relationships

There are many more benefits of simple living and they are individual to each person, so it’s better to try living simply and see for yourself. 🙂

10 Ways to Embrace Simplicity

Here are ten easy ways to embrace simplicity in your life. Try them out and simplify your living.

1. Be grateful

Practice being intentional about the things you are grateful for. Start a gratitude journal; nothing special just a small notebook, and write 5 things you are thankful for each day. 

Gratitude has many benefits. It makes you more humble, but also increases your long-term happiness, improves sleep and physical health, among others.

2. Notice the small things

Do you rush through life keeping busy and then wonder where the time has passed? 

Take a moment to stop and breathe. Notice the small things in life that make your experience unique. 

Take a look at the birds, flowers, people passing by, and just soak in all the wonderful little things that life has to offer. 

I’m afraid if you don’t you’ll go through life like a zombie and later regret missed adventures.

3. Spend time alone

Being around people is wonderful, but everyone needs some time for themselves. Set aside time to spend alone each day, even if for only 5 minutes.

Spend this time in silence, relaxing, and doing something you enjoy. It can be drinking tea, reading, doing a self-care routine, or something else.

4. Enjoy movement

It’s pretty simple, physical activity makes you feel good. You don’t have to do anything crazy, a nice, long walk will do the trick.

Find what type of exercise you like to do and stick to it. It will keep you healthy for a long time not only physically but also mentally.

5. Sleep enough

Getting enough sleep is crucial for your health. Adults need an average of 7 hours of good sleep every night in order to feel rested and can be fully productive during the day.

Keep off the screens for at least an hour before bed, create a calming atmosphere in your bedroom, and try not to eat late at night.

6. Say I love you more often

Saying I love you more often creates a sense of security not only among couples but also in parent-child and friend relationships. 

Showing your emotions generates stronger bonds. Deeper connections in your life will make you happier and will simplify your relationships overall.

7. Keep your home clean

When your home is clean you can think more straight and relax more easily in your house. 

Take a couple of minutes every day to tidy your home. Keep the surfaces clear, take the trash out regularly, and neaten your living space.

By keeping your home tidy, you’ll spend much less time deep cleaning and you’ll always know where to find what you need. 

8. Eat at the table

When was the last time you have eaten at the table?

Living a simple life means being intentional about different aspects of life.

Try to eat your meals eat the table. You will be much more present, taste the flavor of the meal, and be aware when you’re full. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to talk with your housemates while sharing a meal, isn’t that wonderful?

9. Be present

Being present means focusing on one thing at a time. Multitasking will only exhaust you and in the end, you won’t even be able to tell what you have done.

When you’re doing something, whether in your work or personal life, be present in the moment. Give your undivided attention to the task at hand or a person you’re talking to. 

You’ll appreciate what you did every day much more.

10. Stop comparing yourself 

Your life is yours to live. Set your own rules and stop comparing yourself to others.

You will feel much better when you focus on your own life and stop noticing what others are doing.

Only then you’ll truly be able to enjoy your daily life and be happy.

living simple essay

The Beauty of Simplicity

Simplicity lifestyle enables you to slow down and take it easy. 

The importance of simplicity is the beauty of living. Enjoy your life and the little things you enjoy.

Your life doesn’t have to be extraordinary in order for you to experience a wonderful life.

You can enjoy simple things and still have an amazing life but with less stress and worry.

Posted By: Rebecca · In: Simple Living

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Why the simple life is not just beautiful, it’s necessary

<p>Detail from <em>Interior with Two Girls</em> by Peter Ilsted, 1904. <em>Photo courtesy Flickr</em></p>

Detail from Interior with Two Girls by Peter Ilsted, 1904. Photo courtesy Flickr

by Emrys Westacott   + BIO

living simple essay

The good life is the simple life. Among philosophical ideas about how we should live, this one is a hardy perennial; from Socrates to Thoreau, from the Buddha to Wendell Berry, thinkers have been peddling it for more than two millennia. And it still has plenty of adherents. Magazines such as Real Simple call out to us from the supermarket checkout; Oprah Winfrey regularly interviews fans of simple living such as Jack Kornfield, a teacher of Buddhist mindfulness; the Slow Movement, which advocates a return to pre-industrial basics, attracts followers across continents.

Through much of human history, frugal simplicity was not a choice but a necessity – and since necessary, it was also deemed a moral virtue. But with the advent of industrial capitalism and a consumer society, a system arose that was committed to relentless growth, and with it grew a population (aka ‘the market’) that was enabled and encouraged to buy lots of stuff that, by traditional standards, was surplus to requirements. As a result, there’s a disconnect between the traditional values we have inherited and the consumerist imperatives instilled in us by contemporary culture.

In pre-modern times, the discrepancy between what the philosophers advised and how people lived was not so great. Wealth provided security, but even for the rich wealth was flimsy protection against misfortunes such as war, famine, disease, injustice and the disfavour of tyrants. The Stoic philosopher Seneca, one of the richest men in Rome, still ended up being sentenced to death by Nero. As for the vast majority – slaves, serfs, peasants and labourers – there was virtually no prospect of accumulating even modest wealth.

Before the advent of machine-based agriculture, representative democracy, civil rights, antibiotics and aspirin, just making it through a long life without too much suffering counted as doing pretty well. Today, though, at least in prosperous societies, people want and expect (and can usually have) a good deal more. Living simply now strikes many people as simply boring.

Yet there seems to be growing interest, especially among millennials, in rediscovering the benefits of simple living. Some of this might reflect a kind of nostalgia for the pre-industrial or pre-consumerist world, and also sympathy for the moral argument that says that living in a simple manner makes you a better person, by building desirable traits such as frugality, resilience and independence – or a happier person, by promoting peace of mind and good health, and keeping you close to nature.

These are plausible arguments. Yet in spite of the official respect their teachings command, the sages have proved remarkably unpersuasive. Millions of us continue to rush around getting and spending, buying lottery tickets, working long hours, racking up debt, and striving 24/7 to climb the greasy pole. Why is this?

One obvious answer is good old-fashioned hypocrisy. We applaud the frugal philosophy while ignoring its precepts in our day-to-day lives. We praise the simple lifestyle of, say, Pope Francis, seeing it as a sign of his moral integrity, while also hoping for and cheering on economic growth driven, in large part, by a demand for bigger houses, fancier cars and other luxury goods.

But the problem isn’t just that our practice conflicts with our professed beliefs. Our thinking about simplicity and luxury, frugality and extravagance, is fundamentally inconsistent. We condemn extravagance that is wasteful or tasteless and yet we tout monuments of past extravagance, such as the Forbidden City in Beijing or the palace at Versailles, as highly admirable. The truth is that much of what we call ‘culture’ is fuelled by forms of extravagance.

Somewhat paradoxically, then, the case for living simply was most persuasive when most people had little choice but to live that way. The traditional arguments for simple living in effect rationalise a necessity. But the same arguments have less purchase when the life of frugal simplicity is a choice, one way of living among many. Then the philosophy of frugality becomes a hard sell.

That might be about to change, under the influence of two factors: economics and environmentalism. When recession strikes, as it has done recently (revealing inherent instabilities in an economic system committed to unending growth) millions of people suddenly find themselves in circumstances where frugality once again becomes a necessity, and the value of its associated virtues is rediscovered.

In societies such as the United States, we are currently witnessing a tendency for capitalism to stretch the distance between the ‘have lots’ and the ‘have nots’. These growing inequalities invite a fresh critique of extravagance and waste. When so many people live below the poverty line, there is something unseemly about in-your-face displays of opulence and luxury. Moreover, the lopsided distribution of wealth also represents a lost opportunity. According to Epicurus and the other sages of simplicity, one can live perfectly well, provided certain basic needs are satisfied – a view endorsed in modern times by the psychologist Abraham Maslow’s ‘ hierarchy of needs ’. If correct, it’s an argument for using surplus wealth to ensure that everyone has basics such as food, housing, healthcare, education, utilities and public transport – at low cost, rather than allowing it to be funnelled into a few private pockets.

However wise the sages, it would not have occurred to Socrates or Epicurus to argue for the simple life in terms of environmentalism. Two centuries of industrialisation, population growth and frenzied economic activity has bequeathed us smog; polluted lakes, rivers and oceans; toxic waste; soil erosion; deforestation; extinction of plant and animal species, and global warming. The philosophy of frugal simplicity expresses values and advocates a lifestyle that might be our best hope for reversing these trends and preserving our planet’s fragile ecosystems.

Many people are still unconvinced by this. But if our current methods of making, getting, spending and discarding prove unsustainable, then there could come a time – and it might come quite soon – when we are forced towards simplicity. In which case, a venerable tradition will turn out to contain the philosophy of the future.

The Wisdom of Frugality (2016) by Emrys Westacott is published via Princeton University Press.

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Living a simple life: 6 science-backed benefits

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Considering escaping the consumer-driven world and living a simpler life? Calvin Holbrook is and he's not alone. Read about the 'voluntary simplicity' movement and discover six benefits of a simplistic lifestyle, including discovering your purpose, better health and increased focus.

Since hitting my 40s, the thought of voluntary choosing to live a simpler life appeals more and more. Living in large and exciting cities has provided great opportunities and entertainment, but what I once found exciting I now find challenging. My brain feels increasingly overwhelmed with noise, excess stimulation, distractions, and ever-increasing crowds, all helping to pump up my anxiety levels.

As a result, I find myself thinking about a quieter, more simplistic way of life, being closer to nature and in a more peaceful setting. However, living the simple life doesn’t have to mean shacking up alone in a log cabin in the middle of nowhere (although, actually, that sounds quite appealing). In fact, there are many practical and not-so-drastic ways to create a more simplistic lifestyle for yourself, and the benefits are proven by science.

living-a-simple-life-voluntary-simplicity.jpg

More recently, the modern simplicity movement arose from the counterculture movement in the 1960s and 1970s. Then, in 1981, this movement gained a new moniker with the release of Duane Elgin’s book Voluntary Simplicity . In it, he explained the virtues of “a way of life that is outwardly simple, inwardly rich.” During the 90s, the concept of  minimalism , which includes elements of simple living, also became popular.

What does living a simple life involve?

While minimalism is mainly focused on reducing or giving up possessions, living a simple life often includes more elements. Choosing simplification creates a life filled with meaning, a life lived on your own terms. It helps create the time and space to pursue your true interests and passions.  

Simple living flies in the face of the common values of the Western world most of us have grown up with. Living a simple life means stripping away the nonessential stuff to focus your time and energy on the things that matter the most to you.  

How can I simplify my life?

As I mentioned at the start, moving away for a simple, quieter life in the countryside or coast is a dream for me and many others. However, the reality is, many cannot just jump and do that because of work or family commitments. But, in the meantime – and regardless of where you're living – there are many practical steps you can take to simplify your life and feel the benefits.

“Living a simple life doesn’t just mean giving up your possessions. Choosing simplification creates a life filled with meaning, a life lived on your own terms.”

Examples include reducing your possessions, being mindful of new purchases, limiting your time on social media and smartphones, stopping attending social occasions you’re indifferent about and eliminating multitasking.  Doing some or all of these things can bring you great benefits and happiness – so, l et’s take a more detailed look at these six key benefits of simplifying your life, backed up by science.  

1. Simplify your life to learn more about yourself

When you’re not distracting yourself with social media, binging on Netflix series, shopping for another gadget, or filling your diary with must-do events, you’re giving yourself the time and mental space to be grateful for what you already have, plus providing the opportunity to reflect and learn more about yourself.  

In fact, living simply can help us find meaning and grow spiritually, as it shifts the focus away from material possessions and helps us to look inwardly. It helps to create more silence – and even solitude – prime factors for spiritual reflection .

Of course, sometimes reflecting on our lives and who we are can be as uncomfortable as it is rewarding, but ultimately it helps to focus on who we are, what gives our life purpose and meaning, and what we want to do with the rest of our lives. In turn, living with purpose and a meaningful life has been to shown to increase happiness levels.  

2. A simpler lifestyle can improve relationships

living-a-simple-life-improve-relationships.jpg

Additionally, developing a more simple way of life may mean editing your friendship group. Perhaps you have lots of different friends that you spend time doing different actives with, for example, the 'party' friend, the 'shopping' friend, the 'gym buddy'. By simplifying your life and doing less, it could mean shifting your focus to having fewer, more quality friendships and closer relationships. The interaction between you may also be more sincere, as you will be free of the need to impress.

In turn, there are health benefits attached to simplifying your friendships. Various studies have found that developing strong, solid friendships can reduce your illness risk – from being less likely to get a common cold to having a lower risk of developing obesity or heart disease. A Harvard study also found that keeping close friends could promote brain health as we grow older.

3. Simple living boosts your bank balance

In many developed countries, the disparity between what we buy and what we need leads to huge overconsumption that drains the Earth’s resources and accelerates climate change. Voluntary simplicity is a lifestyle that minimizes consumption and the pursuit of wealth and material goods.

Simplifying your life by reducing consumption means you will spend (and owe) less, and the benefits of financial independence can include less stress and worry, and consequently better sleep . That could benefit a lot of people: according to a UK study from 2018 which questioned 2,000 people, money worries affect 40 per cent of the population.

“Living a simple life means stripping away the non-essential stuff to focus your time and energy on the things that matter the most to you.”

To limit your consumption, firstly, take time to look at your outgoings and consider what you need to spend your money on. Those daily takeaway coffees? Upgrades to the latest iPhone or Samsung? Netflix and apps subscriptions? That gym membership you hardly ever use? There are so many chances to minimize our spending, so cancel what you don’t need and change your habits. Additionally, you may be being charged for subscriptions for things you’ve totally forgotten about, so go through your bank statement and check.  

Secondly, aim to eliminate any existing debt you have and only live within your means. Stop using credit cards and, instead, develop a monthly budget.   Thirdly, if you’ve decided to simplify your belongings, make yourself some extra money by selling unwanted stuff on eBay (or donate it to charity, of course).

Likewise, if you decide to simplify your social life to focus on things such as connecting with nature , walking, meditation , this will also benefit your bank balance – most of these things are free or have little expenditure involved!

4. Living a simple life is great for your health

Living a simplistic lifestyle can also be beneficial to your physical and mental health. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found a link between materialism (valuing possessions and money) – and poor physical health. The team, from Knox College, Illinois, also found an even stronger link between materialism and engagement in risky behaviors that could damage physical health, including drinking alcohol, smoking and drug use. So, it makes sense that the reverse – having a non-materialistic attitude – could be positive for health.

living-a-simple-life-voluntary-simplifiers-coastal-living.jpg

The reasons for this could be due to the fact that developing a more simplistic lifestyle often means less stress and increased rest. This benefits could come from spending more time with friends/family, getting more physical activity, and changing jobs to find something more fulfilling and less money-orientated.  

Additionally, voluntary simplifiers often make a move away from big urban hubs to the countryside or seaside, which also has potential health benefits. A 2012 study from the University of Exeter showed that coastal populations in the UK are healthier than those inland, believed to be party due to the stress relief of living by the sea and greater opportunities for physical activity. The coast also offers cleaner, healthier air which helps to promote better sleep (which we know is essential for good mental health ).

5. Simplistic living means increased focus

Reducing possessions and commitments correlates to a reduction in distractions and therefore less physical – and mental – clutter. As you simplify your life and remove distractions, you create space to breathe and focus more carefully on what remains.

RELATED: The Top 5 benefits of gratitude practice

In fact, the physical reduction of clutter in your home has been proven to boost concentration. Researchers at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute studied the effects of clutter and published the results in the Journal of Neuroscience. They concluded that clearing clutter from your home and work environments increased the ability to focus and process information effectively. Their research also showed that an uncluttered space led to people feeling less irritable, more productive and distracted less often.

“Living simply can help us find meaning and grow spiritually, as it shifts the focus away from material possessions and helps us to look inwardly.”

Simplifying your life by focusing on one job at a time, rather than multitasking, can also boost concentration. Multitasking used to be championed as effective, but Psychology Today reports that in reality it can decrease productivity levels by up to 40 per cent.  

Many of us are constantly switched on to multiple technologies: on average, we check our mobile phones every 12 minutes , causing further distractions and interruptions which affect our ability to concentrate. Choose to simplify life by limiting these interruptions: remove or reduce social media usage and switch off annoying pop-up notifications.

6. Living a simple life helps the environment

While the benefits of voluntary simplicity described here are clear for the individual, simple living also works for the wider environment. It’s been previously suggested that if everyone on Earth consumed as much as the average US citizen, four Earths would be needed to sustain them. Consuming less and having fewer possessions decreases the amount of waste a person produces.

living-a-simple-life-donate-clothes.jpg

Humans consume 400 per cent more clothes than they did just two decades ago. About 80 billion pieces of clothing are consumed annually, and the U.S.A alone produces 11 million tons of textile waste each year. So, instead of buying cheap fashions, seek out more durable outfits that will last, and if they no longer fit, place unwanted clothes in a material recycling bin; never just throw them away.  

There are many other ways cutting consumption and waste helps to protect the environment. For example, instead of buying bottled water, buy a reusable flask. Instead of updating to the latest technology, enjoy what you currently have.  

As consumers we rarely consider the context and impact when buying products, for example, considering the workers and factories that made a product, the journey to the store a product made, how the packaging was produced, etc.   Living a simple life means becoming more mindful of what you consume and thinking more about a product’s journey and environmental impact, therefore making more considered purchases.

Conclusions on simple living

According to the Chinese philosopher Confucius, “Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated.” I would have to agree. For me, it's clear these science-backed benefits of living a simpler life are enormous and can only add to increased happiness too.

Simple living and sustainable living go hand-in-hand, and having a healthier environment will also lead to better health for generations to come. Rather than buying more and more possessions, consider spending more of your time and money on experiences: they leave only memories and nothing in the trash can! ●

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Written by Calvin Holbrook

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Ni****

Posted August 11, 2021

The article strikes a chord in me and gives me even more ideas on the subject of "simplify my life". For me, this is a process of self-cleansing so that I can focus more on the really important things in life.  A new thought now is that it's not just about owning and buying lots of unnecessary things, but also limiting all these distractions through social media and the ever-so-touted multitasking. Whereby multitasking probably means nothing more than the ability to do several things at the same time not one hundred percent... I think that a return to a reduced life can also counteract burnouts and depression, if only because without distractions and without a consumption hangover, there is more space for one's own self. Thank you for the article and the inspiration!

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Posted February 25, 2021

I found this article looking for minimalistic living and minimalism in general. Such a long time I couldn't throw things away, but now I started a 31 challenge to throw away something every day of it (3 items per day). It gets harder every day, but the simple life feels amazing, too! I have no need for all these things and believe that I will do that for more than 31 days ;) 

Posted December 30, 2020

Great tips. Used to live in a big city and filled my time with as much activity as possible: friends, cinema, shopping, theatre etc., never had a quiet moment to myself. Gave it up a few years ago to move to the south coast here in the UK and now love living a simpler way of life. Enjoy walks, the coast, beach, and feel way calmer. Stopped buying food and expensive coffees out (every now and again is OK) and have more money. This simple living works for me and has also shown me who I am - before I was always busy doing stuff to think about self-fulfilment. 

I think part of living a simplistic lifestyle is also about giving up ego and attainment. :) Take care and all the best for 2021 everyone. 

Posted November 21, 2020

The simple used to survive

on this planet,

hunting or gathering food

or cultivating land.

They needed not read or write

to be terrorized by institutions,

nor wear wrist watches

to be terrorized by time.

They ate no processed food

to clog their arteries

nor had access to couches

to   be 'couch potatoes'.

They had nothing to control

at any distance;

Nature controlled them

from all directions,

and selected the fit

to better their race.

And for that, they respected Nature

and were content with their lot.

Candy

Posted September 16, 2020

Funny I stumble across this article at such a pivotal time! We're transitioning to living a more simple life by moving from our 140m² apartment to a 10m² 4x4 expedition truck! I must say it feels AMAZING to get rid of so much stuff  we accumulated throughout the years and thought we needed! So far we've given away most of our books and old clothes and shoes and we're happy there are so many people looking for pre-owned things instead of buying new. What's also good is that we can't buy anything for as long as we're living in our truck as we simply don't have the space! I'm very happy to know that by living a simple life, I'm not only increasing my health and well-being, but I'm also helping the environment.

Tine

Posted August 10, 2020

I wholeheartedly agree with this article on living a simple life.

One good example is my wardrobe: I haven't bought anything in years (except good hiking shoes and a high-quality winter jacket). My style is a bit rough but personal and authentic. If a piece has a hole or needs altering it goes on a pile which I work through every couple of months fixing the holes with patches or some embroidery. No of this is very professional, and yet I feel great, and I enjoy the evenings of resourceful creativity.

It's similar with items for the house. We pledged to buy no new things so whenever we "need" something "new" we either build, recycle, reuse, upcycle what we already have, or we look for it on garage sales, flea markets, second-hand websites. It's fun, cheap, sustainable and you aren't even tempted to follow and fashion trends but only your taste.

Ha****

Posted July 14, 2020

Hey everybody

Calvin77

Calvin77 1,341

Posted March 26, 2020

On 11/27/2019 at 7:35 PM, Guest Ted_R said: Calvin, this is a wonderful article, well written and well researched. Thank You :)

Thank you so much, Ted. I hope it was inspiring for you :)

Posted November 27, 2019

Calvin, this is a wonderful article, well written and well researched. Thank You :)

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Happiness.com » Magazine » PERSONAL GROWTH » Living a simple life: 6 science-backed benefits

Declutter Your Home - Declutter Your Mind - Declutter Your Life

ThePlainSimpleLife

Welcome to the New Kadence Theme!

10 Reasons a Simple Life is a Happy Life & How to Get Started

Have you ever wished your life was just a little more simple? Do you get overwhelmed by the amount of possessions and tasks you have to manage every day?

If this is sounding familiar to you and you feel you’re living a complicated life, then it’s likely that you could benefit from simplifying your life.

Easier said than done, right? But a simple life is actually within reach, and it could be the key to unlocking a happier version of yourself!

In today’s fast-paced world, simplicity can often slip through our fingers as we try to keep up with the latest trends and technologies.

We tend to focus on having everything in our lives — more physical possessions, bigger houses and higher salaries. But are these really the keys to personal happiness?

The answer is a resounding no .

Choosing a simpler life can be one of the best choices you make for your health, wealth and overall happiness.

A simple life is a happy life. But living a simple life doesn’t mean that you have to give up all your possessions or stop engaging with society. Instead it focuses on living life mindfully without too many distractions from external sources.

It also means understanding what brings true happiness and implementing changes to your lifestyle.

This article will explain 10 reasons why having a simple lifestyle helps create inner peace and provide tips on how you can get started.

You might also like:

  • A Simple Formula for Living a Meaningful & Happy Life
  • 14 Surprising Reasons to Drive Less & Ditch the Keys
  • 21 Simple Living Tips To Reduce Everyday Stress
  • 9 Reasons You Should Be Choosing Quality Over Quantity
  • The Art of Slow Living: Discover How to Live a Happier Life
  • 7 Types Of Habits That Will Help You Achieve Your Personal Goals

How living a simple life is a happy life Pinterest Pin

10. Feel connected to something greater than ourselves

What is simple living.

Before we dive into why a simple life is a happy one, let’s define what it means to live simply.

At its core, simple living means having an intentional approach to spending and consumption . It involves looking at what you already have and focusing on the things that bring joy or add value to your life while reducing or eliminating any unnecessary “stuff”.

It also means reducing your reliance on material possessions and outside influences, such as technology and media, to create a more meaningful life experience.

Simple living isn’t about depriving yourself of what you want – it’s about making intentional choices that will lead to a more fulfilling life in the long-run.

Now that we’ve answered the question, “what is simple living?” let’s look at the reasons why it could be the key to a happier life.

Are you ready to simplify your life?

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Why a simple life is a happy life

1. less stress.

The less “stuff” that you have to manage, the less stress you will feel. Simple living allows you to focus on the things that are truly important to you, rather than wasting energy on things that don’t bring value to your life. Simple living allows your stress levels to stay low, which is beneficial for both your physical health and mental health.

2. More time

A simple lifestyle involves letting go of the things that take up too much of your time and energy, and that’s not just possessions. It could be activities, relationships or obligations that are no longer serving you. When we free up this time, we can use it to do things that bring us joy , like spending quality time with friends and family.

3. Spend smartly

Living a simple life also means spending consciously and on things that you truly need or want. This can help you save money in the long-run, which brings us to our next point.

4. Enjoy financial freedom

Having financial freedom is something we all dream of, but it can be hard to achieve if our spending habits are out of control. When you focus on simple living, it helps to create more money-saving opportunities and can lead to greater financial freedom in the long run. No more credit card debt or late night impulse purchases – just more money in the bank!

5. More meaningful connections with people

When we simplify our lives, we free up space for more meaningful relationships with family, friends and community members. These types of healthy relationships are key for creating a more fulfilled and happier life.

two women talking on the couch

6. More self-awareness

As you begin to live a more minimalist lifestyle , it can also help you become more aware of yourself and your needs. This type of self-awareness is key for understanding what truly brings us inner peace and joy.

7. Reduce waste & lessen environmental impact

Simpler living also requires being mindful about what is brought into our homes and how energy is used throughout daily life – choosing reusable items and eco-friendly alternatives to limit the waste produced.

8. More gratitude

When we focus on what we already have, rather than always chasing after more, it can help us appreciate the little things and find joy in life’s simple pleasures. Practicing gratitude can help improve our overall happiness and well-being.

9. Discover who you are without needing things

When we let go of material possessions, it can help us to better understand who we are and what truly matters in our lives. Living with intention leads to a greater appreciation for life and the world around us.

Oftentimes when we simplify our lives, it helps us to feel connected to something greater than ourselves. This can help us to find more meaning and purpose in our lives, which leads to a more fulfilling life experience.

Simple living isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for a way to create more peace and joy in your life, it could be the key to achieving this. Whether you choose to downsize your home, reduce your possessions or let go of obligations that no longer serve you, the important thing is to live with intention and focus on what truly matters to you. When you do this, it’s amazing how much happier and fulfilled you can feel.

How to get started simplifying your life

Declutter your home and life.

Cluttered homes can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, but that all changes when you create space for clarity and intention in your life.

Decluttering will help you unlock the potential of your home, allowing it to support rather than distract from your goals. Get rid of things you don’t need or use anymore, setting aside items that bring joy or can serve others in need.

The feeling of clearing out the clutter will be liberating — freeing you up to focus on the things that matter most.

Re-evaluate your commitments

If you’re really looking to simplify your life, taking a good look at the commitments on your plate is essential. How much of that busy lifestyle is actually helpful and productive?

When it comes to choosing what’s important in your life, it pays to ask yourself some tough questions: Should I really be involved in that project if I’m not interested in the cause? Do I really need to sign up for six classes this semester?

Following this re-evaluation process helps you figure out what matters most – and what can be jettisoned from your day-to-day life with minimal guilt. 

Set financial goals and create a budget

The process may sound intimidating, especially if you’re new to budgeting , but with some determination and the right tools it’s an easy task. Plus, the freedom that comes from understanding your finances and living within your means is totally worth it!

Start by writing down all sources of income and all necessary expenses. Then identify areas where you can cut back – such as eating out or ordering takeout more than usual – so you can save more money each month.

Budgeting doesn’t have to be boring; on the contrary, creating your own roadmap for financial minimalism can provide a sense of accomplishment and peace of mind.

Make conscious decisions

This is a vital move in order to get your life streamlined and reduce stress.

Whereas, till now you were running around making spur-of-the-moment decisions that aren’t necessarily in line with your goals or bigger picture, taking a step back to reflect on all the choices you make can make a fabulous difference.

Take for example, if you’re about to purchase something or book an expensive holiday, think ahead to the repercussions it might have on your finances. Or maybe even whether it’s something worth spending money on; will it add true value to your life?

No matter how small or large the situation is, being mindful of what impacts it would have on your lifestyle is extremely important and can help you make smarter decisions rather than regretting them later on.

woman reading book on bed

Spend time with yourself

Embracing the simple life requires an adjustment to a slightly slower pace, and spending time with yourself is an important part of that. At first, a lot of people might find this one of the hardest parts, but it’s worth it to make your own mental health a priority.

Set aside some time every day to spend alone – doing whatever brings you peace or joy. It could be reading a book on your porch or meditating in nature – whatever takes you away from the chaos of the world and allows you to reconnect with yourself.

If you can do this consistently, you might even experience the wonder of living more simply.

Practice mindfulness and be present in the moment

When it comes to simple living, one of the best things you can do is practice mindfulness and be present in the moment. This means being aware of your surroundings and being conscious of your actions.

It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to appreciate the little things. But if you take a step back and really focus on the here and now, you’ll find that living a simple life is actually quite beautiful. 

Get off social media

Unplugging from social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can help you to focus on being present in your own life and appreciate the experiences you are having in real time instead of staying glued to a device all day long.

Social media has become such an integral part of our lives that it can seem daunting to try to give it up, but if you can manage it, the rewards are immensely worth it.

Reduce your to do list

One simple action to start living simply is to reduce your to do list. It’s easy to keep jotting down tasks here and there on a piece of paper, and soon enough you’ll feel overwhelmed.

Consider taking the time now to clear out a few of those items – prioritising tasks, delegating when you can, or even canceling some of the activities on your plate if feasible.

In immediately lightening this load, you’ll find a positive impact on your mental state, as well as your ability to focus on other life essentials.

Get enough sleep

Your sleep routine can make a huge difference in your overall well-being, and proper rest can have an enormous impact on how you approach the day.

Get plenty of sleep by sticking to a schedule and avoiding late nights out, or overworking yourself during the day. When it comes to your overall level of happiness, getting enough quality sleep is essential.

A simple life is a happy life Pinterest Pin

Living a simpler lifestyle can be a great way to find happiness and contentment , as it allows us to focus on what truly matters most in our lives. By following the simple living tips above, we can free up more time for ourselves and discover who we are without needing anything external from other sources around us.

A simple life is a happy life and it’s worth striving for!

Vourneen

Vourneen is the founder of The Plain Simple Life and a certified decluttering and organising coach. She has helped thousands of people simplify their lives over the past 3 years through minimalism and simple living and considers it a personal goal to continue to help others do the same.

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8 Key Lessons for Living a Simple Life

By leo babauta.

For the last dozen years, I’ve been living a (relatively) simple life. At times, the complexity of my life grows, and I renew my commitment to living simply.

Living a simple life is about paring back, so that you have space to breathe. It’s about doing with less, because you realize that having more and doing more doesn’t lead to happiness. It’s about finding joys in the simple things, and being content with solitude, quiet, contemplation and savoring the moment.

I’ve learned some key lessons for living a simple life, and I thought I’d share a few with you.

  • We create our own struggles . All the stress, all the frustrations and disappointments, all the busyness and rushing … we create these with attachments in our heads. By letting go, we can relax and live more simply.
  • Become mindful of attachments that lead to clutter and complexity . For example, if you are attached to sentimental items, you won’t be able to let go of clutter. If you are attached to living a certain way, you will not be able to let go of a lot of stuff. If you are attached to doing a lot of activities and messaging everyone, your life will be complex.
  • Distraction, busyness and constant switching are mental habits . We don’t need any of these habits, but they build up over the years because they comfort us. We can live more simply by letting go of these mental habits. What would life be like without constant switching, distraction and busyness?
  • Single-task by putting your life in full-screen mode . Imagine that everything you do – a work task, answering an email or message, washing a dish, reading an article – goes into full-screen mode, so that you don’t do or look at anything else. You just inhabit that task fully, and are fully present as you do it. What would your life be like? In my experience, it’s much less stressful when you work and live this way. Things get your full attention, and you do them much better. And you can even savor them.
  • Create space between things . Add padding to everything. Do half of what you imagine you can do. We tend to cram as much as possible into our days. And this becomes stressful, because we always underestimate how long things will take, and we forget about maintenance tasks like putting on clothes and brushing teeth and preparing meals. We never feel like we have enough time because we try to do too much. But what would it be like if we did less? What would it be like if we padded how long things took, so that we have the space to actually do them well, with full attention? What would it be like if we took a few minutes’ pause between tasks, to savor the accomplishment of the last task, to savor the space between things, to savor being alive?
  • Find joy in a few simple things . For me, those include writing, reading/learning, walking and doing other active things, eating simple food, meditating, spending quality time with people I care about. Most of that doesn’t cost anything or require any possessions (especially if you use the library for books!). I’m not saying I have zero possessions, nor that I only do these few things. But to the extent that I remember the simple things I love doing, my life suddenly becomes simpler. When I remember, I can let go of everything else my mind has fixated on, and just find the simple joy of doing simple activities.
  • Get clear about what you want, and say no to more things . We are rarely very clear on what we want. When we see someone post a photo of something cool, we might all of a sudden get fixed on doing that too, and suddenly the course of our lives veer off in a new direction. Same thing if we read about something cool, or watch a video of a new destination or hobby. When someone invites us to something cool, we instantly want to say yes, because our minds love saying yes to everything, to all the shiny new toys. What if we became crystal clear on what we wanted in life? If we knew what we wanted to create, how we wanted to live … we could say yes to these things, and no to everything else. Saying no to more things would simplify our lives.
  • Practice doing nothing, exquisitely . How often do we actually do nothing? OK, technically we’re always “doing something,” but you know what I mean – just sit there and do nothing. No need to plan, no need to read, no need to watch something, no need to do a chore or eat while you do nothing. Just don’t do anything. Don’t accomplish anything, don’t take care of anything. What happens is you will start to notice your brain’s habit of wanting to get something done – it will almost itch to do something. This exposes our mental habits, which is a good thing. However, keep doing nothing. Just sit for awhile, resisting the urge to do something. After some practice, you can get good at doing nothing. And this leads to the mental habit of contentment, gratitude without complaining.

Of course, these are not the only lessons you’ll need for living a simple life. But the best ones are the ones you discover yourself. Try these and see what happens – I think you’ll find out something beautiful about yourself, and about life.

The best kind of simplicity is that which exposes the raw beauty, joy and heartbreak of life as it is.

Posted: 08.02.2018

Previous post: The Three Most Powerful Motivations

Next post: A Challenge: Create a Daily Reading Habit

More From Forbes

What it means to have a simple life, and how to live it.

Forbes Coaches Council

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Bronwen Sciortino : author & simplicity expert teaching easy ways to tailor-make healthy, happy & highly successful lives. sheIQ Life Pty Ltd

It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind speed of life, to get swept along by the tide and find yourself chasing your tail trying to fit everything in and not let anyone down. It’s also really common to catch yourself wistfully wishing that life could be simpler.

But if you’re like I used to be, then you probably brush that thought aside and push it to the back corner of your mind—to be looked at another day.

Today’s way of life teaches you that you have to be busy to be seen as successful. And if you’re not stressed, then there must be something wrong with you.

Moreover, you can’t just fill your days to the brim with "stuff"—because there’s the added pressure of having to capture every moment so you can share the images, vision and stories that prove you’re getting ahead.

Living like this feels like you’re constantly dropping all the balls you’re juggling, chasing them in different directions and then finally getting them back in the air... only to add new balls to the mix. And , you have to do that in a way that allows you to smile brightly and show the world that everything is under control.

There’s no time to connect with what you’re doing or to really stop and wonder why it is you’re doing it. Those are things that go into that same back corner of your mind to keep that wistful "why can’t life be simpler" question company.

I get it. I was just like that. I did all the things, I ticked all the boxes and I achieved all the "stuff." And when I got there, I was left completely underwhelmed by the experience.

So I kept going, because surely it had to get better. Success was only a step away... if I just did that next thing. I pushed through, "soldiered on" and kept working hard because that was what I thought I had to do. Besides, it felt like I’d gone too far down the road to give up everything I’d achieved and start again.

And that’s the crux of the issue right there. Somewhere along the way, I had been taught that life had to be complex before I could get anywhere. And worse, I believed that if I tried to make it simpler then I had to give up everything I had.

It’s the "start again" piece of the puzzle that keeps you locked into the way you’re living your life. Starting again is just too daunting to think about. It takes you straight to overwhelm, at which point everything seems too hard. When you’re in that state, staying where you are—and living life the way you’re already living it—seems to be less painful than walking away and having to begin again.

But what if you’re stuck in your ways because you’ve been misled about what a simple life really is?

You crave a simpler life because you know deep down that there is an easier and kinder way to live.

Living a simple life doesn’t mean you have to move to a cave or dress in cheesecloth or go on a 40-day fast or never speak to anyone or even spend all day, every day meditating. It also doesn’t have to disrupt your entire life, take loads of time or cost lots of money.

The truth is this: A simple life is about finding the things that are important to you and then creating the simplest pathway to have them in your life.

There are no rules about the number of items you are allowed to own, what you’re allowed to do, where you’re allowed to go, how much you can spend, how much you can earn, what sort of car you should drive, where you should live or anything about what you need. There’s also no label that comes with having a simple life either, so you don’t have to pigeonhole yourself in any way.

We’re all unique, extraordinary human beings... so we need unique and extraordinary solutions that provide solutions for our own lives. To help create the solutions that are perfect for me, I use a three-step process that I can apply to any life situation. Let’s use reducing stress as an example:

1. Who are you?

• What are the things that create stress in your life? Make a list.

• What are the top three things on the list?

• Which thing on the list has the greatest impact?

2. What’s important to you?

• Why do I want my stress to be reduced?

• What benefit will I gain from being less stressed?

• If I am less stressed, what will I be able to do more of?

3. What steps can you take to create the simplest pathway to having what you want?

• Choose an item from the list that you’d like to focus on first.

• Write down three things you can do to change the way this impacts your life.

• How and when will you implement the first of these three things?

• What will you do to hold yourself accountable?

Then just "rinse and repeat" for the other items on your list.

You know how you’d like your life to be really simple? Taking small, simple and easily implementable steps can significantly change the way you experience your life. And once you get into the swing of adopting the simplest way of doing things, you’ll begin to see that you no longer have to choose between being happy and healthy or being successful.

You’ll have found your rhythm and you’ll be able to create the perfect balance between them all.

Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?

Bronwen Sciortino

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The Simplicity Habit

The Many Benefits of Choosing to Live Simply

Inside: There are many benefits of simple living. Today I will share ways that choosing to live simply can improve your life.

Do you ever find yourself feeling totally overwhelmed?

You’re not alone. In today’s busy, modern, constantly connected society, it can seem like there’s always something going on – and that can be a little bit much sometimes. 

In response, people have embraced the concept of simple living. Living simply has become more and more popular over the last few years, as people have prioritized relationships, time, hobbies, nature, and getting back to basics.

Keep reading for answers to some of your biggest questions about simple living, like:

  • What is simple living?
  • What’s the difference between minimalism and simple living?
  • How do I start living more simply?

benefits of simple living

What is Simple Living?

Not quite sure what simple living actually means?

While the definition can be slightly different for everyone, there are a few common threads that connect those who choose a simple life.

People who choose a simple life often live with less stuff . They focus on the essentials and limit things that aren’t necessary for their life.

Simple living can also focus on self-sufficiency and related ideas – growing and making your own food, embracing crafts and handmade items, and choosing not to rely on modern conveniences.

Every person’s form of simple living looks different. You don’t have to be a homesteader to embrace aspects of living a simpler and more intentional life.

What’s the Difference Between Minimalism and Simple Living?

Simple living and minimalism are often used interchangeably. And that’s because there is quite a bit of overlap between the two.

Minimalism focuses on the idea that ‘less is more.’ Minimalism by definition is “a style or technique that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity.”

As the concept of minimalism has gained popularity in recent years, the way people practice it varies considerably. You can find all types of minimalists who focus on different aspects of simplifying.

With minimalism, people tend to focus on the stuff. At its core, it is about removing the excess.

Simple living is a broader concept that is more of a lifestyle. Minimalists live simply, but it’s also possible to simplify without ever becoming a minimalist .

The goal of living simply is to focus on what matters most to you, like family, friends, and shared experiences. It’s about limiting your distractions and simplifying your life, which can also involve slowing down when needed.

When embracing a simpler lifestyle, you learn to be more content with less. It’s not that stuff is never a temptation, but you do grow to see how stuff doesn’t hold lasting significance and importance in life.

benefits of simple living

Is Living a Simple Life Better?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to life. Some people prefer to immerse themselves in their hobbies. Others love nothing more than focusing on work and achieving the next big career move.

There are maximalists and there are minimalists in the world who are both happy with the path they’ve chosen.  

However, I’ll admit I do have a bias. I believe many people would benefit from living more simply. We live in a world that focuses on excess and consumerism .

We’re encouraged to live beyond our means because we ‘deserve’ it.

Choosing to live more simply is countercultural. But if you’re ready to choose quality over quantity and prioritize the things that make you happy (even if they aren’t popular), it can be a great step toward finding more peace and fulfillment in life.

Why is Simple Living Not So Simple?

Simple living is about focusing on the simple things in life. Decluttering gives you a simpler space that prioritizes functionality and comfort over flashiness.

If you focus on simple foods, you opt for minimally processed, or perhaps even grow your own, and cook as often as you can.

Simpler schedules allow for plenty of free time to pursue hobbies and to just be. Rest and balance are encouraged with simple living.

Living a simpler life doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a lot of intention and effort to alter your expectations and behaviors.

Cutting back and changing your habits can be hard. But while making the move to live simply may feel anything but simple, it’ll be worth it in the end, because…

living simple essay

A Simple Life is a Happy Life

By living a simple life and focusing on the things that really matter, you’re almost guaranteed to be happier. 

Without the distractions, noise, and stress brought upon us by cluttered surroundings, too much technology, processed foods, and endless noise, it’s easier to feel happy. 

What are the Health Benefits of Simple Living?

Simple living doesn’t just feel good. Simple living is actually good for you.

From making it easier to rest at night to lowering your blood pressure, there are quite a few health-related benefits associated with living a simple life.

1. Choosing A Simple Life Frees Up Your Time for Creativity

When you embrace a simple life, you cut down on the amount of stuff you have to deal with.

There’s less stuff to clean and few appointments to manage – which means more time for you to tap into your creativity and do the things you love.

Dance, draw, sing, paint, craft – whatever you want. Giving yourself the time and space you need to create can be hugely beneficial to your mental and physical health.

benefits of simple living

2. Less Stimulation Allows for Better Concentration

For many, living a simple life does mean living with less stuff. Less clutter, fewer electronics, and not as much to deal with will put you in a better space to focus on whatever you need to – work, hobbies, and conversations with family. 

After spending years surrounded by screens, stereos, and constant electronic buzz, you might be surprised to see just how well you can actually focus when you eliminate those distractions.

3. Brain Function Improves When You Watch Less Television

For many who choose to embrace a more simple way of living, television is typically not watched every single night for hours on end. 

And that’s a good thing because studies have shown that those who watch more television experience cognitive decline – which isn’t something any of us want.

4. Simple Living Can Reduce Stress

For many, one of the biggest benefits of simple living is the fact that it leads to way less stress. Without as much to worry about, you can say goodbye to sky-high stress levels.

Studies have shown that cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone, are higher in cluttered spaces. This is especially true for women. Once the clutter is removed, there was also less stress.

Stress contributes to a host of different health problems, from poor sleep to heart issues, making it a great issue to address.

5. Living Simply Helps You Sleep Better

Having adequate sleep is an integral part of living a healthy lifestyle. If you don’t sleep well, it can cause a host of health problems.

When you have less on your plate, it’s easier to wind down at the end of the day and fall asleep. Decluttering your bedroom will create a more calming space with fewer distractions.

Keep technology out of your bedroom to create an optimal environment for getting high-quality sleep.

6. Being Joyful Improves Quality of Life, Not Just Quantity

Living more simply leads to a more joyful life. When you’re focused on what matters most and have removed the excess stuff, it brings more fulfillment.

Reflecting on gratitude and being content with what you have will help you to fully embrace your simpler lifestyle.

benefits of simple living

What Are the Benefits of Simple Living?

The benefits of simple living aren’t just associated with your health. There are lots of other reasons to embrace a more simple way of life.

From self-sufficiency to sustainability, here are a few other impactful ways living simply can make a difference in your life.

1. Simple Living Increases Self-Sufficiency

For some, simple living means taking a more hands-on approach to many of life’s essentials. Simple living can involve living on a homestead or farm away from the city, although it doesn’t have to.

It can mean growing your own herbs, fruits, veggies, and in some situations, even livestock. It can mean making more meals from scratch, with real ingredients, instead of relying on the convenience of fast food. 

In the process, you can learn to become more self-sufficient. Those skills can be learned no matter where you live, although of course, it will look different in varying environments.

2. Living Simply Can Help Protect the Environment

By taking a more simple approach to life, you’ll benefit the environment. Everything we purchase, from the food we eat to the cars we drive to the clothes we wear, has an effect on our environment.

By living simply, many choose to focus on growing their own food, buying local and buying less, and supporting businesses in their community – and, as a result, have less of an impact on the environment.

3. Relationship Benefits of Simple Living

The benefits of simple living can apply to many areas of your life – even your relationships.

By embracing simple living, you place more importance on quality over quantity, on experiences over stuff .

That inherently means you’re going to spend more time and energy on the relationships you’ve built with family and friends.

By making more memories together and truly focusing when you connect – not staring at televisions or dealing with the distractions of cell phones – your relationships will almost certainly get stronger .

4. Mastering the Art of Decluttering

Another benefit of learning to live simply is that it helps you develop decluttering skills in your home.

There are many benefits to living in a decluttered space . Simplifying your stuff saves you time, money, and stress!

As you practice decluttering, you will hone your skills. Decluttering gets easier as you make progress and learn what’s important (and what isn’t).

5. Financial Benefits of Simple Living: Will Living Simply Save Me Money?

Many people want to know if choosing to live a simple life will save them money. And the answer is yes.

As you learn to become more intentional with shopping , you’ll end up with fewer impulse purchases. Decluttering also helps you to become more aware of what you already own, so you’re less likely to end up buying duplicates.

When you stop buying unnecessary stuff, you save money. Many people don’t realize how much money they waste on things they don’t truly need. Simple living allows them to cut back on those expenses.

Living within your means allows you to have less financial stress in your life.

living simple essay

How Do I Start Living More Simply?

To start experiencing the benefits of a simple life, consider what area of your life you want to simplify first.

It could be that your schedule feels cluttered and you’re tired of feeling so busy all of the time.

Or maybe the stuff in your home is out of control and you want to focus on decluttering that first.

Start with whatever area of your life is feeling the most cluttered right now and go from there.

Living simply isn’t about just making one choice. It’s a lifestyle that you customize to suit your needs and desires. After all, it’s really about focusing on what matters most to you.

There Are Many Benefits of Simple Living and It Can Impact Your Life in a BIG Way!

As you can see, there are some great benefits to living simply. From less stress, better sleep, and increased focus to other positive impacts on your relationships and our environment, it’s clear that choosing to live a simple life is beneficial.

Consider taking a few steps today toward living a more simple life and see how YOU can benefit from it!

Start on your journey to live more simply by filling out the form below and getting the free Quick Wins for Decluttering worksheet. You’ll also get weekly tips on simplifying and decluttering sent straight to your inbox!

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benefits of simple living

Simple Lionheart Life

10 Benefits of Living a Simple Life

10 Benefits of Living a Simple Life

There are so many benefits of living a simple life. And in today’s post, I’m sharing some of my favourites.

Reading about the benefits of living a simple life is a great way to get and stay motivated to simplify your own life. Reminding you why it matters and what you stand to gain .

What is simple living?

Clearing the clutter from your home is one part of living a simpler life . But fully embracing a simple life goes beyond just simplifying the stuff in your home. It’s about making intentional choices to simplify your life as a whole.

Simplifying your home and your space. But also simplifying your schedule and how you spend your time. Simplifying your routines and how you approach the work and tasks you need to do each day. And finally, it’s about slowing down and embracing a slower, simpler, less busy life in general.

A life where you clear the clutter, distractions and busyness so you have more time, space and attention to enjoy and do the things that matter most to you.

10 Benefits of Living a Simple Life

Benefits of living a simple life

When you take this holistic approach to simplify your life, there are a variety of benefits you can start to experience. And that’s what today’s post is all about!

The benefits of living a simple life and how they can impact your life in a positive way.

Keep reading for some great inspiration, motivation and encouragement to embrace a slower, simpler life!

1. More time for what matters most

When you reduce the distractions, the clutter and the busyness in your life, you give yourself more time, space and energy for what matters most to you.

Whether that’s your work, a hobby or activity you love, the relationships that mean the most to you, etc. Whatever it is, simplifying your life gives you more time to focus on what you love and what matters most to you.

2. Less stress

Less to manage, take care of and keep up with all helps to reduce stress in your life. Reducing your workload and mental load.

It’s letting go of what’s less important and keeping what’s most important. And when you do that, you can eliminate a lot of unnecessary stress from your life too.

Choosing to embrace a simpler life means focusing less on the “should dos” and getting clear about what matters most instead. Then choosing to reduce, remove or eliminate the “shoulds” so you have more space in your life to focus on what matters.

In addition, embracing a simpler life often leads to buying less “stuff” and buying more intentionally. Simply because you want to keep your home simplified because of the benefits it brings .

Buying less and being more intentional with your purchases can also lead to less financial stress, another great way to reduce stress levels overall.

3. Less mental clutter

Having less to manage, take care of, keep up with, keep track of, etc. also means you reduce your mental load and reduce mental clutter .

Life can feel less overwhelming and chaotic when you reduce the number of things, commitments, obligations, tasks, etc. that you are required to take care of and keep up with.

And instead, you create a life with fewer things to manage and take care of. Giving yourself more time and space to hear and process your thoughts and feelings. As well as remember, keep track of and keep up with the important things that truly matter in your life.

You’ll like be less distracted as well with less to manage, keep up with and remember. Helping to improve your focus and concentration as well!

4. More clarity about what matters most

One of the greatest benefits of living a simple life is the clarity it gives you .

The more you simplify, the more you clear away the clutter and the distractions (both literal and figurative). And the more you identify and clear the clutter and distractions, the more opportunity you have to clarify what truly matters most to you.

You put less pressure on yourself to do it all, have it all, keep up with it all, etc. And instead, start pinpointing and clarifying for yourself what matters most. Gaining more awareness of who you are, what your values, goals and priorities are and what kind of life you want to live.

And the more awareness you gain of who you are as a person, the more confidence you gain in who you are. As well as confidence in the choices you’re making and the way you’re choosing to live.

You know who you are and what matters most to you. And may find you compare your life less to other people’s simply because you recognize you have different goals, values and priorities.

5. Benefits to your physical health

Simplifying your life also positively impacts your physical health.

Taking steps to reduce the stress you feel in your life is a great way to better support your physical health. As studies show that prolonged exposure to elevated stress levels can impact your health. Including your heart function, your mental health, digestion, memory and more.

But simplifying your life can also impact your health in other ways. For example, a clutter-free bedroom can help you sleep better.

It also gives you more time in your days to focus on things that support your health, like giving you more time to exercise, focus on eating better and do activities to calm your body and mind.

6. Improved relationships

One of the biggest benefits of a simple life is the way it frees up your time for what matters most. And having more time for what matters to you can impact so many areas of your life.

The positive impact simplifying can have on your relationships is another example.

The more time you have for the people you love, the deeper and more meaningful your relationships can become.

7. More gratitude

When you’re less bogged down by clutter, busyness and distractions, you have more time and capacity for gratitude . To appreciate the good already filling your life. Giving you more time and space to notice and appreciate it.

Simplifying is about removing the clutter and distractions, leaving the things that matter most to you. And when you are highlighting what matters most in your life, you often feel more gratitude for the life you’re creating. Simply because you’re creating a life filled with what matters most to you.

8. More focus & creativity

Living a simpler life often focuses on having less to do, rather than getting more done.

Instead of looking for the next productivity hack to let you squeeze it all in, you start looking for what you can remove to make life easier to keep up with. The more you remove, the more time you gain. And the more time you gain, the less rushed and busy you need to be.

You might be able to do less multi-tasking trying to get it all done. And instead, do more focused, single-tasking. Not only making your tasks feel less frantic and stressful but also allowing you to focus more and be more intentional with what you’re doing.

Having more time in your days also gives you more opportunities for creativity, creative problem solving and creative thinking. It’s hard to be creative when you’re too busy or stressed to slow down and pay attention to your creative ideas!

9. Reduces your environmental impact

Living a simpler life can also help reduce your environmental footprint.

As I said earlier, embracing a simpler life often focuses on owning less and buying less to maintain a simpler home and lifestyle. When you own less and buy less, you’re consuming less and producing less waste. Maybe even focusing on maintaining and repairing what you already own, rather than always discarding and buying new.

A great example of this is in your wardrobe. When embracing a simpler life, you might focus less on buying new, trendy clothes and instead focus on wearing what you already own. Reducing your consumption, waste and environmental impact.

10. More happiness

And finally, one of my favourite benefits of living a simple life is the happiness it adds to life.

When living a simpler life there is less rushing, less stress, less busyness and instead more time for what you love and what matters most to you.

There’s time for the people you love. Time for the activities and hobbies you enjoy. Less pressure to keep up with everything and instead choosing to only keep up with the things that matter to you.

It’s a life where you focus on creating a life you love. A life that feels fulfilling and purposeful to you. Not one where you try to keep up with everyone else or live by someone else’s rules. And a life that aligns with what matters most to you and your values, goals and priorities is a life that feels good. A life with more space to be happy!

I hope today’s post will inspire you to create a simpler life that focuses on what matters most to you!

I’d love to know, which of these benefits are your favourite or are the things you’re most looking forward to experiencing as you continue to simplify your life. Leave a comment below and let me know!

living simple essay

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Essays on Simple Living

Faq about simple living.

One Frugal Girl

Earn, Save, and Live Joyfully.

living simple essay

Living Simply (A Simple Life With Less Money)

Two factors propelled my  race for financial independence : increasing my income and living simply. One helped me earn and save money. The other helped me realize I didn’t need nearly as much as I thought I did.

Living Simply Requires Less Money

How much money do you need to save for a simple life in retirement? How much do you need to live a simple, enjoyable life? Have you ever thought about it? If I asked you that question, what would you say, and how would you come up with the number?

Would you choose your current salary, look at your monthly mortgage payments or review your credit card bills?

Many years ago, I sat down to calculate my yearly expenses. I added up every purchase and generated a total that felt safe and secure. The number was huge!

I needed a giant pile of money to live my best life, so I spent my twenties and early thirties racing to reach that amount.

I was incredibly proud of my career, earning six figures and seeing my bank accounts grow. The more money I added to my accounts, the better I felt.

But then a funny thing happened. I reached  financial independence  and realized I needed a fraction of that amount.

Living a Simple Life with Little Money

When I calculated the perfect number, I used the wrong frame of reference. Instead of looking at my current expenses, I should’ve asked myself what I needed to  live a simple, happy, healthy, well-adjusted life .

Last year, we  bought a house , which  motivated me to clean and declutter . Each time I bagged up our stuff, I felt lighter and less stressed. As I purged our possessions, I felt their weight disappearing from my shoulders.

How much money had we  spent on unnecessary stuff ? How little did we need to live a simple, happy life?

Living Simply Without Obligations

I was a minimalist before the pandemic began, but as the days turned into weeks, months, and years, I realized that the rules of living simply shouldn’t be confined to our possessions.

I began to focus on the simplicity of our time, obligations, and schedules.

To live simply, I needed to figure out what I valued most in life. As you can imagine, the most valuable connections in life have nothing to do with money.

During the pandemic, our schedules widened. The obligations of everyday life dissolved, and I relished in the  time freedom  that allowed us to stop rushing from one place to another.

As we removed commitments, I let go of my expectations. With time apart, I also distanced myself from the  drama of extended family members .

I didn’t need money to buy anything other than necessities. Plane tickets, hotel rooms, and amusement parks dropped off the list. If we wanted to entertain ourselves, we grabbed board games and played together.

We enjoyed stepping into nature and relishing in the warm sunshine. Of course, none of our daily activities required money. When the world grew quiet, our expenses dropped dramatically. When we stripped down life to the basics, I realized I didn’t need that much.

In the quiet time, my creative juices flowed. Without overwhelming responsibilities, my mind cleared, and my thoughts came into focus.

Keeping Life Simple

For the first time in a long time, we didn’t need to plan our days. We could lounge around the house in pajama pants, reading, and coloring.

It felt incredible to seize the day without a plan. We played basketball, went to the beach, and took long walks and bike rides.

We put the to-do list aside and appreciated resting our minds and bodies. As a result, our relationships and connections strengthened.

How Much Money Do I Need to Live a Simple Life?

In my youth, I didn’t understand that I was trading my energy for money. Back then, time seemed infinite , and I had plenty to spare.

So I worked hard and built a solid nest egg. I don’t regret that fact . It’s helped calm my financial anxieties and pays for my chronic health issues, but maybe I didn’t need to push so hard or save so much.

What I need isn’t more money. It’s fewer possessions, more mental space, and fewer time constraints.

Now, I feel a pressing need to make the  most of my time . I’m willing to live in a smaller house with fewer obligations and less stuff to do that.

It’s not about deprivation or frugal living . It’s about realizing that I don’t need much to feel content and happy.

What about you? Are you focusing on money, living simply, or both?

2 thoughts on “Living Simply (A Simple Life With Less Money)”

Options C: all of the above!

I’m trying to focus on money but not at the expense of my health. It’s all fun and games until someone gets burnout.

Spot on! Balance is the key to a joyful life!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

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Essay On Simple Living High Thinking | Simple Living High Thinking Essay for Students and Children in English

February 14, 2024 by Prasanna

Essay On Simple Living High Thinking: The concept of simple living high thinking is something that every person should adopt. This concept is also called as minimalism where a person owns bare minimum items in his house. Your lifestyle will be totally different if you own just the essentials. We have seen what is happening around the world when people are buying just the essential commodities. The COVID-19 pandemic has thought us that all we need to survive are the basic essentials like a house, a vehicle, food and medicines. All others are luxuries that we don’t actually need in reality.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on Simple Living High Thinking for Students and Kids in Engish

This article explores the various advantages of simple living high thinking kind of lifestyle.In this essay article, we have provided a long 600 word limit on essay on simple living high thinking that will help students in both colleges and schools in winning their essay writing competitions. A short format of the essay on simple living high thinking with a 200-word limit is also provided for the student’s understanding and benefits.

Simple Living High Thinking Essay

Long Essay On Simple Living High Thinking 600 Words

Find below 600-word essay on simple living high thinking for students of classes 7,8,9 and 10.

To start with, let me say that it is our thought process that makes us rich and not how much money we have in our bank accounts. Have you ever wondered why is it that your closet is always full of clothes even if you don’t wear them any day? Have you ever wondered why your room is so messy and cluttery even though you hardly use any of the things in there? Have you ever wondered why is it that your computer table is full of things other than a computer, which is the only thing you use that is lying on the table?

The urge of a human being to gain materialistic wealth is beyond control and has a significant impact on our economy. Companies market products that are actually not needed and add no value to our lives but the branding of the products is done such that it is made to create an illusion of value addition in our lives when in reality, all it does is add problems to our lives.

The concept of simple living high thinking is not just about a clutter-free closet or a cleanroom. To have peace of mind and live a truly blessed life, we need to follow this simple living high thinking theory in life. Some of us have money, some of us don’t and some of us have that in plenty and still, our peace of mind is not as much as that worker who sleeps on the footpath with no worries. We as a society look at them in wonderment and pity, but in reality, it is them that should pity us.

What does a simple living high thinking lifestyle constitute?

There is no one such established lifestyle to achieve simple living high thinking, but below are two things that we should inculcate in our lives to lead a resourceful, meaningful and purposeful life.

  • Spend less on yourself and more on others:  The sense of joy, fulfillment and satisfaction you get when you help someone in need is far more than the joy you get when you buy a branded shoe or a costly phone. The COVID-19 pandemic has thought many life lessons to us and one of which is the joy of helping others. It is not just about the joy, we should do it as a responsibility and gratitude towards our privileges that God has granted us. The entire economy of the world is crumbling just because all of us are buying only the bare minimum and essentials. More than 90% of our economy is surviving because of the consumer’s spending on things that they don’t really need.
  • Practice minimalism for a better life:  Minimalism is a term that is used to refer to a lifestyle which is minimum in materialistic point of view, but maximum in peace of mind and tranquillity point of view. We are always frustrated and agitated whenever we come home looking at a closet full of clothes, a kitchen full of utensils, a refrigerator full of food and a table full of useless things. Get rid of it all. Yes, the minimum lifestyle will give a sense of direction and purpose in life. Instead of spending that one lakh rupee on iPhone, buy a phone that is cheaper and use the rest of the money to feed the poor and the hungry. Try this one day and you yourself will be addicted to that joy. The smile that you see when you feed someone who is in need is enough to have a sense of purpose in life.

It is not easy to achieve a simple living high thinking lifestyle especially for someone like us who are privileged enough to have money to spend. But true simple living high thinking lifestyle is followed by the unprivileged and financially weak section of our society. They might be financially weaker than us, but on a moral and wisdom compass, they are far ahead of us in the race.

Simple Living High Thinking

Short Essay on Simple Living High Thinking 200 Words

Find below a 200-word short essay on a simple living high thinking lifestyle for students of Classes 1,2,3,4,5 and 6.

The lifestyle of simple living high thinking is not an easy one to achieve. But if you want peace of mind, a sense of purpose and direction in life, then this is the way to go. There is no one established rule for a simple living high thinking, but it depends on what makes you happy. But we need to remember that the happiness that comes from having materialistic wealth is playing on our minds is in reality played by businesses and their brainwashing us day in and day out.

The whole concept behind this lifestyle is buying the things we only need and living a simple life in terms of materialistic wealth, but rich and wealthy life in terms of happiness and content life.

There are two sections of people in our society, the privileged and the unprivileged. In terms of money power and materialistic wealth, we are privileged and those who don’t have are unprivileged, but in terms of content and joyful life, we are unprivileged and the ones who have them in abundance are the privileged. There is a fine line between these two sections of society. Only by living a simple living high thinking lifestyle can you blur that line and cross the other side of the fence and experience that joy as well.

10 Lines On Simple Living High Thinking Essay

  • Simple living high thinking is the lifestyle of owning less and giving more
  • It is the thinking that makes us rich and not the wealth we possess
  • Hight thinking will give us happiness and an optimistic outlook on life
  • Get rid of all the non-essentials in your life and see how well our lives turn out to be
  • The greed of the man to make money has made him miserable and frustrated all the time
  • To break the glass ceiling and be happy, we need to donate wealth and help the poor and the needy
  • Following a simple living high thinking gives us a sense of purpose and direction in life
  • An uncluttered mind comes from an uncluttered closet
  • The mad rat race to make money has no end and human beings keep running behind it and die one fine day
  • The real rich person is the one who is happy and content with his life

Essay About Simple Living High Thinking

FAQ’s on Essay On Simple Living High Thinking

Question 1. Is it wrong to have more money?

Answer: Not necessarily. The money we make represents our hard work. But that hard work should not turn into greed

Question 2. How can I live a free life?

Answer: By following a minimalistic lifestyle, we will unclutter our minds from greed and this will bring us closer towards living a free life.

Question 3. Should I quit earning money to live a simple living high thinking lifestyle?

Answer: No, earning money and making a livelihood out of it is necessary given the structure of our society.

Question 4. What will happen if I don’t buy luxury items?

Answer: Absolutely nothing will happen to an individual person if they don’t buy luxury items. Our desire and greed will gradually come down

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Be More with Less

Be More with Less

Simplify your life. Declutter your mind. Connect with your heart.

13 Benefits of Simple Living

Tammy Strobel

My husband and I decided to simplify our lives to enjoy benefits like saving money, reducing stress, building strong relationships, and investing in experiences. For example, we recently took an overnight trip to a nearby city, stayed at a lovely hotel, explored a museum, ate lots of good food, and spent time with friends. It was a wonderful getaway that reaffirmed why we simplified our lives. We didn’t have the time or money to travel before we adopted simple living.

living simple essay

What Is Simple Living?

Like minimalism , simple living looks different for each person. Therefore, the definition of simple living will vary depending on individual needs and wants. I define simple living by answering the question, “How much is enough?” 

Also, I come back to questions posed by Vicki Robin in Your Money or Your Life . She said: 

“Defining ‘enough’ requires you ask yourself some crucial and pertinent questions:

  • What makes you happy?
  • What’s most important to you?
  • What values will you never compromise?
  • If you had $1 million right now, what would you do with your time?
  • What’s one thing you could get rid of to make yourself happier? (a person doesn’t count)
  • Will you ever have enough money to retire?
  • If someone today erased all your debts, would you dig yourself into that hole again? How or how not?”

I love these questions because they help me examine my values and what “enough” means to me. For example, my husband and I lived in a tiny house for roughly five years. We outgrew our little house, though. We wanted a home that had more space for entertaining and cooking. Now we live in a two-bedroom apartment, and that is “enough” space for us.

living simple essay

Below are 13 ways that simple living has benefited my life. Many of the benefits are inner-connected. For example, I couldn’t pay off my debt without evaluating my spending habits and relationship to consumerism. I hope you find my list of benefits helpful; especially as you craft a definition of simple living.  

With that, let’s review my list . . .

1.) Understand and save money

Understanding and saving money is a crucial part of our simple living journey. Tracking our spending, income, and savings is educational and freeing. For example, it’s given us the ability to make career changes, pay for unexpected medical bills, and take trips. 

2.) Say goodbye to consumerism

Evaluating my spending habits, and watching “ The Story of Stuff ,” helped me stop shopping for happiness at the mall. Needless shopping wasn’t good for my mental health, bank account, or the environment. Saying goodbye to consumerism helped me realize that I could find happiness, joy, and delight outside the mall. 

3.) Stronger relationships

Most of the tips I shared in “ How To Choose Happiness (even when it’s difficult) ” involve social connection. Happiness research has shown that connection and strong relationships make people happy (not buying more stuff). That’s definitely true for me! 

Dr. Laurie Santos – professor, scientist, and podcast host – said, “If you look at the positive psychology literature, one of the hugest effects on our own happiness is our social connection … Social relationships and strong social relationships are necessary for happiness. They’re not sufficient for happiness, but you can’t find happy people that don’t have them.” 

4.) More time

As we simplified our lives, I noticed that I had more free time. I wasn’t spending my time at the mall, driving my car, or working so many hours. I also learned to say no . As a result, I had time to work on creative projects and hang out with loved ones.

Something that continues to help me: time audits. When I feel too busy, I track my time for a week. This is helpful because I’m able to reevaluate how I spend my time . From there, I prioritize and let go of the activities that no longer serve me. 

5.) Improved work-life balance

Doing time audits helped me realize that I wanted to work less. Instead of working over 40 hours a week, I work roughly 25-30 hours a week. I don’t make as much money, but I have time to volunteer, work on creative projects, and take care of my family.

6.) Reduced stress

Paying off our debt, saving money, and commuting by bike reduced our stress levels . 

Interestingly, The Commuting and Wellbeing Study found that “every extra minute of commute time reduces job satisfaction, reduces leisure time satisfaction, increases strain and reduces mental health.” Whereas, a shorter commute is likely to “increase job satisfaction” and “is associated with better self-reported health.” 

Chronic stress is linked to negative health outcomes, so I’m grateful for my simple low-stress life. 

7.) Better sleep

When I was stuck in the work-spend cycle, my sleep was disrupted frequently. At night, I worried about not being able to pay off my student loan debt. Today, I worry less and sleep better. And when I don’t sleep well, I examine what’s going on in my life. 

8.) Less clutter means less cleaning

Letting go of clutter feels good, and it’s saved me time. I don’t have to clean as often, and spring cleaning is easier and fun. Also, owning less stuff is a way to save money. I spend less on insurance premiums, security costs, and maintenance costs. 

9.) Reduced decision fatigue

Before I simplified my life, my closet was packed with clothes. It took me a long time to get ready in the morning because I didn’t know what to wear. Today, I have a minimalist wardrobe that I love. Plus, my tiny wardrobe has reduced decision fatigue. In essence, deciding what to wear in the morning isn’t an exhausting task.

10.) Increased gratitude

Over the past decade, I’ve shifted my focus from comparison to gratitude. Understanding that I have enough money, time, and love fills me with gratitude for all the good in my life. Tools that help me focus on gratitude include my journaling and photography practice.

11.) Savoring small pleasures

Savoring small pleasures — like going on a nature walk, reading a novel, or having coffee with a friend — is one of my favorite things to do. It’s been an unexpected and beautiful benefit of simplifying my life. 

12.) Invest in experiences

Instead of buying stuff, we invest some of our money in experiences. I love taking trips and eating out. Not all experiences require spending money, though. Everyday adventures – like bike rides with friends and trips to the library – are a big part of my life. I can do these activities  in my community. Plus, they are free and fun experiences!

13.) Build community

In the updated edition of Your Money or Your Life Vicki Robin wisely said, “Widen the circle of relatedness and you are in the third pillar of natural wealth: community. Community is a natural human currency. It is currency because it facilitates trade within communities that share and care outside the money economy.”

Over the years, I’ve become less and less attached to my belongings, more resilient, and focused on building community. Don’t get me wrong, having an apartment filled with select belongings is a privilege and comfort. However, my belongings won’t take care of me when I’m ill, struggling with my mental health, or experiencing grief. My community will take care of me, though.

Having the time and space to focus on my relationships and community is an amazing opportunity. For example, last summer I took a trip to visit friends. The trip deepened some of my friendships, and I reflect on it frequently. I’m looking forward to saving for our next trip with friends!

Resources to inspire simple living

Looking for resources that will help you simplify your life? Explore the list below:

Below is a short list of my favorite books about simple living: 

  • Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
  • Project 333 and Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver
  • The Year of Less by Cait Flanders
  • Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
  • Tiny Homes: Simple Shelter by Lloyd Kahn
  • Explore Coutney’s archive of simplicity articles . It’s full of helpful essays that will inspire you to simplify your life. Here’s an article to get you started: 7 Tiny Steps for the Beginner Minimalist .
  • How To Start Simplifying, Minimalist Weddings and More (Q & A)
  • Simplify Your Wardrobe

Videos 

  • The Story of Stuff is an inspiring website that focuses on “honest conversation about our consumption-crazed culture.” You will find videos and other educational materials on the site. 

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Essays About Life: Top 5 Examples Plus 7 Prompts

Life envelops various meanings; if you are writing essays about life, discover our comprehensive guide with examples and prompts to help you with your essay.

What is life? You can ask anyone; I assure you, no two people will have the same answer. How we define life relies on our beliefs and priorities. One can say that life is the capacity for growth or the time between birth and death. Others can share that life is the constant pursuit of purpose and fulfillment. Life is a broad topic that inspires scholars, poets, and many others. It stimulates discussions that encourage diverse perspectives and interpretations. 

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5 Essay Examples

1. essay on life by anonymous on toppr.com, 2. the theme of life, existence and consciousness by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 3. compassion can save life by anonymous on papersowl.com, 4. a life of consumption vs. a life of self-realization by anonymous on ivypanda.com, 5. you only live once: a motto for life by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 1. what is the true meaning of life, 2. my life purpose, 3. what makes life special, 4. how to appreciate life, 5. books about life, 6. how to live a healthy life, 7. my idea of a perfect life.

“…quality of Life carries huge importance. Above all, the ultimate purpose should be to live a meaningful life. A meaningful life is one which allows us to connect with our deeper self.”

The author defines life as something that differentiates man from inorganic matter. It’s an aspect that processes and examines a person’s actions that develop through growth. For some, life is a pain because of failures and struggles, but it’s temporary. For the writer, life’s challenges help us move forward, be strong, and live to the fullest. You can also check out these essays about utopia .

“… Kafka defines the dangers of depending on art for life. The hunger artist expresses his dissatisfaction with the world by using himself and not an external canvas to create his artwork, forcing a lack of separation between the artist and his art. Therefore, instead of the art depending on the audience, the artist depends on the audience, meaning when the audience’s appreciation for work dwindles, their appreciation for the artist diminishes as well, leading to the hunger artist’s death.”

The essay talks about “ A Hunger Artist ” by Franz Kafka, who describes his views on life through art. The author analyzes Kafka’s fictional main character and his anxieties and frustrations about life and the world. This perception shows how much he suffered as an artist and how unhappy he was. Through the essay, the writer effectively explains Kafka’s conclusion that artists’ survival should not depend on their art.

“Compassion is that feeling that we’ve all experienced at some point in our lives. When we know that there is someone that really cares for us. Compassion comes from that moment when we can see the world through another person’s eyes.”

The author is a nurse who believes that to be professional, they need to be compassionate and treat their patients with respect, empathy, and dignity. One can show compassion through small actions such as talking and listening to patients’ grievances. In conclusion, compassion can save a person’s life by accepting everyone regardless of race, gender, etc.

“… A life of self-realization is more preferable and beneficial in comparison with a life on consumption. At the same time, this statement may be objected as person’s consumption leads to his or her happiness.”

The author examines Jon Elster’s theory to find out what makes a person happy and what people should think and feel about their material belongings. The essay mentions a list of common activities that make us feel happy and satisfied, such as buying new things. The writer explains that Elster’s statement about the prevalence of self-realization in consumption will always trigger intense debate.

“Appreciate the moment you’ve been given and appreciate the people you’ve been given to spend it with, because no matter how beautiful or tragic a moment is, it always ends. So hold on a little tighter, smile a little bigger, cry a little harder, laugh a little louder, forgive a little quicker, and love a whole lot deeper because these are the moments you will remember when you’re old and wishing you could rewind time.”

This essay explains that some things and events only happen once in a person’s life. The author encourages teenagers to enjoy the little things in their life and do what they love as much as they can. When they turn into adults, they will no longer have the luxury to do whatever they want.

The author suggests doing something meaningful as a stress reliever, trusting people, refusing to give up on the things that make you happy, and dying with beautiful memories. For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers .

7 Prompts for Essays About Life

Essays About Life: What is the true meaning of life?

Life encompasses many values and depends on one’s perception. For most, life is about reaching achievements to make themselves feel alive. Use this prompt to compile different meanings of life and provide a background on why a person defines life as they do.

Take Joseph Campbell’s, “Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning, and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer,” for example. This quote pertains to his belief that an individual is responsible for giving life meaning. 

For this prompt, share with your readers your current purpose in life. It can be as simple as helping your siblings graduate or something grand, such as changing a national law to make a better world. You can ask others about their life purpose to include in your essay and give your opinion on why your answers are different or similar.

Life is a fascinating subject, as each person has a unique concept. How someone lives depends on many factors, such as opportunities, upbringing, and philosophies. All of these elements affect what we consider “special.”

Share what you think makes life special. For instance, talk about your relationships, such as your close-knit family or best friends. Write about the times when you thought life was worth living. You might also be interested in these essays about yourself .

Life in itself is a gift. However, most of us follow a routine of “wake up, work (or study), sleep, repeat.” Our constant need to survive makes us take things for granted. When we endlessly repeat a routine, life becomes mundane. For this prompt, offer tips on how to avoid a monotonous life, such as keeping a gratitude journal or traveling.

Many literary pieces use life as their subject. If you have a favorite book about life, recommend it to your readers by summarizing the content and sharing how the book influenced your outlook on life. You can suggest more than one book and explain why everyone should read them.

For example, Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist” reminds its readers to live in the moment and never fear failure.

Essays About Life: How to live a healthy life?

To be healthy doesn’t only pertain to our physical condition. It also refers to our mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being. To live a happy and full life, individuals must strive to be healthy in all areas. For this prompt, list ways to achieve a healthy life. Section your essay and present activities to improve health, such as eating healthy foods, talking with friends, etc.

No one has a perfect life, but describe what it’ll be like if you do. Start with the material things, such as your house, clothes, etc. Then, move to how you connect with others. In your conclusion, answer whether you’re willing to exchange your current life for the “perfect life” you described and why.  See our essay writing tips to learn more!

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Essay on Simple Living High Thinking

Simple Living High Thinking implies that we must lead a simple life but at the same time our thinking must not be limited. This is to say that we must not restrict our thinking only to the nitty-gritty’s of everyday day tasks. We should think big to bring about positive changes in our lives as well as that of those around us.

The proverb lays emphasis on the importance of living a simple life devoid of any kind of show off. We must keep a check on our wants and desires. However, when it comes to thinking, it must be big. We must not think only about ourselves but also about those around.

Long and Short Essay on Simple Living High Thinking in English

Here are essays of varying lengths on Simple Living High Thinking to help you with the topic in your exam. You can select any Simple Living High Thinking essay according to your choice:

Simple Living High Thinking Essay 1 (200 words)

Simple living and high thinking go hand in hand. Only those who believe in living a simple life can think high and do great deeds in life. Those who prefer living lavishly only think about fulfilling their own desires one after the other and there is no end to it. Such people are so engrossed in gratifying their desires and impressing others by showing off their materialistic possessions that their thinking becomes limited to it. They cannot think high or develop a broad mindset.

On the other hand, people who understand that they must only focus on their needs and not go after every materialistic thing their heart longs for lead a simple life. They only buy things of need and focus on becoming better human beings by way of their deeds and not by showing off their belongings. They try to help those around them, involve themselves in charity work, indulge in activities to improve the environment and more importantly spend quality time with their loved ones.

Now, this does not mean it is wrong to be ambitious and earn money to lead a comfortable life. There is a difference between living comfortably and having a lavish lifestyle. There are many rich people around the world who lead a simple life and possess high thinking. They indulge in charity rather than spending lavishly on themselves.

Simple Living High Thinking Essay 2 (300 words)

Introduction

This proverb advises human beings to limit their wants and desires as there is no end to them. If we run in pursuit of every desire of ours we shall never be satisfied as these keep growing on and on.

Live Simple – Stop Impressing Others

We all agree that most of the things we want are not really for ourselves. We want them to impress our neighbours, friends and relatives. This kind of life can never be fulfilling or pleasurable. This is because we are not born to please or impress others and we can never even do so. Whatever we do people only look for opportunities to find flaws in us and this leaves us all the more dissatisfied. We try to earn more and more, reach at a high position in the company, increase our social circle and shop for expensive clothes and household items – what for? All this is done to establish a good social standing.

Now, this is not to say that there is something wrong with being ambitious and making a good living. All this might as well bring us satisfaction at some level but it also takes away a lot from us. However, in the quest of making it big professionally and earning more and more to quench the undying desires people spend a lot of time at work and neglect their parents, spouse and kids. This distances them from the family and disturbs their personal relationships and all this only leads to stress.

If we lower our materialistic wants and stick to our needs, we shall be able to create a balance between our personal and professional life. This way we shall be able to spend more time with our family where the true joy lies. We shall also have enough time for ourselves, to look within and find out our true purpose of life.

Simple Living High Thinking Essay 3 (400 words)

Many learned people in the past have followed the preaching from this proverb and have made a mark in the history. Some such people include Sant Kabirdas, Mahatma Gandhi, Pope Francis and Abraham Lincoln. All these people have led an extremely simple life and inspired several people around them to do so.

Why must one lead a Simple Life?

Very few people lead a simple life today others are busy running after their desires and trying to impress others by their latest possessions. Here is why one must lead a simple life:

  • Get Closer to Family

When you stop living an artificial life trying to impress others and turn towards a simple life you grow close to your roots. You get closer to your family members and the love showered by them brings immense joy.

  • Recognize Your True self

When you stop looking for more and more things to gratify yourself and spend time with yourself you finally begin to recognize who you truly are.

  • Sense of Control

When you lead a simple life, you require bare minimal to stay content. When you do not have numerous loans running for different things, you feel more confident. You no longer need to immerse yourself in work to earn more and more to pay off your loans and bills. You have a greater sense of control over your life.

  • Lower Stress Level

You are no longer under constant pressure to earn more than your siblings, friends and neighbours. You no longer want a bigger house, bigger car or greater bank balance to feel good about yourself. The stress caused due to this constant pressure will all be gone when you chose to lead a simple life.

  • Balanced Life

You will no longer toil too hard in your office to get to the top. This is because your wants would be limited and your needs can be met even if you are earning fairly well and not too much. You will thus be able to get home on time and spend time with your family. This will help create work life balance.

While many people continue to thrive for a lavish life many have turned towards leading a simple life after seeing the dreadful consequences of the former. It is time we must recognize that we should live for ourselves and not for impressing others. We must understand that happiness can only be found within and not in the outside things. Inner peace and happiness can only be found if we lead a simple life and have a high thinking that inspires us to do good for others.

Simple Living High Thinking Essay 4 (500 words)

Simple living and high thinking must be the motto of life of each one of us. However, people these days prefer leading a luxurious life with their thinking restricted only to things that can fetch them worldly pleasures.

People who Adopted the Golden Principle of Simple Living and High Thinking

  • Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi is one of the best persons to exemplify this proverb. He led a simple life and dreamed big. His lifestyle was extremely simple but his thinking was high. He did not only work towards driving the British out of the country but inspired several others around him to support the cause.e He was the He His life    hhhh He made use of a simple weapon that is non-violence to drive the British out of the country.

Buddha was a king who had numerous servants available at his beck and call. He had a loving family and all the luxuries of life. But he left all these to lead a simple life in the jungles. He could concentrate, look within and think high only when he began to lead a simple life. Had he stayed in the palace and led the life of luxury, he would never have attained enlightenment.

  • Abraham Lincoln

American President, Abraham Lincoln who could afford all the luxuries of life and live lavishly chose to adopt a simple lifestyle. He did not employ any servant to take care of any of his tasks. He did all his personal tasks on his own.

Ways to Lead a Simple Life

  • Identify Difference between Your Needs and Wants

The first and foremost thing to do is to distinguish between your needs and wants. Remember your needs are limited but wants unlimited. In order to lead a simple life you must only keep the things of necessity and not run after acquiring and attaining every materialistic desire.

  • Focus on Inner Peace

We all look for happiness outside. We try to socialise, go to malls, try different cuisines, do unnecessary shopping and indulge in several such activities. While all these things can give temporary happiness you wouldn’t find yourself truly happy if you are not at peace within. To live a simple and fulfilling life you must focus within.

  • Don’t Do Things to Impress Others

You are not born to impress others. Your life will not get any better if you continue to look for ways to impress other people. Your life will be fulfilling when you focus on yourself and not others.

  • Help Others

Instead of spending lavishly to show off you should indulge in charity. This does not mean you have to donate a huge sum each month. Do whatever little you can to help the poor and needy.

Just relax, meditate and let go of all the negative thoughts in your mind. Your mind must focus on the positives in life.

Living simple is not difficult. It is rather simple; you just need to limit your desires and let go of the need to impress others. When you lead a simple life only then you can think high else you will only be busy gratifying yourself.

Simple Living High Thinking Essay 5 (600 words)

Simple living high thinking is a common proverb used to emphasise the significance of leading a simple life and having high thinking. If each one of us leads such a life, the world would become a much better place.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Life Exemplifies Simple Living High Thinking

Mahatma Gandhi is undoubtedly the first name that comes to mind when we hear the proverb – Simple Living High Thinking. Popularly known as Bapu, this great man led an extremely simple life. He was highly educated and could have easily got a high paying job. He could have lived in a lavish bungalow and driven expensive cars. However, he chose to live in a hut. He wore the simplest of attires, a dhoti and ate simple food. While his materialistic needs were limited his vision was broad. He was a man of high thinking. He dedicated his life to the nation.

India’s independence had become his mission and he followed the path of non-violence to attain the same. His aura was so strong that thousands of Indians got inspired by him and joined him in his struggle for freedom. He initiated various movements and several Indians actively took part in the same. He also addressed masses from time to time to share his words of wisdom and inspired them to dedicate their lives to the freedom struggle. His simple yet effective ways to deal with the tyranny of the British officials were highly appreciated by people. Mahatma Gandhi was one of the main forces to drive the British out of the country.

Why are People unable to Practice Simple Living High Thinking?

The world has literally become a place to show off. Leading a simple life and thinking high is a concept that you can rarely see in anyone anymore. People are extremely busy showcasing how happy, wealthy and full of life they are. While earlier they used to throw parties, invite people over and buy new things to impress those around with the advent of social media the quest to impress others has reached a whole new level. People visit exotic locations, go out for lavish dinners, party with friends, buy new stuff and all this is uploaded on the social media within no time. Rather than enjoying the moment, people have now become more interested in showing others as to how cool their life is. And the definition of cool is far from simple.

Those who indulge in such activities regularly are known to have a happening life and everyone wants to befriend them and go out with them. On the other hand, those who do not stay active are considered rather dull and boring. No one likes being around such people. So showing off and talking highly of oneself has actually become the need of the hour. No one wants to live a simple life. Simple is actually considered as boring. Thinking high is beyond question as people are so engrossed in impressing others that they don’t understand that real happiness lies in finding our real selves and helping those around find the same.

Someone who tries to defy these new formed norms of the society is considered anti-social or just plain dull and boring. Those who do not keep abreast with this new lifestyle are often left alone. Even if someone cannot afford lavish dinners and doesn’t have a cool gang of friends and leads a simple life, he also tries to impress people by uploading fake pictures and posts on the social media.

Simple living high thinking is the mantra to lead a happy life. We must try to stop being a part of the rat race and look within. This way we shall understand that the things that can give us happiness and help us live a wholesome life are simple.

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  • Essay on ‘Life’ for Students in English

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About the Topic

Life is a single word with many different connotations and meanings. Above all, life is about more than just being; it's also about how one defines that existence. As a result, it's vital to think about life from several angles. Philosophers, academics, poets, and authors have written extensively about what it means to live and, more significantly, what are the essential elements that characterize one's existence. This exercise has, of course, been done in a variety of ways. While philosophers sought to understand the meaning and purpose of people's lives, poets and authors recorded the diversity of life at various times. As a result, life is likely to be more than exciting.

Life- Essay- Introduction

The adventure of living in the path of life. We are born, live our lives, and eventually pass away with time. We are attempting to shape our lives in this way. Everyone's life is different. Some people have a lot of problems in life, while others do not. Those who have never faced adversity in their lives have one perspective on life. Those that struggle in life have a different perspective. Life is frequently described as priceless. The various ways in which people seek to save lives reveal this even more clearly.

Every day, doctors and scientists try to discover innovative treatments that will help people live longer lives. Life is full of both joys and disasters. The ups and downs of life are what they're called. Without them, life is just a never-ending war that can be won at any time. To overcome one's grief, it is necessary to find happiness in one's life. Only then does life appear to be lovely? 

Students in Classes 1-6 can utilize this essay for their respective exams.0

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FAQs on Essay on ‘Life’ for Students in English

1. What are tips to write a good essay on Life in English for students?

What is the best way to compose an essay? This is quite a difficult and important question asked by many students. For a variety of reasons, many different types of writing are considered "excellent." There is no such thing as a writing formula or programme. For students and expository writing, the traits listed above are very crucial.

Another attribute that isn't on this list yet is extremely significant is inventiveness. The best writing carries part of the author's personality and uniqueness. Follow the rules below, but always strive to make your writing your own.

An essay’s center should concentrate on a single obvious primary theme. Each paragraph should have a different core theme or topic sentence.

The main point of the work should be supported or expanded upon in each paragraph. The essential point of each paragraph should be identified and proven using examples, facts, and descriptions.

Each paragraph in an essay should be related to the main theme. A single point should be the focus of each paragraph.

An essay or paper that is properly organized should flow smoothly and "stick" together. To put it another way, the reader should be able to understand the text.

A paper should be written in whole sentences with few errors in grammatically correct standard English.

2. What is the importance of writing essays on life?

Writing essays helps students develop important abilities and functions in their education, making them more useful. One, writing essays allows students to practise and improve abilities that they can apply throughout their academic careers and into their careers. For example,

One can improve their reading and writing skills, as well as their capacity to think, organize thoughts, and communicate effectively.

Two, it enables students to develop a formal and orderly writing style that reliably conveys information. 

Three, it aids in the organization of your thoughts on what you're learning, the development of vocabulary, and the development of a distinct writing style.

Improving writing skills also aids in the development of the writing skills required to complete additional writing projects.

Writing about life will help students to understand the importance of life and it will lead them to do self retrospection and they can bring positive change in their life.

3. What lesson do students get about the quality of life by writing life essays?

Above all, optimism is the most effective strategy to improve one's quality of life. Job performance, self-confidence, creativity, and abilities all improve when people are optimistic. A positive individual may undoubtedly overcome significant obstacles.

Meditation is another effective approach to improve the quality of one's life. Meditation almost certainly allows a person to reflect on his or her past experiences. This way, one can avoid making the same mistakes as before. It also provides an individual with peace of mind.

Having a hobby is a great way to add meaning to your life. A person's life would be dull if they did not have a passion or interest. A fresh lease on life can be obtained by engaging in a hobby. It gives people fresh reasons to live and experience life.

4. What is the importance of living according to the essay?

One of the most significant aspects of Life is that it continues to move forward. This signifies that nothing is everlasting. As a result, there should be some justification for remaining gloomy. A joyous occasion will pass, just as a sad one will. Above all, no matter how bad things go, one must remain positive. This is so because we all are aware of the fact that nothing lasts forever. Every circumstance, occasion, and event will come to an end. This is unquestionably one of Life's wonders.

Probably a large percentage of people grumble that life is difficult. Many individuals mistakenly feel that pain is a synonym for life. Pain, on the other hand, makes us stronger. Pain is unquestionably a wonderful way to boost mental toughness. Pain, above all, enriches the mind.

5. Why should students consider essays on Life available on Vedantu?

Our English subject specialists wrote the life essay on the Vedantu website. It is grammatically correct, with simple and correct language usage. Because the format of the essay is designed in such a way that students do not find it complex, students will find it extremely easy to recall. Vedantu tries to provide all available assistance to students for them to do well in exams as well as study and understand. The essays on Vedantu are prepared with the goal of piquing students' interest in writing and encouraging them to write more and improve their skills.

Essay on Environment for Students and Children

500+ words essay on environment.

Essay on Environment – All living things that live on this earth comes under the environment. Whether they live on land or water they are part of the environment. The environment also includes air, water, sunlight, plants, animals, etc.

Moreover, the earth is considered the only planet in the universe that supports life. The environment can be understood as a blanket that keeps life on the planet sage and sound.

Essay on Environment

Importance of Environment

We truly cannot understand the real worth of the environment. But we can estimate some of its importance that can help us understand its importance. It plays a vital role in keeping living things healthy in the environment.

Likewise, it maintains the ecological balance that will keep check of life on earth. It provides food, shelter, air, and fulfills all the human needs whether big or small.

Moreover, the entire life support of humans depends wholly on the environmental factors. In addition, it also helps in maintaining various life cycles on earth.

Most importantly, our environment is the source of natural beauty and is necessary for maintaining physical and mental health.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Benefits of the Environment

The environment gives us countless benefits that we can’t repay our entire life. As they are connected with the forest, trees, animals, water, and air. The forest and trees filter the air and absorb harmful gases. Plants purify water, reduce the chances of flood maintain natural balance and many others.

Moreover, the environment keeps a close check on the environment and its functioning, It regulates the vital systems that are essential for the ecosystem. Besides, it maintains the culture and quality of life on earth.

The environment regulates various natural cycles that happen daily. These cycles help in maintaining the natural balance between living things and the environment. Disturbance of these things can ultimately affect the life cycle of humans and other living beings.

The environment has helped us and other living beings to flourish and grow from thousands of years. The environment provides us fertile land, water, air, livestock and many essential things for survival.

Cause of Environmental Degradation

Human activities are the major cause of environmental degradation because most of the activities humans do harm the environment in some way. The activities of humans that causes environmental degradation is pollution, defective environmental policies, chemicals, greenhouse gases, global warming, ozone depletion, etc.

All these affect the environment badly. Besides, these the overuse of natural resources will create a situation in the future there will be no resources for consumption. And the most basic necessity of living air will get so polluted that humans have to use bottled oxygen for breathing.

living simple essay

Above all, increasing human activity is exerting more pressure on the surface of the earth which is causing many disasters in an unnatural form. Also, we are using the natural resources at a pace that within a few years they will vanish from the earth. To conclude, we can say that it is the environment that is keeping us alive. Without the blanket of environment, we won’t be able to survive.

Moreover, the environment’s contribution to life cannot be repaid. Besides, still what the environment has done for us, in return we only have damaged and degraded it.

FAQs about Essay on Environment

Q.1 What is the true meaning of the environment?

A.1 The ecosystem that includes all the plants, animals, birds, reptiles, insects, water bodies, fishes, human beings, trees, microorganisms and many more are part of the environment. Besides, all these constitute the environment.

Q.2 What is the three types of the environment?

A.2 The three types of environment includes the physical, social, and cultural environment. Besides, various scientists have defined different types and numbers of environment.

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Guest Essay

I Was Adopted From China as a Baby. I’m Still Coming to Terms With That.

Black birds flock on the ground together, with a solitary small red bird in their midst.

By Cindy Zhu Huijgen

Ms. Huijgen, a Dutch journalist based in China and a former adoptee, wrote from Beijing.

As early as I can remember, I wished I hadn’t been Chinese.

I hated my unruly black hair and my eyes, which marked me as a foreigner in the Netherlands, where I grew up. I went to bed at night hoping I’d wake up with blond hair and blue eyes like the other Dutch kids. Sometimes I tricked myself into believing this had happened — until a mirror reminded me where I came from.

I was adopted from China as a toddler in 1993 by white Dutch parents who couldn’t conceive on their own. I grew up in a deeply Christian small town where, every week, dozens of people — all of them white — paraded past our house in their Sunday best on the way to church. It was about as far as you could get — physically, culturally, ethnically — from China.

I don’t blame my adoptive parents for the sense of alienation I grew up with. They did their best to give me a happy childhood, and I love them very much. But when China confirmed earlier this month that it would end most adoptions by foreign parents, a wave of relief washed over me, followed by suppressed anger.

The number of Chinese children placed with overseas families since China opened up to international adoptions in the early 1990s has been estimated at more than 160,000. Around half of these kids went to the United States. The topic is usually discussed from the adoptive parents’ perspective: How it allowed them to start families, how they rescued these orphans and now how the sudden ban leaves applicant couples in the lurch .

Far less attention is given to the darker side of these placements and their impact on adoptees.

China’s strict one-child family planning policy , introduced in 1979, forced many Chinese parents to give up babies. These were usually girls , because of a traditional preference for male heirs. A profit-motivated overseas adoption industry cropped up in response, in which human lives were sometimes bought and sold .

For many like me — plucked from our home cultures and raised in countries where we didn’t quite fit in — the search for who we are and where we belong has been lifelong and full of discovery, as well as confusion, regret and loss.

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