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A Simple Life is a Happy Life

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Published: Oct 4, 2018

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More From Forbes

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

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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.

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

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

by Emrys Westacott   + BIO

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.

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

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.

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.

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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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.

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.

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.

Posted July 14, 2020

Hey everybody

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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ThePlainSimpleLife

Simplify your home. Simplify your mind. Simplify your life.

in Minimalism & Simple Living · February 8, 2023

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
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• The Art of Slow Living: Discover How to Live a Happier Life
• 7 Types Of Habits That Will Help You Achieve Your Personal Goals

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!

About 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.

The Plain Simple Life

Your memories live in your heart and mind, not in things - Vourneen, The Plain Simple Life

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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

How to Achieve a Good Life? Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Introduction

A good life, moral virtues.

Life is a mode of existence and it reflects the experiences of living that characterize human beings whether they are good or bad. It is confounding to describe what a good life is, since it applies to both material life and moral life. For instance, having immense wealth and ability to enjoy every form of pleasure that ever existed on earth can mean that one is living a good life.

On the other hand, living in accordance with the social, religious, and personal morals and ethics means that one is also living a good life. The latter description of good life applies across the board since everybody has the ability to achieve it for everyone has the capacity to think and act morally. This essay explores what a good life is and describes plan of achieving it in terms of integrity, honesty, responsibility, and state obligation.

Living a good life morally means living in accordance with the ethics and morals of the society. A person living a good life expresses virtues such integrity, honesty, responsibility, and obligation to the rules of the state. Although human beings pursue material and intellectual gains as they struggle towards self-actualization, these gains cannot earn them the virtue of being good, but they will rather pass for hardworking individuals.

The rich people have wealth because of their hardworking character and they can access good things of life that bring happiness and pleasure, and live a good life materially; nevertheless, this does not make them good. A poor person can live a miserable life of poverty but with good moral life, while on the contrary, a rich person can live a good life of pleasure and happiness, but with bad moral life. Therefore, when “good” describes virtues, pleasure and happiness due to money cannot make life good.

Morals and ethics that individuals observe to express virtues in life cause them to lead a good life. Integrity and honesty are two virtues that enhance people’s lives and they are inseparable because one cannot have integrity without being honesty or vice versa. Educationally, integrity is a skill that demands learning and continued practice in order to internalize the virtue.

The development of integrity is a life-long process that needs patience and endurance since it is a skill. If likened to a building, honesty and truth are two central pillars that support integrity as a virtue throughout the life of an individual. To develop this virtue of integrity in life, one must always adhere to its two pillars, because integrity is not a discrete achievement but a continuous achievement that needs constant efforts to maintain it.

Responsibility is a powerful virtue which if exercised well by an individual, it does not only yield great benefits to the individual, but also to other people and the entire society. The golden rule demands that there must be reciprocal responsibility in the society to enable people live harmoniously.

Sense of responsibility in the society lessens the impacts of problems experienced because of collective response that lead to immediate solution. Becoming part of the solution in the society is being responsible and the excuse of blaming others would not arise. Since rights and responsibility relate to one another, it requires one to act within the limits of rights to become responsible. Therefore, the rights that govern social norms and regulations give one the degree of responsibility to struggle and attain good life for the benefit of all.

Citizens have a moral obligation to respect and advocate for the common interests of all people. For justice and peace to flourish in the society, citizens have great moral obligation to ensure they report criminal activities, help the poor, and conserve the environment. By doing this, they foster their states’ bid to build justice and a peace in society where virtues spring up, and thus a good life.

Like responsibility, adherence to the laws of the land will enable one to develop a sense of obligation to the state. It is a great obligation of the citizens to help the state fight vices in the society and the best way to do it is by becoming loyal to the laws and being active in enforcing them. The concerted efforts of the state and its citizens will improve the lives of the people resulting into a good life.

To achieve good life based on observance of moral principles demands strict observance and application of ethics in everything. Complete observance of ethics yields virtues that make life good in any community.

The goodness of a person cannot result from material wealth, but it emerges from the good moral qualities that one has achieved in life. Virtues like integrity, honesty, responsibility, and obligation to the state are attributes of an individual and have no material value attached to them. This means that, a good life does not mean wealthy living.

• Teleological and Deontological Theories of Ethics Definition
• Introduction to the Utilitarianism Theory
• The Importance of Academic Honesty
• Aristotle’s Account of Pleasure
• Debate on Drug Legalization: A Matter of Responsibility and Honesty
• Aristotle’s Ethical Theory
• Pro-Life and Pro-Choice Sides of Abortion
• Which is Basic in Ethics: Happiness or Obligation
• The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
• Moral Dilemma Between the Right Thing to Do and What Is Good Argumentative
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2018, August 4). How to Achieve a Good Life? https://ivypanda.com/essays/life/

"How to Achieve a Good Life?" IvyPanda , 4 Aug. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/life/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'How to Achieve a Good Life'. 4 August.

IvyPanda . 2018. "How to Achieve a Good Life?" August 4, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/life/.

1. IvyPanda . "How to Achieve a Good Life?" August 4, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/life/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "How to Achieve a Good Life?" August 4, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/life/.

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.

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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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. 

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

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.

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!

Essay On Simple Life

• Post category: Essay
• Reading time: 4 mins read

All our prophets advise us to lead a simple life as it gives more pleasure than the life of rich people. “Simple life”, says the Prophet Mohammed, “set my heart on high thoughts.”

It is a good thing that so many people in Europe, America and elsewhere have, during the recent years, come to see how much more pleasant and sensible simple life is, than one given over to much spending, much show and much vanity. Men and women who have enough money to buy expensive things will forbear from wasting their riches in this way. They enjoy simple food rather than a rich menu, wear simple dresses and furnish their houses with necessary furniture. People who work hard are the best servants of humanity. They live in a quiet, frugal manner which keeps them in better health and enables them to take more active part in the world’s upliftment.

I consider it a sin to waste money on personal pleasures. Whoever spends too much on luxury, is wasting stores which might be used for the feeding, clothing and maintaining his poorer neighbours. We should make our functions and celebrations simple, and on all important occasions we should remember the suffering humanity, and give away some part of our treasure in charity. Great people have taught the value of austerity by living a simple life. It would be rather nice to develop courage to lead a simple life and pledge to do good work.

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Becoming Minimalist

Own less. Live more.

Simple Living: 7 Ways to Live Simpler in a Modern World

Written by guest · 123 Comments

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Brian Gardner of No Sidebar .

Last updated: April 23, 2023

Today’s world has many luxuries that are supposed to make life easier. At times they may, but other times, they make things more complicated.

Meanwhile, there are lots of people who dream of simple living. They picture spending their days sitting by a lake and enjoying nature. This dream is often interrupted by reality, but it does not have to be that way. There are things we can do to begin living a simple life.

When people hear “ simplify your life “, they may think it means moving into a home in the middle of the woods and living off the land. But that is not necessarily a simpler life—and it may not be for everyone.

Instead, choose things that can keep you in the modern world, but still make life easier.

How to Live a Simple Life

It would be nice to say that a cell phone was not necessary at all, but pay phones have disappeared and if you need to call someone in an emergency, you will need a cell phone.

Instead of getting a smartphone with data and texting, opt for a basic cell phone that only makes or receives calls. There are plans that allow you to get a phone for less than $50 and offer free minutes to talk with every month.

Many people are spending well in excess of $100 a month on cable television that gives them 500 different channels. Out of all those channels, most people watch 10 to 15.

Instead of having a cable bill, use over-the-air stations you receive for free. Add a streaming service and you will never miss cable. Without cable, you can go back to an old, reliable method of entertainment—talking to one another.

Credit cards are nice. They allow people to buy things they otherwise could not afford and pay for it over time. They also become a burden that drags many people down each month.

Instead of using credit cards, only buy what you can afford. Stick to that plan and the fear of not being able to pay the bills will quickly disappear.

A search around the home will find many things that are not needed or are no longer used. Find different ways to declutter your life and get rid of the things that are no longer necessary. It is even possible to make some money selling these things that can be used to help in other areas, such as paying off credit card debt.

Many people are paying for gym memberships, mobile internet service, and many other monthly services they barely use. They have often put the monthly payments on their credit card so they do not even realize how much they are spending and not using.

There are often ways to get the same things that you get from these pay services without having to pay. Gym memberships can be replaced with exercising at a local park or walking around the neighborhood. If you need internet service away from home, look for Wi-Fi hot spots. They are found at many restaurants, hotels, and coffee shops. It might take effort to do this at first, but once it becomes a habit, it is easy to do.

One thing people will benefit from doing is tracking the money they spend. It is the best way to find out when you are spending money and what you are spending it on. It is possible you will find you are spending a lot of money you don’t need to. You may find that second car is an expense you may not need. You could take public transportation to work and get by without a second car and all of its headaches. When you realize that, it becomes possible to make changes.

Pay attention to how much time you are spending doing things. Look for ways to cut down on time you think is being wasted on unnecessary things.

Time and money are two of the most valuable resources people have. When life gets simpler, the amount of these two things that a person has available will rise. That is the benefit of a simpler life in today’s world.

The great thing about this list is that people have choices. They can choose to do one of them, all of them, or some of them. They can start out with just one and then add some others later.

Life is about choices. Choosing simple living is something that is becoming a popular thing to do.

Simple Living FAQ

What’s the difference between minimalism and simple living.

Minimalism , most commonly, pertains to physical possessions. It means living with just the right amount of things and removing the excess. It means removing anything that distracts us from living with intentionality and freedom.

Simple living, on the other hand, is broader in scope and pertains to focus. A simple life is not filled with complications and distractions, it is a life that is lived focused on things that matter to the person. It can also have varying extremes. For some, it’s as simple as cutting their cable bills and getting rid of the ​TV, while others can go as far as living “off the grid.”

Minimalism and simple living have a lot in common and many aspects intersect.

What are the benefits of simple living?

Simplifying your life frees up more time, money, and mental bandwidth.

Will simple living save me money?

Lowering your expenses will save you money and put you in a better financial position, as long as those cut expenses aren’t replaced by something else.

February 24, 2024 at 6:42 PM

Minimalism is a good thing to live a stress free life. Nowadays consumerism has becomes a serious problem . It makes u spend more than u earn. So if u determine to Practice simple life, it is easier to live a happy life. It’s great if I can get to know people who spend simple life.

February 4, 2024 at 7:38 AM

Good article, thanks for others’ comments.

One thing i would warn against would be to be obsessed with simple living/minimalism – i.e. always looking for tips and articles – this is exhausting and never ends! It is also against what a simple life is, which is living life itself as simply as you want to and not to be obsessed with trying to live with x books, x number of things – do what is right for you and live properly.

Don’t waste time on internet, spend time with family, friends and have hobbies such as reading. Don’t look outside yourself, you have an inner wisdom which will reveal itself.

Stop searching for a ‘cure’ for ‘happiness’ or suchlike. Youtube can be useful for certain things but don’t get caught up in a spiral using the auto thing on the side.

January 9, 2023 at 3:20 AM

Simple living connotes smooth sailing in life! It helps in promoting peace of mind. Simply speaking it saves your time, money, and energy ! Showmanship is a curse, simplicity is a gift! Simple living, plain thinking habits can help you helping others in the society! NATURAL BEAUTY NEEDS NO DECORATION!

September 21, 2023 at 6:27 AM

Wow this is awesome

November 4, 2023 at 7:18 AM

So so true…. holding the intention of Living Simply is critical so is learning & being mindful of All the distractions that pull us away from Living Simply. Money, stuff, internet & abundance are the biggest obstacles to achieving the Simple Life. I have alot of work to do :)

April 29, 2022 at 10:11 AM

Just watch out for those ‘Public Wifi’ Hotspots. Your information can be exposed so much easier that way. Just an FYI. Cyber security isn’t a joke now-a-days in the zoom meeting and work from home environments.

December 3, 2021 at 4:40 AM

GOOD ADVICE. THERE MANY PEOPLE HAVE CAUSED A LOT OF PAIN TO THEMSELVES BECAUSE OF GREED AND LIVING A LIFESTYLE THEY CAN’T AFFORD. PEOPLE NEED TO HAVE DISCIPLINE AND LIVE WITHIN THEIR MEANS.

August 27, 2021 at 7:47 PM

Everything makes,am somewhere far from your world(Africa,Ghana to be precise).but this article helped me a lot.thank you.

August 7, 2021 at 3:16 PM

Before making a purchase, ask yourself “Do I need it or just want it?” This helps us to prioritize. Getting out of debt is crucial. Make do with less. Separate yourself from the corrupt systems of the world.

December 25, 2020 at 10:08 PM

simplify your life can be done like this: – determine your priority – declutter your mind from unnecessary desire, thinking, worries – do your priority

basically mastering your awareness instead of limiting your life.

on side note, your priority can change depends on the happening at the moment.

February 11, 2022 at 7:48 AM

Great words of wisdom, thank you!

September 8, 2020 at 5:10 PM

very helpful articles

September 2, 2020 at 2:19 PM

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to live like a giant red wood tree. No miseries, no anxieties, no trolls, no jerks. Just you and the wind.

September 23, 2020 at 8:29 PM

And forest fires!

February 19, 2023 at 8:40 AM

Please keep it positive

July 19, 2020 at 7:05 AM

I have never had social media and never felt the desire to, but it seems to me that people who have social media find it hard not to be on it all the time. It is addicting and probably most of it is a waste of time. Getting rid of social media would probably make a huge difference in the lives of people who have it. Not having social media means that I’m not expected to come to events for people I’m not that close with because I wouldn’t have seen the event posted. People who are close to me will invite me to their events via phone or email. I’m not obligated to go through people’s pictures to like them just because they liked my pictures. I don’t deal with drama or social media trolls. I still keep in touch with the people I want to keep in touch with but through texting, calling, or in-person visits. I’m not completely lost in current events and I’m not caught up in the latest gossip. I have so much less cluttering my mind. And, people accept this. They don’t shun me because I don’t have social media. Even if they don’t like it, they realize that if they want me to know or go to something they have to invite or tell me about it. Alot of people are actually fascinated and can’t understand how my family doesn’t use social media, which is funny because I can’t understand why people would constantly want other people to know where they are, what they are doing, and for some reason,what they are eating! Getting rid of social media but be difficult for people who are already addicted but I encourage you to try it.

May 4, 2020 at 8:47 AM

I thought your article was pretty good. One thing I’d like to mention is that getting rid of credit cards isn’t always a bad thing. We have always paid our balance off at the end of the month, so never incurring interest. Having a credit card, if you can use it maturely is very handy in that you have a lot of rights when purchasing items, get a discounts, and if you travel it’s sooo much better than carrying cash.

May 10, 2020 at 6:43 PM

I absolutely agree!

July 17, 2020 at 3:51 AM

perfect credit card is very essential for emergency

October 27, 2020 at 7:24 AM

I agree. I put every bill (insurance, cell phone, utilities, trash pick up, etc) on my card, pay in full every month, and it means one payment to track instead of many. Plus, I get cash back for free for doing so.

January 21, 2022 at 3:13 PM

How it works

January 27, 2020 at 3:28 PM

great list! One area I neglected for a long time was having a cluttered desktop and a lot of tabs open in my browser. Somehow I mainly applied minimalism to my offline life. One time I had over 40 tabs open. Then I realized I have to find a better way to handle this. And now I’m using OneNote to save articles and other important content instead of having it open for later use, which is often never.

Like your minimalist WordPress themes by the way :)

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a little dose of happy

Simple Life Happy Life (How Simplicity Can Boost Your Mood)

It’s tempting to take on as much as you can in life.

We often feel pressured to say yes to every opportunity, whether it’s a new project at work, a social gathering, or a volunteer commitment. We fear missing out or letting others down.

However, juggling too many things at a time can lead to serious burnout . That’s why it’s important to remember that sometimes a simple life is a happy life.

If your daily routines feel overwhelming or if you want to lead a simpler life, we’ve got you covered. 

We’ve prepared this article to help you understand how simplicity can improve your life and provide a few ways to make it happen.

How Can a Simple Life Make You Happier?

Life can be messy, crazy, and overwhelming. But can a person choose to be happy ? Yes! While we can’t control every circumstance in our lives, we can control our responses and make choices that promote our well-being.

There are many reasons why living a simple life can lead to a happier you. Simplicity can help you feel in control of your life and give you time to unwind and focus on your well-being. 

We created this list to show just how many benefits there are to simple living. After reading this, we’re confident you’ll understand the importance of a simpler lifestyle.

1. Reduced Stress and Improved Sense of Inner Peace

One of the biggest roadblocks to a peaceful life is stress and anxiety. Simplifying your life means letting go of things that invite excess stress into it. 

If you lead a complicated life with too much on your plate, you won’t have time for peace and quiet. By removing the excess stresses in your life, you give yourself the time to focus on yourself and your needs.

2. More Time to Do What You Enjoy

One of the most significant advantages of simple living is that your schedule is less packed overall. While there are responsibilities you can’t ignore, choosing not to take on extra gives you more free time. 

You can use this free time to engage in your hobbies and favorite activities, which means you’ll spend more time improving your mood and quality of life.

3. Improved Mood and Social Battery

A busy lifestyle’s added stresses and complications can lead to you developing bad social habits if not managed. The more strung out you are, the worse your mood can get. Living a simple life means you aren’t constantly irritable and at your wit’s end. 

When you’re stressed, your social battery (how long you’re comfortable in social situations before wanting alone time) drains faster.

Learning your limits is a part of maintaining an enjoyable and meaningful life. Exceeding those limitations too often can be detrimental to your long-term sociability.

Think of it as running a car after the gas warning light has come on. You can keep driving longer, but you should head to the nearest gas station.

Simplifying your life means not letting yourself run out of gas and respecting when your own warning light turns on.

It’s about being proactive in managing your energy levels and prioritizing self-care .

4. You Live the Life You Want

When reflecting on your life, you should feel proud of your accomplishments. However, this can be difficult when you constantly feel like you’re barely one step ahead of deadlines and commitments.

If you live a simple life, you can ensure your life reflects what you want and not just what’s expected of you. You have the freedom to make choices that are aligned with your values and goals rather than constantly reacting to external demands.

A Simple Life Is a Happy Life: How to Keep It Simple

Let’s talk about how you can keep things simple in life.

Focus on One Task at a Time

Having too much on your plate means you can’t live your life your way. The solution is simple—consciously decide to put less on your plate. 

It’s easier said than done, of course. Sometimes, the pressures you face aren’t ones you’ve chosen to take on.

When you have responsibilities and jobs you have to do, it’s essential to make sure those get done. After all, a healthy work-life balance means that one doesn’t compromise the other. 

How do you live simpler if you can’t avoid specific responsibilities? Focus on one task at a time. 

Don’t take on other commitments if a big project is due in a week. This includes fun commitments if they put you at risk of not finishing your project on time.

This doesn’t mean you work slowly, but dedicate your time to ensuring your project is done well and on time. When you can focus, you can achieve more in less time, and your life will become less stressful.

Learn to Say “No”

One of the hardest things is learning to say “no.” We often take on too much because we don’t want to disappoint others or let them down.

However, by saying “no” more often, you can focus on the things that are important to you. You will also be more mindful of the commitments you do make. 

Saying “no” can be difficult, but knowing your limits is important. You can’t please everyone all the time, and that’s okay.

So, how do you go about saying “no” more often?

The first step is to be honest with yourself. If you know you’re already stretched thin, it’s time to start saying “no” to new commitments.

Being honest with the person asking you to do something is also important. Tell them you’re already busy and can’t take on anything else.

You can also offer alternative solutions or suggest someone else who might be able to help, which can make saying “no” feel less awkward or confrontational.

It can be challenging to say “no” at first, but it will get easier with practice. Remember that you’re doing this for your own well-being.

Reduce Clutter

In the same way that having too many responsibilities can feel stressful, having too many material possessions can negatively impact us. Sometimes, when we hold onto too many things, they can weigh us down.

Having fewer things, such as fewer clothes in our closets and fewer items on our desks, can have a surprisingly positive effect on our mental health. 

We feel less overwhelmed and gain more time, experience more freedom, and have more money to spend on things we really care about. The more space we have around us, the more room we have for thought and creativity.

While it’s easy to say that you should get rid of the junk in your house, that only addresses one aspect of the problem. To declutter your home, you must change the habits that created the problem.

Some people struggle with impulsive purchases or use retail therapy to try to feel happier or less stagnant in life. Modern standards and interests heavily encourage this practice. 

While getting something new for your home is always nice, the mood boosts it provides don’t last long.

Socrates wrote that the secret to happiness is not seeking more “but developing the capacity to enjoy less.” This is an important message to internalize when navigating the world today, where everything you want is just an Amazon package away. 

Reducing clutter, buying less stuff on impulse, saving money, and being happy with what you have are all effective ways to simplify your life and improve your long-term mood.

Spend Less Time Staring at a Screen and Scrolling Social Media

We know people say this often, and it’s difficult to implement. So much of our lives involve or include the use of smartphones, but not all of that interaction is positive. 

There’s a difference between scrolling through social media and chatting with friends. Keeping in touch with people you don’t see daily is a healthy social practice. But social media apps like Instagram and TikTok, as well as video sites like YouTube, were made to be addictive and can negatively impact your mental health.

By distancing yourself from these distractions and reducing your daily screen time, you can slow down and appreciate the more important things in life.

Instead of mindlessly grazing through your feed, try enjoying life’s simple pleasures like reading a book, taking a walk outside, or even talking to the people around you. These simple things can make a world of difference to your mental health, and you’ll find that you have more time and energy for more meaningful things.

Create a Healthy Schedule to Manage Your Time Effectively

When dealing with responsibilities and commitments, it’s common to feel that you could manage if you had more time. 

However, work and commitments become less overwhelming with more efficient time management. There are many ways to improve your time management process.

One of the simplest processes to implement is a to-do list. To-do lists summarize and simplify all your tasks into short, simple descriptions. This alone can help when your day is filled with more stuff than you can handle at once. 

The other advantage of to-do lists is that they make your tasks seem less abstract. You know how many there are and what each requires of you. This changes how approachable your tasks appear. By simplifying and quantifying them, each task looks less intense. 

Spend 5-10 minutes each evening planning your following day. This simple practice can change your feelings about your commitments and responsibilities, making them feel lighter and more manageable. 

Start by listing everything you need to do the next day, including both work and personal tasks. Then, prioritize your list according to what’s most important. Once you have a prioritized list, you can better estimate how much time each task will take and plan your day accordingly.

If you consistently have more tasks than you can fit into one day, it’s time to examine your commitments. Do you really need to do everything on your list? Is there anything you can delegate or say “no” to?

It’s also essential to build some flexibility into your schedule. No matter how well you plan, unexpected things will come up. If you plan your day down to the hour, you’ll only feel stressed when things don’t go as planned. Give yourself some wiggle room so that you can accommodate the unexpected. 

Also, schedule breaks and time for self-care, as these are just as important as your work tasks.

Spend Time Improving Your Mental Health

When things feel overwhelming for long periods of time, it can affect your mood and mental health negatively. The constant stress and pressure can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and burnout. 

Implementing some of the ideas suggested here to simplify your life will free up space in your day and brain. Keeping only what truly matters to you can reduce the mental clutter that often contributes to stress and overwhelm.

While that itself is important, how you use all the extra time you’ll have makes a big difference. It’s not just about having more free time but about using that time to nurture your mental health and overall well-being.

This free time allows you to follow the rules for a happier life , such as spending quality time with your loved ones, helping others, and living in the moment. 

When you have more time, you can do things that make you feel good . This includes hobbies that bring you joy, relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, and taking a few minutes each day to practice gratitude and appreciate the good things in your life.

By prioritizing your mental health and using your free time to support your well-being, you can cultivate a greater sense of peace, contentment, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

Remember, a simple life isn’t about doing less but about making space for what truly matters and brings you joy.

Final Thoughts

Modern life can be overly complicated. We often take on more than we can handle, which can lead to stress and burnout.

Making small changes to simplify your life can significantly impact your overall mood and well-being. By following the suggestions above, you can reduce your stress levels, improve your mental health, and make more time for the things that truly bring you joy. 

Need help prioritizing what’s important? Check out the Do Happy App – it’s a great tool for encouraging you to focus on the simple things in life that make you happy.

Sharing is caring!

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.

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!

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Letting Go in Life Is Never Simple

Letting go is tough, but it opens doors to growth and new beginnings..

Updated August 15, 2024 | Reviewed by Lybi Ma

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When my children left home after graduating from school, it felt like a bittersweet milestone—the end of an era. It was hard !

Friends and family offered well-meaning advice, reassuring me that I would adjust and that the kids would thrive (especially after surviving the first one leaving), but it didn’t ease the ache of watching them leave the nest.

Life is full of moments when we have to let go, even when every part of us wants to hold on tightly. Letting go is never simple, yet it is an integral part of our journey. It is a universal experience that comes in many forms: the empty nest, ending a relationship, leaving a job, having to downscale, or realizing a dream is no longer attainable.

These moments challenge us to release our grip, but how do we do that when our hearts refuse to comply?

Understand the Power of Acceptance

Acceptance is the first step in letting go . It’s about acknowledging reality, even when it’s painful. Some things are beyond our control, and accepting this truth is a powerful act of self-compassion and courage.

A close friend of mine, after years of trying to make her marriage work, realized it was time to let go. She had invested so much—time, energy, love—that admitting it was over felt like a personal failure. But once she accepted that the marriage wasn’t serving either of them anymore, she found peace in her decision to move on.

Acceptance doesn’t mean you’re okay with what’s happening; it means you recognize that it is happening and choose to face it with grace; grace for yourself and also grace for those around you who may not understand your personal journey. It also means valuing yourself enough to stop seeking external validation and understanding that your worth is not defined by your circumstances or the approval of others.

Focus on What You Can Control

Lou Holtz, a former football coach, once said, “Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it.”

When we’re faced with situations where we need to let go, it’s easy to feel powerless. But even in these moments, there are things we can control—our reactions, our mindset, and our actions. This shift in focus is a powerful way to reclaim our sense of self.

In her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, psychologist Carol S. Dweck explains that having a growth mindset and being open to new possibilities can set you up for success. Your circumstances are things you can’t control, but you still have the power to control your attitude.

I work with women in leadership and many struggle with toxic work environments and feel stuck and miserable. Change happens once they realize that while they can't control their coworkers' behavior or the job's demands, they can control their career path by applying for new, more suitable positions.

By focusing on what they can control, they take back their power and redefine their identities.

Embrace the Uncertainty

One of the hardest parts of letting go is the fear of the unknown. We often hold on because the future feels uncertain and scary but embracing that uncertainty can lead to growth and new opportunities.

Think of a time when you took a leap into the unknown - whether it was moving to a new city, starting a new job, or entering a new relationship . The uncertainty was daunting, but it also opened doors to new experiences and growth.

A fellow coach recently shared how she had left a stable job to start her own coaching business. The first few months were filled with doubt and fear, but looking back, she realizes it was the best decision she ever made. Embracing uncertainty allowed her to build something meaningful and fulfilling, reaffirming that our true identity is shaped by our courage to face the unknown.

In the same way, I now view my children’s departure not just as a loss, but as the start of a new phase for all of us. Instead of honing in on the loss, I focus on watching them grow and discovering new aspects of myself along the way. For me, this season means investing more time in art, writing and empowering others. And allowing myself to empathize with the way I feel - with compassion and understanding. I give myself the space to change my reaction to my emotions and utilize that energy more effectively.

Letting go often leaves us with a void, and it’s tempting to dwell on what’s missing. But it also offers an opportunity to redirect our energy toward something new.

Whether it’s letting go of a relationship , a job, or a dream, each experience is a step on our journey of growth and self-discovery. And through it all, we learn that we are not defined by external circumstances but by the resilience , wisdom , and inner strength we cultivate along the way.

Helping you create a life that reflects your limitless potential. Start the journey to your greatness: Homaira Kabir Newsletter

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Essay on Lifestyle

Students are often asked to write an essay on Lifestyle in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Lifestyle

What is lifestyle.

Lifestyle is the way in which a person lives. It includes the choices we make about how we spend our time, what we eat, how active we are, and our attitudes. Our lifestyle can be influenced by our family, friends, and the society we live in.

Types of Lifestyles

There are many types of lifestyles. Some people lead a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious food and exercising regularly. Others might have a busy lifestyle, filled with work and social activities. Some might prefer a quiet lifestyle, enjoying peaceful activities like reading or gardening.

Importance of Lifestyle

Our lifestyle plays a big role in our health and happiness. A healthy lifestyle can help us feel good, stay strong, and live longer. On the other hand, a lifestyle with bad habits, like eating junk food or not getting enough sleep, can lead to health problems.

Lifestyle Choices

We all have the power to make choices about our lifestyle. We can choose to eat healthy food, get regular exercise, and get enough sleep. We can also choose to spend our time doing things we love, like playing sports, making art, or spending time with friends and family.

Changing Your Lifestyle

250 words essay on lifestyle.

Lifestyle means the way we live. It includes our habits, attitudes, tastes, moral standards, and how we spend our time. It’s about what we eat, how we dress, how we work, and how we relax. It also includes our beliefs, values, and goals.

There are many types of lifestyles. Some people lead a simple life, while others live in luxury. Some people are very active and do lots of sports, while others prefer quiet activities like reading or painting. Some people are very social and love to be around others, while some prefer to spend time alone.

Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is very important. It means eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. It also means avoiding harmful habits like smoking or drinking too much alcohol. A healthy lifestyle can help us stay fit, feel good, and live longer.

Effects of Lifestyle

Our lifestyle can have a big impact on our health and happiness. A healthy lifestyle can help prevent diseases like heart disease and diabetes. It can also help us feel more positive and less stressed. On the other hand, an unhealthy lifestyle can lead to health problems and stress.

In conclusion, our lifestyle is a big part of who we are. It affects our health, our happiness, and even our future. That’s why it’s important to choose a lifestyle that is healthy and makes us feel good. Remember, it’s never too late to make positive changes in our lifestyle.

500 Words Essay on Lifestyle

There are many types of lifestyles. Some people have a simple lifestyle. They live in a simple way, eat simple food, and enjoy simple pleasures. They don’t need a lot of money or fancy things to be happy.

On the other hand, some people have a luxurious lifestyle. They live in big houses, eat expensive food, and enjoy high-end pleasures. They need a lot of money to maintain this kind of lifestyle.

Choosing a Lifestyle

Choosing a lifestyle is a personal decision. It depends on our values, interests, and goals. We should choose a lifestyle that makes us happy and healthy. It’s not about what others are doing or what society expects from us. It’s about what feels right for us.

To choose a lifestyle, we need to think about our likes and dislikes. We need to consider our physical and mental health. We need to think about our future. And most importantly, we need to listen to our heart.

Impact of Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle can also make us happier. It can boost our mood, reduce stress, and improve our self-esteem. It can make us more productive and successful in life.

On the contrary, an unhealthy lifestyle can harm our health and happiness. It can make us feel bad, look bad, and live shorter. It can increase the risk of many diseases and mental health problems.

In conclusion, lifestyle is a key part of our life. It’s about how we live, what we do, and who we are. It’s about our choices and actions. It’s about our health and happiness. So, let’s choose a healthy lifestyle. Let’s eat healthy, stay active, avoid bad habits, and live happily. Remember, our lifestyle is our life. Let’s make it the best it can be.

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Essay on Simple Living High Thinking for Students

Table of Contents

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.

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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 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 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 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 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 actually considered as boring. Thinking high beyond question as people 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 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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You Should Be Able to Live a Good Life Without a College Degree

J an moved to my area about 15 years ago to be closer to family but couldn’t find a job as an office manager, though she’d been one for years. She was a bright, articulate, middle-aged woman with glowing references. But times had changed in the decade since she’d last looked for a job. She wasn’t even getting a chance to interview, as one potential employer after another told her: No bachelor’s degree, no interest.

The same has been happening to people across the country seeking middle-management jobs, or those in sales, customer service, and support—jobs that had never required a four-year education before. The work demands hadn’t changed appreciably, but the educational minimums had. Instead of looking for the most skilled and enthusiastic applicants, employers were looking for “pieces of paper”—college degrees. It’s been bad for the economy, bad for diversity in the workplace, and bad for uplifting low-income families and populations. But only now are employers and the public at large realizing that not everyone wants or should need a four-year college education to lead a good life.

What this so-called “degree inflation” means is that smart, skilled, personable people who haven’t followed the conventional college route after high school have been shut out of jobs they could have performed well—which often means that people of color, who are less likely to attend college, are denied an opportunity for social mobility. Meanwhile, people with college degrees are often underemployed, taking on jobs that didn’t make use of their education. A full decade after receiving their bachelor’s degree, 45% of bachelor’s holders are working jobs that don’t require a college grad’s skills.

For decades, teenagers and families heard this refrain: If you want to be someone, you have to get a bachelor’s degree. It’s the only way to make good money. Without it, you’ll be left out of the 21 st century global economy. High schools were rated by how many of their graduates went on to four-year schools, and many still are. But for too many college-goers, the results haven’t been great. A third leave college without a degree—but often with plenty of student debt.

Read More: Too Many High School Seniors Are Turning Away from College Altogether

Antonio Santos is one of the more than 100 people I interviewed for my book, Rethinking College: A Guide to Thriving Without a Degree . He attended college to become a video editor but left when he found the instruction too rigid. “I felt like my teachers kept stifling any creative ideas I had,” he told me. When he dropped out, he took with him $70,000 in student debt. Ultimately, he taught himself video editing with the help of mentors he cultivated and now makes six figures doing what he loves.

Meanwhile, a shocking 45% of people with college degrees are underemployed , taking on jobs that don’t need a bachelor’s. The bottom fourth of college grads actually make less money , when adjusted for inflation, than they did two decades ago.

During the Great Recession, employers searching for higher-quality employees turned to college grads, which were in plentiful supply. In essence, they were using a degree as a proxy for smarts—which wasn’t very smart of them. Degree inflation is bad for business, according to a 2017 report by Harvard Business Review. Managers pay more for college grads yet they ultimately find that experienced employees without degrees perform just as well. Meanwhile, college grads, seeing these jobs as beneath them, leave sooner. Rapid staff turnover is expensive and time-consuming.

That doesn’t make a college degree worthless. On average, bachelor’s holders still earn more money than the average high school or community college grad and the number of good new jobs for them is predicted to grow . Usually at least some post-high-school training is needed to earn a good living—with growth in good jobs predicted for this sector as well.

But nearly 30% of people with a two-year associate’s degree actually earn more than the average four-year grad, according to a 2021 Georgetown University report. Just imagine how much income gaps might close if employers opened more good jobs to people with less than a bachelor’s in cases where it really isn’t needed.

That’s how things work in Switzerland. University there is for students who succeed at a very rigorous high-school curriculum and are moving into professions such as doctor, teacher, or engineer. But those interested in the hospitality industry, tech, manufacturing, and other fields typically attend high school half time for the last two years, and work at a paid, part-time apprenticeship in their field of choice. They then might train for an extra year or so before starting careers that in this country would require a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree. One expat in Switzerland told me that her husband, a longtime bank executive, decided to go to university only at the point where he started working with American bankers, because he knew they wouldn’t respect him without a college degree. Hotel managers here generally need a bachelor’s degree; in Switzerland, apprenticeship and some extra training suffices.

The pendulum is starting to swing in the United States, though too slowly. The pandemic created a labor shortage; at the same time, the Black Lives Matter movement made employers get more serious about hiring a diverse workforce.

Prodded by such nonprofits as Opportunity@Work, which lobbies employers to hire based on skills rather than pedigree, more companies are opening previously college-grads-only jobs to people who have built their resumes through other kinds of training. Tech companies have been among the first to drop requirements; in my book there are several programmers who learned via short-term programs or, in one case, a man who self-taught and is now making close to $200,000 a year. The federal government and more than 20 states have removed bachelor’s requirements from public jobs that really don’t need a degree.

In Denver, philanthropist Noel Ginsburg started a white-collar apprenticeship program in tandem with some of the local high schools and businesses. One of the young women in that program had grown up in a household so financially strapped that she relied on free meals at school to eat well; by age 20, she was making six figures and the only debt she had was the mortgage on her new house.

Major companies, especially in the insurance and corporate-support sectors, have started their own apprenticeship programs through community colleges.

There’s legitimate fear that in a skills-over-degrees world, schools will channel Black and Latino students toward non-college careers. Our nation must keep working at making college more affordable and accessible for all students who crave a college education. Forget the “College is a scam” movement. Higher education is worthwhile for many students and should not be reduced in our minds to mere job training. Intellectual pursuit enriches minds and society.

At the same time, college isn’t for everyone, just as it wasn’t for Santos. We can build more financially stable families if states create robust white-collar apprenticeship programs in public high schools and require school counselors to learn about and honor the many paths—not just skilled labor and the military, but the creative fields, entrepreneurialism, tech, management, sales, aviation and even some forms of volunteerism—to a rewarding career and life.

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To Become the GOAT, Simone Biles First Had to Be a Turtle

She sealed her legacy with four medals at the Paris Games. She created it by being herself and going at her own pace.

Credit... Daniel Berehulak/The New York Times

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By Juliet Macur

Juliet Macur, who has covered Simone Biles’s career since Biles was 18, reported from Paris.

• Aug. 5, 2024

To end the Olympics she once thought would never happen for her, Simone Biles began her floor exercise routine on Monday and did what she was made to do: flip and twist and thrill an arena filled with people there to watch her.

Every time Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, landed one of her wildly difficult tumbling passes, the crowd seemed to shout, “Wow!” all at once. And when she was done, standing alone on the floor in her sparkly leotard, the spectators rose to honor her — perhaps as much for her entire career as for a brilliant but flawed floor routine.

Biles stepped out of bounds twice during the routine, which was by far the most difficult that any of the finalists attempted. As a result, she did not win, as expected. Instead, she received the silver medal, while Rebeca Andrade of Brazil, her rival, won the gold by just over three one hundredths of a point. The American Jordan Chiles, one of Biles’s close friends, won the bronze.

When Chiles’s bronze medal was announced, she cried — and Biles smiled and laughed while hugging her.

Three years earlier, Biles withdrew from nearly all of her events at the Tokyo Games after becoming disoriented in the air, a moment that prompted her to consider quitting the sport. On Monday, she finished the Paris Games with three gold medals and one silver. (Earlier in the day, she finished fifth on the balance beam after losing points because of a fall.)

Her imperfect final performances did little to dull her luster at these Games. On each day she competed, celebrities dotted the stands, making gymnastics — already a marquee sport of the Olympics — seem like the hippest club in Paris. There were Lady Gaga, Tom Cruise and Ariana Grande, and sports legends like Serena Williams, Michael Phelps and Stephen Curry. After a day at the water polo venue, Flavor Flav, the rapper, said how much he admired Biles and wanted “to meet her, shake her hand and give her a hug and tell her how proud I am of her.”

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