8 Fun Ways to Enjoy Living With Less
I discovered the most beautiful parts of life by removing distractions.
I grew up with the feeling of financial lack. I watched my parents prioritize “cheap” options, often at thrift stores and clearance racks. But mostly, it was the way they talked about money; it was something we never had enough of because we were “poor.” I sensed the ongoing tension, especially since money was “the root of all evil,” according to the Bible.
All that to say, finding minimalism and simplicity felt like a breath of fresh air. An emotional breakdown in my college dorm room caused me to make changes; I decided to become more intentional about what I owned — if only to have more breathing room in my living space.
Through an eight-year minimalism journey, I’ve found so much joy in the process. I’ve shifted my lifestyle in ways that feel good: created early morning routines, used a bike rather than a car, became debt-free, slowed down, and prioritized creativity.
Though I’ve had financial ups and downs over the past several years, I’ve also taken more risks. Like, I moved to San Francisco, created a successful tech career, and then took a soul-searching sabbatical. Knowing I can live happily with less has given me a thrilling sense of freedom.
Sometimes limiting your options can help you discover the love, creativity, and beauty that has always been there. So if the idea of “downsizing” still feels like a negative or unpleasant process, here are a few fun ways to reframe your perspective and open yourself to love.
1. Make a list of “freebies.”
Most people have easy access (free or low cost) to numerous joyful, fun, and relaxing things. To name a few: visiting local parks, taking a bath or shower, lighting candles and incense, reading books, listening to music, cooking, drawing, painting, dancing, exercising, meditating, singing, etc.
But with social media, Netflix, and constant advertisements, it’s easy to forget your abundance. I forget sometimes too. But then, I remember why I chose this lifestyle, and I can easily make a list of simple, joyful activities. I’m always surprised by how abundant and blessed my life already is.
2. Gamify the experience.
If you’re trying to declutter your house or save some money, make a game out of it.
For decluttering projects, set small goals for yourself and celebrate milestones. Maybe you want to start with a wardrobe challenge, focus on a single category in your house, or have a friendly competition.
If you’re trying to save money, you could experiment with budget shifts. You might focus on one category and see how you might cut spending in half. I recently cut my grocery budget in half to experiment and ended up having a lot of fun. I found new ways to prepare food and simplified my weekly grocery shopping process.
Instead of getting caught up in a scarcity perspective, make it a game; it’ll seem more like a fun puzzle.
3. Donate things mindfully.
Since moving into a new apartment, I’ve been encouraging one of my housemates with decluttering. Let’s call them Simon (they/them). When we let go of things, we release them back into the universe; this perspective resonated with Simon.
After many years of saving numerous boxes of things, Simon has been on a roll with donating. They’ve let go of large items, furniture, and many things they weren’t using. I’m so happy for Simon, who now has more space for at-home workouts.
So if you’re looking for more joy in your process, try passing things along mindfully. You can donate to local thrift stores, homeless shelters, local Facebook groups, friends, or the spot in front of your house. You never know who needs the things you’re not using.
4. Explore scary DIY projects.
Is there something you’ve been meaning to try? Something you’re afraid of?
I recently took some risks by cutting my hair. I’d been getting split ends in quarantine and felt tired of paying $70 for a simple haircut: trimming, layers, and face frame.
So I read a few articles, ordered haircutting scissors (less than the cost of one haircut), and watched YouTube videos. I played it safe at first, then took more risks. More recently, I cut my waist-length hair to an above-the-shoulder bob.
The cut was scary, and I ended up cutting it shorter than I intended. But overall, I had a lot of fun; plus, most people were surprised when I told them I did it myself.
Whatever it is, give it a try. Even if you mess up, you’ll likely have fun in the process and learn something new.
5. Reimagine your lifestyle.
There are many ways to do this, but here are a few questions that helped me make critical lifestyle choices:
- If you had an extra four hours each day, how would you spend the time?
- If you knew you could not fail, what would you be doing right now?
- If you had $10 million in the bank, how would you spend your time?
Discovering what matters most makes it easier to let go of what doesn’t.
Even with a small amount of wiggle room, gaining clarity about what lights you up makes all difference. Seeing the bigger picture makes it easier to let go of immediate gratification.
6. Make a “to-buy” list.
I know this sounds contradictory, but hear me out. Sometimes it’s easy to feel upset by all the things you don’t have right now. But the truth is, we usually don’t want the thing; we want how the thing makes us feel.
Once I create and prioritize a “to-buy” list, I do two things:
- Look at the list and assess how these things make you feel: Spoiled and luxurious? Calm and restful? Whatever it is, look for ways to feel that way now. Like, snuggling with a fuzzy blanket and a fiction book. Charles Duhigg uses this concept in the famous “habit replacement” model.
- Brainstorm more accessible ways to have these things: For example, if you want to take a pricey trip to visit friends, you could start by setting up a video call (typically free).
Sometimes just seeing what you want or crave brings a sense of calm. Plus if something is affordable and works with your budget, maybe it’s time to indulge a bit.
7. Cultivate a gratitude practice.
If you’re rolling your eyes right now, start small. Even noticing three things that brought joy by the end of the day can reshape your perspective.
Most days, I write out a list at the end of the day: “amazing things” and “beautiful moments.” You’ll find plenty of research to support the power of positive thinking. If only for the stress reduction benefits, a few minutes of gratitude each day is so worth it.
8. Start journaling regularly.
I’ve used a journal for many years. Recently, I’ve been journaling every morning and most evenings too. I’ve noticed journaling helps me to:
- Process difficult situations
- Reduce stress and dissolve anxiety
- Tune in rather than tune out
- Know myself more fully
- Discover new ideas and solutions
Find what works for you and start experimenting. The famous “5-minute journal,” can be a great solution if you’re new or busy. You can also find many inspiration journaling prompts online.
Notice how it feels to live with less. What beautiful opportunities are you discovering along the way?
There’s nothing wrong with having lots of money or things, but when having “more” distracts us from simple pleasures, it’s time to simplify. Worth noting, I’ve often been surprised by how joyful I feel with a smaller income. We don’t need much to feel happy.
Remember, the most beautiful things in life are never things.
Please, don’t use this list to add more items to your daily checklist; instead, let these ideas inspire creative approaches. Maybe pick one or two things and give it a try.
You always know what’s best for you.
Have you already started living with less? Have you surprised yourself yet?
I write inspiring, uplifting, and empowering content on transformative topics. Join the Weekly Love News on my website to receive free newsletters each Tuesday in your inbox.