“The man who has begun to live more seriously within begins to live more simply without.” – Phillips Brooks

Many people make New Year’s resolutions. It seems like when the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, you are getting a fresh start. Whether you keep the resolutions or not is up to you, but what if you could have more than one? Do you have to have a single resolution?

What if you decided to simply and make life a little easier. Making changes in your life that will simplify your daily routine while making you feel better seems like a much better plan – a plan that you will want to stick with so that it is your new normal.

These are 10 ways you can live more simply while improving the quality of your life.

1. Get rid of the extra “stuff” that is cluttering your home. Take those old clothes to the donation center and start freeing up some space in your home. A de-cluttered home is an amazing feeling!

2. Make a conscientious effort to save money on things you buy often. Whether you use coupons or shop at a store with lower prices, it all helps. Make an effort to spend less money on eating out, coffee and other little luxuries.

3. Buy less stuff. Do you really need another pair of shoes or a new set of pots and pans? Change your mindset to make do with what you have and only buy when necessary.

4. Commit to studying your Bible and reconnecting with your spirituality. Make an effort to spend five minutes a day in the morning before work or before bed at night.

5. Keep a journal. Write down thoughts and concerns that are bothering you. Purging them from your mind can help remove the burden and give you a chance to get some perspective on what it is that is making you lie awake in bed at night.

6. Plan your meals for the week. Spend 10 minutes on Sunday creating a menu. On Tuesday after a long day at work, you don’t have to spend 15 minutes deciding what to cook for dinner.

7. Plan a night to disconnect from the world for a bit. Give yourself an hour or three hours without television, the computer or your cell. Read, relax or spend time with your family.

8. Make a habit to clean as you go. Don’t wait until the weekend to clean up around the house. Pick up a few minutes each day.

9. Learn the art of saying no. You don’t have to be on every committee or attend every function. Pick one a week and say no to the rest.

10. Enjoy every moment of your life. Don’t cram 10 appointments into a single day. Schedule one or two and live in the moment without thinking about rushing to your next duty for the day.

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About Alex Blackwell
Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer.