A big part of trying to live a more intentional life is to simplify the environment around you. Whether you’re a brown girl young professional like me or not, we live in a world of consumerism where more is more. From extra cultural outfits to makeup products and more, it can get overwhelming not knowing what to do with all this “stuff.” So, in this blog post, here are five ways to simplify life starting today.
Buy When You Need It
We love to buy in bulk, only to have no idea how to store or use have the items we bring home. Whether it is a back-up face wash, work bags, cleaning products, or another set of towels, remind yourself to buy it only when you need it. Not only will you save money, realizing you don’t need half the things you would normally buy, you will also feel a lot less overwhelmed when trying to figure out what to do with it all. So, make conscious decisions the next time you go out to buy something you may not necessarily need.
Find Multipurpose Products
If you really ready to lead a more simple life, find products that serve more than one purpose. This can be a cream blush that can also be used as lipstick or all-in-one nontoxic cleaning solution. Having less to keep around and choose from means more brain space to make important decisions like what you can accomplish for the day. Plus, your work bag will way less!
Refuse Single Use Items
The best way to live a more simple life is to stop buying and using single use items. Not only are items like water bottles a hassle to store, they fill up your recycling and are something you have to keep buying. A reusable water bottle is much easier to fill up, store, and clean in the dishwasher. Bring your own coffee mug to work or pack your lunch. You’ll also be doing something good for the environment. This can extend further. As a desi girl, I try to buy lehengas and suits that I can mix and match to create new outfits. There’s so reason for beautiful clothing to be worn only once!
Use Sustainable Products
Reusable items make life a lot easier and are good for the environment. You will take out the trash less often, save money in the long run, and reduce your overall waste. Start with a water bottle, canvas shopping bag, or even reusable cotton rounds pads, and work your way up to shampoo bars and more. To simplify life, try to reduce your waste where you can from less paper at work to plastic bottles.
Do What Makes You Happy
At the end of the day, the best way to simplify life and live more intentionally is to be happy in the things you are doing. If you enjoy something, keep doing it, but try to find ways to be more low waste within it. I love my beauty products, but opt for ethical, sustainable, and clean items. If you love reading, try out a Kindle and only buy the physical copies of books you really enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Trying to simplify life and live a low waste lifestyle is all about striking a balance. You don’t need to do everything all at once, but try to build on this more intentional lifestyle by doing one percent more everyday. If this lifestyle is new to you, start with a water bottle or microfiber towels and work your way to trying new things. Simplifying your life is all about reducing the waste, clutter, and unnecessary products around you. Good luck on your low waste journey!
With love,
Aditi <3
Aditi Rani – Figuring Out Life in Your Twenties
*Disclaimer: This is not professional advice. Some links are affiliate. By clicking and/or purchasing, I may receive a commission. It does not alter the price or change your buyer experience.
