How to Live a Healthier Life through Simplicity

Photo by Raquel Baranow
This morning I was talking to my wife about how simplicity has had a major impact on my health.

I have suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome from an early age and I have tried anything that would reduce the symptoms of this syndrome. I won’t bother you with all the details but not really much helped.

Since a few years I have simplified my life in many aspects and I can tell you how much of an impact it has on my IBS. I feel better than ever. A big part of the improvement is caused by doing less and doing what I love.

Simplicity is all about going back to the basics. People have forgotten how it is to live a simple life. Nowadays it’s all about multitasking, producing more, buying more, working more, making more money and living larger.

The downside or better said, the danger is that it will increase your stress level, you’ll be more anxious, edgy, tired, downhearted, less satisfied and eventually you’ll be worn out. And because everybody is, we almost think it is normal.

Now on the other hand a healthier life through simplicity will give you more energy, it will slow down your age process, increase your lifespan, you’ll be more focused, more productive, more creative, more happier and more content.

So let’s take a look at what you can do to live a healthy life through simplicity:

Activity
Quit going to gym and start running, walking or bicycling outside. It will save you a lot of money, it will take less time and you’ll enjoy fresh air and beautiful surroundings. All of these sports have a positive effect on your mind. They relieve stress, prevent muscle and bone loss and reduce the risk of heart-attacks, stroke and diabetes. Working out also builds confidence and a good healthy self-esteem.

Work less
Start working less. Try to go from a five day to a four day workweek or less. Simplify your lifestyle and you will need less. Start your own business and you can make the decisions. A great book on this topic is “The four hour workweek” by Tim Ferris. It has tons of great tips for self-employed as well as employees on how to simplify your life, business life and how to work less.

Wake up early
Wake up early to finish something important so you don’t need to worry or hurry the rest of the day. Realize your dreamgoal or enjoy some extra free time to do the things you always wanted to do. Go for a run, read a book, write a novel, learn to play an instrument, learn a language or start a blog.

Declutter
Declutter your house. Downsize your wardrobe, clean out closets and drawers. Ged rid of stuff that you don’t need or don’t use. Create a more minimalist look in your living room. Put your keys and things you often need in one place so you can find them. Decluttering gives you peace of mind which results in less stress.

Meditate
Meditate a few minutes a day to clear your mind. Meditating reduces stress and increases focus and positivity. Meditation creates a positive mindset that determines the rest of your day.

Eat healthy
Eat whole grain foods, fruits (apples, pears, bananas, berries, oranges, grapes, kiwis, pineapples, etc), vegetables, rice and patatoes. Healthy food will give you more energy, it will keep your weight under control and prevents many diseases. It has impact on your productivity, positivity and overall happiness.

Drink water
Drinking water is the foundation of good health. An avarage of two liters of water (or other beverages) per day is recommended. If you forget to drink enough water throughout the day than write it down on the top right corner of your calender.

Put a can of water on the table and pour a glas every once in a while to remind yourself. It will refresh your mind and body. Water prevents and fights many diseases like heart disease, stroke, hypertension, depression and sleep disorder. Water and healthy food are the two most important ingredients to gain energy and live a flourishing life.

Solitude
Once in a while spend some time in solitude. A great way to do this is to wake up early or to go for a walk. Being by yourself creates space in your mind for new ideas and solutions. Solitude is the greatest place for inspiration, creativity, reflection on life and wellbeing.

”In health there is freedom. Health is the first of all liberties.” – Henri Frederic Amiel

Feel free to leave a comment. I’d appreciate it.

Klaus Tol