26 simple ways to make life easier for yourself

Inside: 25 simple ways to make life easier for yourself.

The alarm goes off and instantly you’re in a rush. Breakfast, bags, lunches, hair needing to be done, “have you remembered your homework?“… Always a rush, always a panic, never enough time to get everything done. Right?

If you’re been asking yourself how you can make life easier then you are in the right place. You don’t have to go through life feeling stressed and time-pressured, you just need to implement a few simple tricks and you’ll get yourself back in control. 

This post will walk you through the different ways you can make life easier for yourself. These small changes can have a big impact on your overall well-being, reducing stress and increasing your productivity and happiness. Let’s go! 

How can you make life easier for yourself?

If we could wave a magic wand and win the lottery, have cleaners, housekeepers, chefs and chauffeurs then that would be amazing. Unfortunately, we can’t just change our lives completely and stop all of the things that make up our day. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t reduce and simplify our lives and routines to help us through those busy days. 

Housework needs no explanation, it is the thorn in our side and something that takes up so much of our time. But, there are ways to improve the processes and reduce the amount of time we spend on it. 

Commitments relates to things like your job, getting the kids to school each day, doing the weekly shop so you have food etc… We can’t get out of those tasks but again we can simplify to improve the way we do everything.

Outside influences relates to everything and everyone that asks something of you. This may be a friend wanting to catch up or the dentist ringing to let you know your next appointment is due. These things mean changing your schedule to fit them in, taking time away from anything else that needs doing.

26 ways to make your life easier

Each of these tips will help you to simplify your life so you can focus on the most important things to you. You don’t need to do all of them at once, start with one or two and see the big difference they make. Then you can add in a few more until your stress levels are reduced and everyday life just feels that little bit easier. 

1. Create a morning routine

Having a solid morning routine is crucial for a successful day. This doesn’t just apply to you either but the entire family. What needs to be done? Who is in charge of those tasks?

If you know that 3 lunches, the dishwasher and a load of washing all needs to be done before you leave the house, then it is no good getting up 10 minutes before you have to leave. 

Write down everything that needs doing and how long it will take, then work backwards from the time you need to leave the house to work out when you need to set your alarm for. Each morning you will know exactly what needs to be done, so nobody will be sitting around doing nothing and you’ll all feel in control and ready to start the day. 

My morning routine looks like this:

• Get up & get dressed
• Have breakfast
• Unload the dishwasher
• Hang out the load of washing that I put on the night before
• Make sure the kids are ready (they are old enough to make their own lunches and get dressed etc…) but they need a bit of encouragement to speed along.

2. Plan your day ahead

A great way to reduce stress is to look at your diary or calendar at the end of the day to see what the following day has in store. That way you don’t forget anything important like school photos or that important doctors appointment you need to go to.

Spend a few minutes each night checking for any appointments and then plan out anything else you want to get done during the day to avoid overwhelm. 

3. Declutter Your Space

It is scientifically proven that clutter causes stress so it is very important that you make the time to go through all of your belongings and sell / donate anything that you don’t love or need anymore. 

The problem with clutter, besides the stress it causes us just being there, is that it makes it very difficult to be organised when you can’t find anything among the chaos. If the kids are asking you where their PE kit is but the wash pile is up to the ceiling then that’s added stress in the morning.

If you are constantly having to nag the kids to tidy their rooms but they simply don’t have the space to tidy things away because their cupboards are bulging, you’ll continue to nag and bring negative emotions to the mix. 

By reducing the amount you own, not only does it make your surroundings more relaxing and visually appealing but it means that everything has a home and can be tidied away or found easily.

No more rushing around wondering where you left your keys!

4. Prioritise your time

Prioritising and being intentional with your time can really help you to feel as though your time is spent well. By making a to-do list and then re-ordering that list from most important to least important, you will gain a sense of accomplishment each day.

Don’t let those small tasks that often creep into our days distract you from what is at the top of your list!

5. Learn to say no

This leads on nicely from the point above as it is often our inability to say no that causes our time management to go out of the window. It is ok to say no if the thing being asked of you will ultimately cause you stress and overwhelm.

And if you can’t say no, then you can at least delay. So if a friend wants to meet up, you can say yes BUT maybe next week when your schedule is clearer. 

Here are some ways to politely say no:

1. I wish I could, but I already have plans.
2. That sounds amazing! I wish we could be there.
3. I can’t make it this time, but I’d love to next time!
4. Thank you so much, but I won’t be able to make it, unfortunately.

You don’t need to justify and explain, just a simple “wish I could but I can’t” is all you need.

6. Get enough sleep

If life is overwhelming then everything will feel worse if you are also tired. Go to bed at a reasonable hour to ensure you get a good night’s sleep – you’ll wake up full of energy ready to take on the new day. Make sure your bedroom is a tranquil space to help you drift off peacefully by decluttering and choosing soothing colours.

You also want to make sure you don’t watch tv or look at your phone before bed, so grab yourself a book and read for a while before you drift off. 

Tips for better sleep

Getting better sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Here are some tips to help you improve your sleep quality:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock.

• Establish a calming pre-sleep routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. This could include reading, gentle stretching, or taking a warm bath.

• Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Use blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine if necessary.

• Invest in a Comfortable Mattress and Pillow.

• Limit Exposure to Screens Before Bed.

• Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime, as they can disrupt sleep.

• Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep.

• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and calm your mind before sleep.

7. Reduce screen time

Do you know how many hours you spend staring at a screen every day? Whether it is for work or you simply love scrolling social media sites, too much time spent on devices can reduce your ability to concentrate and focus on tasks.

Too much time on social media can also cause anxiety with the constant notifications and pressure to ‘Keep up with the Joneses’. 

Make a point of putting your phone down more. Don’t take it to bed with you or to the dining room table for mealtimes, and even something as simple as having it on charge in a different room will help reduce the addiction. You will feel so much better for it. 

8. Delegate tasks

It is not solely up to you to manage everyone in the household. Everyone is part of the family and so everyone needs to take responsibility for the tasks and duties that come with being in that household.

Even from a young age, kids can begin to learn how to tidy away their toys and put their dirty clothes in the hamper, so that by the time they are old enough you can have them dusting shelves and cleaning sinks.

Partners should do their fair share regardless of whether they go out of the house to work or not – the house is everyone’s responsibility. 

9. Learn to let go

You need to release control over everything. There are some things you can control in life and others that you just have to accept as being out of your hands. It’s ok, let go and allow things to happen as they happen.

This might include accepting the fact that you can’t make a home-cooked meal every single night because you are busy with clubs. Or it might be accepting that your house is not going to look like a show-home while you have young kids.

Release the pressure, accept that you are doing your best and that is good enough.

10. Eliminate toxic people

There are certain people in life that bring everyone around them down with their negativity. Make the decision to let go of toxic people and focus your time and energy into relationships that lift you up.

There are some relationships that make letting go difficult (family members in particular) and so in this instance you need to practice distance and minimal contact. 

11. Don’t overcommit

Do you actually just have too much on your plate? Things that can’t be delegated or simplified? Maybe it is time to let go of a few of those things to lighten the load. Do the kids need to do 17 different clubs? Could you prioritise the ones they truly love and stop the rest?

Look at your calendar and remove any activities or commitments that don’t serve or add value to you or your family. Free up time to do more of what you love or just to simply have time to relax – that is important too!

12. Take control of your finances

How often do you check your bank balance or bank statements? Do you know where your money goes every month?

Money can be a constant worry for most families, especially while bills are increasing and pay isn’t increasing to match it. By making a budget, keeping an eye on your incomings and outgoings, and shopping around for the best deals, you can reduce the stress that money worries can place on a family. 

Tips for managing money:

Managing money effectively is crucial for financial stability and achieving your financial goals. Here are some tips for managing your money wisely:

• Start by tracking your income and expenses to understand where your money is going each month.

• Save a portion of your income regularly. Automate savings if possible to make it a habit.

• Use a bank account such as Monzo that rounds up your spends, putting the extra pennies into a savings pot.

• Only use credit cards for planned expenses you can pay off in full each month. And only on items that you really do need.

• Look for discounts, use coupons, and compare prices before making purchases. Avoid impulse buying and prioritise needs over wants.

13. Practice self care

Do you put everyone else’s needs above your own? If you are always at the bottom of the pile then you will leave yourself depleted and feeling resentful. By making the time to look after your own needs you will make sure you feel 100% able to keep doing what you do best.

Ways to spend time on yourself:

• Practice Mindfulness Meditation.
• Take a Nature Walk.
• Do some journaling.
• Unplug from Technology.
• Read a Book.
• Practice Yoga.
• Listen to Music.

14. Safeguard elderly loved ones

You’re not only a mother, you’re a daughter too. However, the harsh reality is that you can’t do as much for your parents when you have a child.

Still, you need to know that they are safe and well. Equipping them with a Life Assure help alert device is ideal as it allows them to call for support in an emergency situation, such as a fall. Aside from supporting them, it is a key step to maintaining your peace of mind. 

Other ways to protect loved ones include;

• Adding home security features.
• Hiring a cleaner for them.
• Preparing some meals once a week.
• Phone them regularly even when you can’t see them.
• Check that their finances are under control.

15. Get regular exercise

Your mental health is connected to your physical health and so you need to make sure that you are moving your body regularly and have a balanced diet too.

Benefits of regular exercise include:

• Lower blood pressure
• Reduced anxiety
• Boosted mood
• Improved sleep quality

16. Practice gratitude

There is one sure way to bring positive energy into your day and that is through practicing gratitude. There is no right or wrong way to do it, but if you start your day with a focus on all that you are grateful for in your life, you will set yourself up for a great day.

Examples might include:

• I am grateful for the sunshine that is streaming through my window this morning.
• I am grateful for a lovely catch-up with my friend yesterday.
• I am thankful for the cuddles from my little one when they woke up.
• I am thankful for my friendly neighbours reminding me to put the bins out.

It doesn’t matter how big or how small, just look for the good in your life and name it. The more you practice, the more you’ll begin to notice those positive things as they happen throughout the day.

17. Create routines

We all have housework whether we like it or not. The jobs need doing and we can either allow them to build up and overwhelm us, or we can take control and get into good routines and habits to make it more manageable.

Think about all of the things that need doing on a daily basis, weekly basis and monthly basis – all the jobs that allow you to have a clean house.

Now figure out where you have time to do those jobs – can you get up a little earlier to do the dishwasher before you get on with your day? Can you put aside an hour at the weekend to do the bigger jobs like stripping the beds and giving the whole house a vacuum?

Routines/ habits to implement:

• Do the dishes / load the dishwasher straight after dinner.
• Give the bathroom sink a quick wipe each day when you are brushing your teeth.
• Meal plan for the week before you do your weekly shop.
• Use a squeegie to wipe the shower screen straight after a shower.
• Wipe the kitchen surfaces while you wait for the kettle to boil.
• Put a load of washing on every evening ready to hang out in the morning.

​Once you have good routines in place you’ll be able to spend less time cleaning and more time doing the things you enjoy.

18. Meal plan

How often do you go to the grocery store and come back with food you didn’t actually need?

How often do you clear the fridge out to find a pack of something mouldy that you forgot you had?

Set aside some time each week to think about the meals you will make each day, anything you need for breakfasts, lunches, and snacks etc… and write a list to take with you.

Meal planning ensures that you only buy the food that you need for that week, reducing your shopping bill and preventing food waste too.

19. Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine to reduce stress and improve focus.

Activities to try:

• Spend time in your garden or backyard.
• Focus on your breath.
• Listen to calming music.
• Sit in silence for a few minutes each day.

20. Ask for help

People are not made for solitude – we are sociable and community minded. So why do we insist on trying to manage everything by ourselves , even when we are struggling?

It isn’t easy, but learn to accept help when it is offered and ask for help if you are struggling. It’s ok to allow others to lighten your load, it doesn’t mean you are a failure.

21. Write lists

Where would we be without lists? In chaos I can tell you!

Writing a daily list helps you to keep on track with your day, preventing any procrastination or distraction creeping in. Lists also help you to remember important tasks – just be sure to check your calendar the night before and add the appointment or task to your list for the day.

22. Set Clear Goals

​Define your short-term and long-term goals to give your life direction and purpose.

23. Automate Repetitive Tasks

There are lots of ways to automate tasks these days, so let technology take some of the load.

• Pay bills via direct debit
• Have shopping delivered to your door.
• Use smart devices to control lights, thermostats & more.
• Use robotic vacuum cleaners and mops.
• Use electronic calendars to alert you to important events such as birthdays.

24. Get organised

Once you’ve decluttered your home, everything should have a home and be easily accessible. This doesn’t happen instantly though, it needs thought and organisation.

Think about any processes that don’t work well, any regular frustrations that happen because an area isn’t organised.

Perhaps the kids come home from school and dump their bags in the hall – you then moan at them for creating such a mess. But why do they do it? Have you actually provided them with an alternative?

Perhaps mail builds up in a pile on the kitchen counter and makes the whole room feel cluttered. Do you have a place it could be stored short-term instead? And could you build in a weekly routine for sorting the mail and filing it away properly?

Look for the issues and think about why they happen – then think of a way to solve them!

25. Create a capsule wardrobe

You may have decluttered your clothes, but do the clothes that you’ve kept work well together? Or will you feel like you have nothing to wear and end up buying more again?

A capsule wardrobe contains all of the basics you need to mix and match for different outfits. A pair of jeans can work well with a t-shirt, a blouse, a jumper, a top with a blazer – so many ways!

When sorting through your clothes, make sure that anything you keep will mix and match with a variety of other pieces. That way, you know that when you go to get dressed each day that whatever you pull out will go with loads of things to create an outfit that you will feel good in.

Less clothes doesn’t mean less outfits, it actually means you can see everything you own and know what to wear every single day. Plus, less clothes means less washing!

26. Tidy as you go

It’s easy to leave things and ‘come back to them later’, but later doesn’t always happen does it? Especially with kids – how often do you find they’ve finished playing with one thing and abandoned it for something else?

Having a ‘tidy as we go’ mentality will mean that nothing builds up ‘for later’.

• Put dishes in the dishwasher as soon as the meal is finished.
• Sort the clean washing into piles and put clothes away immediately.
• Tidy away toys and games once they are finished with.
• Wipe up the crumbs after making your toast.
• Put your shoes away when you get home.

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Life doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By implementing these simple tips to make life easier for yourself, you can reduce stress, increase productivity, and enhance your overall well-being.

Remember that small changes can lead to significant improvements in your quality of life, so start incorporating these tips into your daily routine today.