5 Reasons a Simple Life is a Happy Life

As you take steps to simplify, you may discover that a simple life is a happy life. Having time to enjoy simple pleasures, doing things with loved ones, reducing debt and living with less “stuff” are all ways to lessen stress and increase happiness.

Author Duane Elgin describes simplicity as living in a way that is “outwardly simple and inwardly rich,” and in my household I feel like we’re beginning to glimpse what he means.

Here are five benefits of simple living:

1. Less Debt Equals More Peace

Paying down and paying off debt is just a great feeling. With each payment the interest expenses get smaller, which frees up more money to save or accelerate the paydown.

Dave Ramsey’s “debt snowball method” is one popular and useful method of efficiently paying off debt.

If you’ve ever been seriously in debt as I have, you can probably relate to the biblical description of debt being like a millstone around your neck. Reducing debt and committing to save money puts you back in control of your finances instead of your finances controlling you.

Debt-free living means a better night’s sleep and a whole lot less stress. We’re not completely debt free yet, but I can tell you that each payment we make feels mighty fine.

2. Healthy Eating is More Satisfying

Who doesn’t love good food? At our house, gradually reducing and eliminating processed foods and stocking more natural or organic ingredients has been relatively painless.

I find we enjoy our meals more because we’re eating fresh, healthy food. It might be my imagination, but I swear I can taste the preservatives and additives now when I eat something processed.

On the flip side, fresh wholesome food tastes great, nourishes the body with natural vitamins and minerals, and makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight.

When you can find sources for local, seasonal produce it’s usually fresher than imported, and buying locally grown food supports independent producers and keeps money in communities.

One of our favorite family outings is a trip to the farmers’ market to pick out fresh produce.

3. Less Stuff is Better Than More Stuff

“When we started getting rid of things, it was kind of addictive,” says Béa Johnson, whose family was profiled in Sunset magazine in one of my favorite articles of all time, The Zero Waste Home.

“In a recession, people are inclined to keep things, but I feel the opposite. The less I have, the richer I feel. Stuff weighs you down.”

Anyone who has ever cleaned out a home after a relative passed away, or despaired at the amount of Stuff in the garage can probably appreciate this statement.

I once heard an organizing expert say, “Why do people leave their $50,000 car out in the driveway because their garage is jammed with $1000 worth of Christmas ornaments and sports equipment?”

We still have a long way to go and the process takes both commitment and consistency, but we are making progress in reducing stuff and clearing out clutter. Every inch of space we gain feels like breathing room, and I love it.

4. Sustainability Feels 100 Times Better Than Reckless Consumption

Making eco friendly choices just feels better all around. It begins in the morning, when I pour a cup of coffee and feel good about the fact that it’s organic, shade-grown and fair trade.

I used to give the coffee mug a quick rinse with water before I filled it, because I was worried about chemical residue from the “spot-free” rinse we used. No more.

We use non-toxic, biodegradable, hypo-allergenic dish soap in recyclable packaging, and it’s not only healthier for our family, I’m saving water by skipping the extra rinse.

The sum of dozens of little sustainable choices — from using programmable thermostats and investing in well made products to using all-natural toothpaste and sleeping on organic cotton sheets — reduces our carbon imprint and creates a healthier environment for our family, and just feels better.

5. A Simple Life Frees Up Time for the Things That Matter

According to research, having time matters more than money for most of us. I’m not claiming to have this all figured out, but I’ve noticed that setting my intention to live more fully in the moment has caused me to be more thoughtful about my priorities and how I spend my time.

Art Buchwald said, “The best things in life aren’t things,” and I bet most of us would agree with that sentiment.

So why is it sometimes so tempting to overspend on things like new electronics and automobiles and home furnishings, when we know deep down that those expensive choices may chain us to debt, long work hours, and less time for the things that really matter?

I’m living proof of this paradox; when I worked a high pressure job I used to pine away for more time with my family, even as I spent money on status items like designer purses and luxury cars.

The good news is that a commitment to a simpler lifestyle provides a lens through which those decisions can be more carefully considered. When I don’t spend my hard-earned money on Impressive Stuff, the trade-off of increased time and flexibility is a gazillion times more valuable.

How about you? Do you think simple living equals happy living?

If you’ve been putting some of these slow living ideals into practice, are you starting to enjoy the payoff? Drop a comment about your experiences!

P.S. Did you know that there’s a whole week-long holiday devoted to simplicity? We created a 7 Day Challenge for National Simplify Your Life Week, which is celebrated during the first week of August starting on a Monday each year.