11 Changes To A Simple, Frugal And A Happier Life

Living simply and frugally plays an important role in being grateful and satisfied. It may not be easy at first, but your life will feel a lot better.

Living frugally does not make you a cheapskate. Nor does it mean you are not valuing the luxuries afforded to you. On the contrary, living simply and frugally signals a new age of being more aware of your surroundings, the earth, your health, and your overall happiness. There is no need to overspend or waste anything when you don’t have to.

I’m not saying that you have to practice an extremist mindset by moving to a hippie commune and living out the rest of your days in a tree. All I’m saying is that you should change some things in your daily life to reflect the fact that you are aware of the perils you and the earth are faced with.

It is not just the environment that you should worry about; it is the disparity faced by the 7 billion people on this planet. Refugees are starving while you spend hundreds of thousands on a one-day wedding party. Where is the sense in that? Materialism, individualism, and the need to show off are cancers eating away at first-world societies.

# Don’t waste anything

The average person generates around 1570 pounds of waste per year. Head online and scour life hack sites for home recycling ideas. From transforming that scratched up old wok into a planter, to turning recyclables into green crafts for your kids, the possibilities are endless. This goes for food as well. Don’t throw out bruised fruit—make some homemade jam or fritters, instead.

# Make your own products

You will be shocked at the number of chemicals used to make everyday products like deodorant, shampoo, lotion, and household cleaners. Making your own stuff sans chemicals is not only cheaper, it is also healthier. For example, instead of buying a little bottle of chemical-laden deodorant, make your own by mixing 5 tablespoons of coconut oil, 4 tablespoons of baking soda, and 4 tablespoons of cornstarch.

# Pick a new mode of transport

Gas prices may have gone down, but in the long run, it’s not doing the environment or your wallet any favors. Why leave such a huge carbon footprint behind, just so you can commute to your boring job? Instead of driving, choose to take public transport, get a scooter or bicycle, or walk. If you really can’t give up the comforts of a car, then carpool.

# Brew your own coffee

Paying $4 daily for crappy coffee is not worth it. You may as well wipe your ass with that money. Start brewing your own coffee at home and putting it in a flask. It will take a few extra minutes, but you will enjoy it more, especially if you opt for special brews. They may cost a little more than the instant crap, but overall, a lot less than what that chain store is charging you.

# Grow your own herbs

Herbs are outrageously priced and the less-costly dried ones just don’t taste great. If you’re blessed with yard space, take it upon yourself to start an herb garden. Live in an apartment? That’s no excuse, as even apartment living allows you to grow potted herbs.

# Switch off central air and heat

Central air and heat is an outrageous concept that does nothing but waste, waste, and waste. Turn off the centralized system and set it for individual rooms. If your system doesn’t allow for individual usage, switch to portable heating or cooling devices.

# Eat out less

I adore eating out, but my partner and I only treat ourselves to a meal at a restaurant a couple of times a week. Eating at home not only saves money, it also lets you control what goes into your food. When you prepare your own meals, you don’t have to worry about an artery-clogging butter overload or infusion of cancer-causing artificial flavoring. Search online for healthy 30-minute and one-dish meals.

# Don’t plan your meals

Do not plan your meals in advance, because then you’re bound to a grocery list that’s set in stone. When I’m at the supermarket, I check out what’s on sale and mentally prepare a menu. Produce on sale is not a bad thing. It simply means that supply outnumbers demand and the retailer is trying to get rid of it at a lower price before it goes bad.

# Avoid malls

Malls are fashioned in such a way that no matter how focused you are when you walk in, you will end up buying shit that you don’t need. Also, you’re not a 14-year-old, so don’t treat the mall like a hangout zone. Only go when you know exactly what you want—or better yet, just shop online to avoid it altogether.

# De-clutter your space

One of the best ways to live simply is to get rid of unnecessary things. Organize a garage sale and make a buck or two selling off stuff that you haven’t used in eons. Understand that less is more, and that you should live your life in a minimalistic manner.

# Cut up your credit cards

Trust me when I say that credit cards are the devil. Cut them all up and switch to debit cards, instead. When you can only spend what you have, you will be more frugal and thoughtful about what you spend your money on.