9 Ways to Immediately Simplify Your Life for Burnout Relief
Life lately has felt like a lot—and the best way I’ve found to cope is to simplify.
I started simplifying my life in January—not in the “declutter every drawer and color-code the pantry” kind of way, but in a slow, realistic, “I’m burned out and can’t do everything at once” kind of way. Sound familiar?
I was physically exhausted, mentally scattered, and emotionally drained. Chronic pain was flaring up, I was juggling work and side projects, and then there was the snow. So. Much. Snow. It piled up on my porch and in my mind.
That was my cue: something had to change.
And honestly? I don’t think I’m the only one feeling this way. We’re all walking around a little too tired, a little too overwhelmed, doing our best to hold it together with a smile.
So if you’re craving a slower, simpler life immediately—but don’t know where to start—this is for you.
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9 Ways to Immediately Simplify Your Life for Burnout Relief
1. Simplify Your Schedule: Do Less, Rest More
Our calendars are constantly packed. Between work, appointments, errands, school pickups, and extracurriculars—it’s nonstop.
What helped me:
- I started saying “no” more. Like, A LOT more.
- I took the entire month of January, and February off from making any new commitments.
- I left white space in my days and let myself just be.
- I stopped being “busy” and started prioritizing rest and real connection.
Tip: Cut one non-essential commitment this week that doesn’t bring you joy or peace.
2. Simplify Your Meals: Keep It Basic, Nourishing, and Easy
Food doesn’t have to be complicated. I stopped trying to reinvent dinner every night and embraced repetition.
Here’s what worked:
- I used 10–12 easy go-to meals that we rotate through.
- I made freezer meals to help me survive during night shifts.
- We cooked at home more, using simple, seasonal ingredients.
- I started making enough for leftovers to ease the next day’s mental load.
Research shows that cooking at home supports lower stress, better nutrition, and even emotional wellbeing.
3. Simplify Your Cleaning: Let It Be “Good Enough”
There’s something about a messy home that adds to mental clutter. But trying to keep up with constant cleaning? Exhausting.
So I paused.
- Toilets and sinks? Once a week.
- Showers? When they actually need it.
- Dishes and laundry? The bare minimum for a while.
And you know what? The world didn’t fall apart. Giving myself a break allowed my body to rest and my mind to breathe.
4. Simplify Your Wardrobe: Wear What You Love on Repeat
Instead of trying to do a full closet overhaul (because burnout), I started wearing the outfits I already loved—on repeat.
Try this:
- Pick 7–10 cozy, confidence-boosting pieces.
- Put everything else on pause.
- Repeat outfits shamelessly. Less stress. Fewer choices. More ease.
Fun fact: The average person makes 33,000 to 35,000 decisions per day. Simplifying your wardrobe? One less thing to think about.
5. Simplify Your Finances: Simplify Your Money Habits
Burnout is often tied to financial stress. And I was already stressing about tax season. If you haven’t started getting clear on my money, I recommend you do:
What helped:
- Tracking spending so I actually knew where my money was going.
- Canceling unused subscriptions.
- Spending with intention, not impulse.
- Automating bills and savings to reduce decision fatigue.
Studies show that financial clarity leads to less anxiety, better sleep, and even improved mental wellness.
6. Simplify Your Mind: Learn to Let Go
This might be the most important one. My brain was constantly on—planning, worrying, spiraling. I had to intentionally make space.
How I cleared the mental clutter:
- Giving myself permission to do nothing.
- Lying down and watching TV without guilt most evenings.
- Practicing deep belly breaths in moments of stress.
- Stepping outside for fresh air when weather permitted. Nature = nervous system reset.
- Quietly reminding myself to “empty my brain” and think like a child—curious, simple, and free, as if there wasn’t a single care in the world, even just for a moment.
Research-backed studies showing that practices like journaling, meditating, and even just sitting in silence can significantly reduce stress and burnout.
🌿 Need a few ideas to start with? Try these 10 Simple Exercises to Restore Inner Peace—even one or two can make a big difference when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
7. Simplify Your Digital Life: Create Boundaries with Screens
Digital clutter = mental clutter. Between constant notifications, social media, and emails, it’s hard to breathe.
What helped me:
- Unsubscribing from junk emails.
- Instead of muting or unfollowing social media accounts that triggered comparison, I completely stayed off social accounts for a break.
- Using screen time tools to stay aware, like do not disturb mode.
- You could move your phone out of your bedroom.
Being intentional with tech gave me back more peace than I expected.
8. Simplify Your Morning Routine: Start Soft, Not Stressed
My mornings used to be chaotic and rushed. Now, they’re something I genuinely don’t mind.
My new morning flow:
- I do yoga and stretch while sipping my coffee slowly.
- My cat roams around me, purring—clearly looking forward to our morning time together and the attention she knows she’ll get.
- I breathe, stay off my phone, and welcome the day slow and softly.
Studies show that mindful mornings lower cortisol levels, improve focus, and help reduce anxiety throughout the day.
9. Simplify Add Something That Brings You Joy Daily
Simplifying doesn’t mean removing everything—it means making room for what you truly love.
For me:
- I started working out again—not out of pressure, but to help manage my chronic pain.
- My goal was to start running again by summer, but even now, more movement helps me feel like myself again.
For you? Maybe it’s painting. Gardening. A short walk. One thing that brings you joy is worth doing and protecting.
My Final Thoughts: Simplifying Your Life Isn’t Boring. It’s Brave.
This isn’t about doing less just to do less. It’s about doing less of what drains you and more of what gives you energy.
And when you’re burned out, that kind of shift is not just necessary—it’s self-care.
So start slow.
One small habit.
One quiet moment.
One deep breath.
You will get through it.
You deserve a life that feels gentle, grounded, and maybe even—light and happy again.
cover photo by Esra Afşar on Pexels.
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