As we age, our priorities change, and we often find ourselves wanting (or needing) to simplify our lives. Adopting a minimalist lifestyle can help us achieve this goal by reducing clutter and unnecessary possessions, changing some of our behaviors, and developing a minimalist mindset.
In fact, adopting a minimalist lifestyle and mindset can be life changing. You can simplify your life, reduce stress, and prioritize what’s truly important. I began simplifying my own life a few years ago!
While I haven’t quite achieved a totally minimalist lifestyle yet, I can assure you that it has helped me focus on my own health and happiness, and what’s truly important to me at this point in my life. So I wanted to share some of my experiences and ideas with you!
11 Minimalist Lifestyle Tips for Older Women
These are things I’ve done to simplify my life in recent years. I’m always a work in progress, but these changes have definitely helped me with stress management. At this point in my life, I want simple — I want to focus on what’s really important in life!
1. Declutter Your Home
Decluttering your home is one of the most important steps to living a minimalist lifestyle. These minimalist tips for decluttering your home will get your started but it will be a process — don’t rush it. Take your time and trust the process.
Start by getting rid of anything that you no longer use or need. This could include old clothes, kitchen appliances, furniture, and the dreaded knick-knacks that clutter every piece of furniture in your home. Donate items that are still in good condition or sell them if you think you could make some extra money. Or even put them in storage, if necessary.
Develop a schedule for decluttering one area (closet, pantry, powder room, cabinets, etc.) or room of your home every day, or every week. You don’t need to push yourself, but decide on a realistic plan that will work for you and make it a habit. And don’t make excuses for not doing it during the scheduled time.
I have a strategy I’ve used for about 20 years. I learned it from a dear friend. As I am going through things, I ask myself, “Am I emotionally attached to this item?” If not, it goes into a trash pile, a giveaway pile, or a sale pile immediately. And I don’t think about it again. If I am somehow emotionally attached to it, I determine immediately where I am going to keep it so it has a designated home. Everything has to have a place.
There’s nothing wrong with having fewer things — really! Spending quality time with loved ones is far more important, right?
2. Simplify Your Wardrobe
A minimalist wardrobe can make life much easier and less stressful. Consider investing in timeless, high-quality pieces that you can mix-and-match or a capsule wardrobe. Choose easy-care fabrics whenever possible. Who wants to iron when there are so many other things to do in life?
Stick to a neutral color palette and avoid trendy items that will quickly go out of style. Donate any clothes that you no longer wear or that no longer fit you. It will make more space in your closet for putting outfits together when you are planning for the week.
If you enjoy brighter colors, another option is to buy neutral pieces such as skirts, pants, shorts, sweaters, and jackets, and wear colorful tops with them. You can mix and match to create a variety of outfits. Buy tops in a variety of styles, fabrics, and colors that can be worn with several of your staple pieces.
I also enjoy adding accessories to elevate my simple wardrobe. But accessories can take up a lot of space, so make sure you have a place for all your accessories. Use wall hooks, plastic cases, pouches, jewelry boxes, shelves, etc.
3. Shop Mindfully
When shopping, be mindful of what you are buying. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you really need the item and if it will add value to your life. Consider buying from sustainable brands that use eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices.
As you age, you do not need more “things.” If you are honest with yourself, you can probably admit that you don’t need more knick-knacks to put on your furniture, kitchenware to clutter your cabinets, or things to fill your closets at this point in life. There are only so many things you really need, right?
Save your money and shop more mindfully to simplify your life. Only buy it if it will add value to your life in some important way.
4. Prioritize Experiences Over Possessions
As we get older, we often realize that experiences are more important than possessions. Instead of buying more stuff, focus on creating memorable experiences. This could include taking a cooking class, traveling to a new city, or spending time with loved ones.
It should also include checking off things from your Bucket List. Now is the time to really look hard at the things you’ve always wanted to do in life. Enjoy the experiences you’ve always wanted to have before it’s too late. And don’t buy silly souvenirs that you would have bought 20-30 years ago. Instead, take pictures and save them on a digital photo album. Those are the best souvenirs.
5. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is an essential part of a minimalist lifestyle. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, be thankful for what you do have. Take time each day to appreciate the simple things in life, such as a warm cup of tea or a beautiful sunset.
Learn to enjoy being still — doing nothing. Look around and count your blessings. Enjoy the sunshine, the flowers, the bugs, and the noises around you. Write in a gratitude journal to enhance your mindset of gratitude. It will help create a happier and more peaceful you. Include gratitude in your meditation practice, too!
6. Cut the Chaos
Now is the time to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the simple things in life. This can help you feel more fulfilled and content, and ultimately lead to a more meaningful and satisfying life as a mature woman.
Simplify your daily routine and eliminate unnecessary tasks. STOP multitasking — think about and do one thing at a time.
Another thing you can do to cut the chaos is to reduce screen time. Screens can be a major source of stress and distraction. Limit your screen time by turning off your phone or computer for a set amount of time each day. Use this time to read a book, go for a walk, or engage in a relaxing activity.
7. Embrace Minimalist Hobbies
Minimalist hobbies help you simplify your life and reduce stress. Consider taking up activities like yoga, meditation, or gardening. These activities don’t require a lot of equipment or supplies and can be done from the comfort of your own home.
Other hobbies that don’t require a lot of equipment or supplies include coloring, reading, boardgames, cooking or baking, sewing, writing, jewelry making, photography, puzzles, and walking. There are dozens of hobbies in The Ultimate Guide of Hobbies for Women over 50 that can help you find something you enjoy!
Here are some additional tips for minimalizing your hobbies:
- don’t save leftover pieces and supplies — throw them away
- keep everything organized in appropriate containers and binders
- work on just one project at a time
- give your finished projects to people who will appreciate them
- consider the amount of space you have for hobbies when choosing a hobby
8. Focus on Self-Care
Self-care is an important part of a minimalist lifestyle. Make time each day to do something that makes you feel good. This could include taking a bubble bath, practicing yoga, or reading a book. Prioritizing self-care can help you reduce stress and feel more centered.
Making self-care a priority can sometimes be complicated because you are always pulled in so many directions. It’s always a good idea to actually put self-care time on your daily schedule — whether you do it in the morning, at night, in the middle of the day, or after work — make it a regular part of every day. Schedule it like you would an important meeting at work. It’s equally as important.
Remember, the purpose of a minimalist lifestyle is to rid yourself of life’s complications in favor of focusing on what’s truly important. What is more important than your own self care?
9. Create a Simple Meal Plan
A simple meal plan can help you save time and reduce stress. Consider creating a weekly meal plan that includes easy-to-make, healthy meals. This can help you avoid the stress of deciding what to cook each day and can also help you save money by avoiding takeout. It can also minimize the number of groceries you need to buy each week.
A minimalist meal plan should be based on your nutritional needs, ease of preparing, and optimizing the ingredients you need to keep in your home at any one time. If you plan carefully, you should be able to cook a variety of delicious meals with these ingredients. You should be intentional about your meal plan.
Learn what staples you need to keep in your pantry and fridge so you can keep them on hand. Keep your snacks simple and healthy. Plan to use your leftovers for another lunch or dinner, or throw them away.
10. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for reducing stress and staying present in the moment. Consider practicing mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness journaling, and daily mindfulness affirmations.
There are many benefits of mindfulness that will help improve your life, including enhancing personal relationships, fostering self-awareness, and increasing happiness. Embracing mindfulness helps you let go of excess stuff that is taking up space in your world — you’ll let go of thoughts and beliefs that clutter your mind. This is a big part of living a minimalist lifestyle!
11. Eliminate Toxicity
At some point in your life, you have to recognize that there are toxic people and situations creating stress in your world. It’s time to start eliminating the toxicity. You just don’t need people and situations in your life that are creating chaos for you.
You are looking for minimalist lifestyle tips, right? Toxicity is the very opposite of minimalism and simplicity.
Learn to say NO when something does not serve you because it becomes toxic. Learn to walk away from the PTA position you volunteered for if the group doesn’t work efficiently and never gets anything accomplished. Recognize which friends are always in the middle of conflicts and start omitting them from your social circle.
And remember, you don’t owe anyone an explanation, you don’t have to make excuses, and you can forgive but not forget. Don’t let yourself be pulled into drama. Be intentional about your decisions and choices. Set hard boundaries to protect your healthy, happy, simple life.