In the early 90s, before the Marie Kondo era of clearing out clutter, Elaine St. James wrote the bestseller “Simplify Your Life” in 1994. In her book, St. James shares 100 ways to embrace simplicity and focus on what truly matters. Her advice, which includes living on half of what you earn, simplifying your wardrobe, and downsizing your living space, continues to be relevant today for promoting wellness and reducing stress. For St. James, living simply meant reducing scale, comfort, complexity, and time demands from the fast-paced 1980s lifestyle.
One of St. James’ suggestions is to downsize where you can, which involves decluttering your home and getting rid of items you haven’t used in a year or more. She also recommends moving to a smaller, more manageable house and driving a simpler car to reduce costs. Another tip is to have a staycation, where you can enjoy relaxing activities in your own home or explore your local community. St. James found that staycations can be just as enjoyable as traveling and can help you develop pride and familiarity with your surroundings.
St. James also advises getting a side hustle by turning your hobby into a job. She shares an example of her friend Sandra, who started selling her sculptures at local art shows while maintaining her legal practice during the day. Additionally, St. James emphasizes the importance of practicing mindfulness, suggesting activities like spending a day in solitude, focusing on one task at a time, and taking time to watch the sunset. These practices can help reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and promote a sense of calm in daily life.
Overall, St. James’ advice on simplifying your life and focusing on what truly matters aligns with current trends in wellness and minimalism. By following her tips, you can reduce clutter, save money, and find more joy in everyday activities. Whether it’s downsizing your living space, having a staycation, pursuing a side hustle, or practicing mindfulness, incorporating elements of simplicity into your life can lead to a greater sense of peace and fulfillment. St. James’ timeless wisdom continues to resonate with readers seeking a more balanced and intentional lifestyle.
