Relax and Simplify: 52 Tips for a Easier Life in 2026 | Australian Lifestyle

Embracing a Simpler Life: Strategies to Do Less and Live More

The start of a new year often reignites our ambition to redefine ourselves. We dream big, packing our to-do lists with resolutions that seem achievable after a refreshing break. However, as daily routines reclaim our time, that initial excitement can wane. Instead of cramming more into our schedules, consider the refreshing approach of taking something off your to-do list. This mindset shift encourages simplicity and focus, allowing you to lead a more intentional life.

Daily Tasks: Simplifying Everyday Life

1. Clothing Organization: Professional organizer Susan C. Pinsky suggests that you don’t need to fold every piece of clothing. A well-organized drawer filled with jumbled underwear is perfectly acceptable. For an extra life hack, reduce your sock collection to just two styles—this way, you’ll never need to match them again.

2. Email Etiquette: Productivity expert Moyra Scott advises us to cut down on unnecessary emails. The more you send, the more responses you’ll receive. Only engage when it’s truly necessary.

3. Prioritize Deep Work: According to organizational psychologist Dr. Amantha Imber, “shallow work,” like excessive email checking, drains your energy. Focus your efforts on larger tasks that require your full attention.

4. Rethink Supplements: Dr. Jason Yu, a Sydney-based GP, argues that many people should forego daily multivitamins. They often lack solid scientific backing and can’t substitute for a balanced diet.

5. Streamlined Outfits: Fashion editor Zara Wong suggests that you can appear stylish by simply wearing the same color from head to toe. This effortless approach is not only chic but also easy to pull together.

6. Sunscreen Over Moisturizer: Professor Deshan Sebaratnam, a dermatologist, recommends ditching moisturizer in favor of a good sunscreen, as most contain moisturizing properties.

7. Minimal Skincare: Science communicator Michelle Wong advocates for using just one or two well-formulated skincare products, addressing specific concerns rather than accumulating a multitude of products.

8. Investment Management: Marco Mellado, a superannuation specialist, encourages you to put your phone down and stop obsessing over daily market fluctuations. Focus on your long-term investment strategy instead.

9. Simplified Cooking: Culinary creator Nipun Liyanapathirana notes that using fewer spices in South Asian cooking can enhance flavors rather than overwhelming the dish.

10. Dinner Without Pressure: Mindy Woods, a restaurateur, reminds us that we don’t need to create a culinary masterpiece every night. Aim to nourish your family rather than seek culinary accolades.

11. Messy Room Solutions: Guardian reporter Matilda Boseley suggests designating a “clothes chair” instead of expecting yourself to put everything away daily. It’s okay to have a mess—just give it a designated home.

Surviving the Week: An Easier Rhythm

12. Child Problem Solving: Teacher Alice Peel emphasizes that it’s important to let children solve their own problems. This promotes independence and resilience.

13. Natural Gardening: Thea Kerr, a nursery manager, advises against unnecessary pesticide use. Embracing a natural ecosystem can often control pests effectively.

14. Gentle After Exercise: According to associate professor Bruno Saragiotto, adopting gentle movement post-workout helps promote recovery rather than pushing through soreness.

15. Enjoy Simple Exercises: Dr. Kim Way, an exercise physiologist, encourages sticking to exercises that you enjoy, ensuring that fitness remains accessible.

16. Cool-Down Flexibility: Personal trainer Shona Vertue clarifies that if you find cool-downs tiresome, you can skip them—active cool-downs don’t significantly impact recovery.

17. Foot Care Fundamentals: Podiatrist Charbel Dagher suggests not relying too heavily on cushioned shoes or insoles for foot pain relief; addressing the underlying issues is more effective.

18. Grocery Shopping Simplified: Chef Jo Barrett believes that memorable meals can arise from recipes with just a few ingredients, so streamline your shopping list.

19. Probiotics Pro Tip: Professor Emad El-Omar highlights that a diet rich in plant-based ingredients might be a superior way to cultivate gut health instead of relying on store-bought probiotics.

20. Effective Stain Removal: Cleaning expert Shannon Lush advises finding the cause of a stain before using commercial products. Often, you have the tools you need at home.

21. Sex and Schedule: Sex and relationship practitioner Georgia Grace suggests that scheduling intimacy can add pressure, diminishing enjoyment. Instead, create intentional time for connection without expectations.

Finding Joy: The Importance of Enjoyment

22. Coffee Brews Simplified: Coffee expert Jibbi Little shares that high-quality beans are all you need for a great cup of coffee—skip the fancy gadgets.

23. Artistic Freedom: Culture editor Steph Harmon encourages you to abandon books or shows you don’t enjoy; the literary world is vast, and your time is precious.

24. Short Party Stays: Journalist Jenny Valentish advises that you don’t have to stay for the whole party. Spend quality time with the host and leave when it feels right.

25. Focus on Your Own Journey: Clinical sexologist Naomi Hutchings encourages couples to stop comparing their intimate lives to others; focus on what works for you.

26. Stay Present: Kassandra Mourikis, a sex therapist, highlights the importance of letting go of self-consciousness during intimacy to enhance pleasure.

27. Group Coordination Made Easy: Use when2meet links to simplify scheduling meetups rather than going back and forth with texts.

28. Travel Without Pressure: Brett Mitchell from Intrepid Travel suggests visiting fewer destinations during trips to truly absorb the experience without haste.

29. Travel Grace Period: Lifestyle editor Alyx Gorman recommends taking a day to acclimatize after a trip, allowing you to unpack and rest before diving back into daily life.

30. Affordable Enjoyment: Sommelier Samantha Payne highlights that quality cask wines offer a delightful drinking experience without breaking the bank.

31. Home Decor Simplicity: Interior designer Emma Blomfield suggests minimizing decorative items to just a few—this not only looks better but also means less cleaning.

32. Kid Party Basics: Yvonne C. Lam, deputy lifestyle editor, advises simplicity when it comes to children’s parties—sometimes, a park playdate is all they need.

33. Connection Without Pressure: Public health associate professor Michelle Lim reminds us that small connections can alleviate loneliness without needing deep friendships.

34. Dress for Happiness: Fashion sustainability adviser Camille Reed encourages people to wear what makes them happy, regardless of age or societal expectations.

When the Going Gets Tough: Navigating Challenges

35. Vet Visits: Dr. Anne Quain advises pet owners to avoid feeding their animals before vet visits to reduce stress and potential sickness.

36. Job Search Strategy: Career coach Ellen Hooper emphasizes the importance of networking over a “spraying and praying” approach to job applications.

37. Financial Anxiety Management: Zee Heart advises to unfollow influencers who promote unrealistic ideas about wealth to ease money-related stress.

38. Eating During Crisis: Self-care advocate KC Davis suggests focusing on adequate nutrition rather than perfect meals during tough times.

39. Embrace Conflict: Clinical psychotherapist Marryam Chehelnabi encourages addressing disagreements rather than avoiding them for a more authentic connection.

40. Support for Grief: Creators of the Good Mourning podcast stress that sometimes the best support is just being there, allowing space for emotions without needing to fill silence.

Planning for a Brighter Future

41. Renovation Focus: Anthony Burke advises considering natural light and orientation in home designs for energy efficiency.

42. Personal Home Design: Interior designer David Flack reminds homeowners to design for themselves, avoiding trends that lack personal significance.

43. Self-Optimization Mindset: Clinical psychologist Zac Seidler suggests stepping back from extreme self-optimization techniques, recognizing that sometimes it’s okay to be good enough.

44. Declutter Without Guilt: Professional organizer Catherine Carney encourages letting go of items that no longer serve you without feeling obligated to keep them.

45. Flexible Career Planning: Lois Keay-Smith suggests that career paths should embrace adaptability rather than rigid timelines and plans.

46. Rethink Parenting Metrics: Dr. Fiona Longmuir encourages focusing on children’s holistic development rather than fixating on academic performance.

Reality Checks for a Balanced Life

47. Emotional Responsibility: Dr. Orna Guralnik emphasizes the importance of owning your emotions rather than placing them onto your partner.

48. Live Authentically: Podcast hosts Maggie Kelly and Tully Smyth urge individuals not to live for social media validation but rather to embrace authentic experiences.

49. Model Behavior: Parenting educator Lael Stone highlights that children learn most by observing their parents, rather than through verbal instruction.

50. Value Older Generations: Dr. Catherine Barrett encourages appreciating older individuals to transform societal experiences and interactions.

51. Focus on Your Actions: Author Brigid Delaney advocates for a Stoic approach, emphasizing that one’s reactions and choices are what truly matter.

52. Say No More Often: Helena Nguyen urges individuals to be mindful of their energy resources and to stop overcommitting in order to maintain emotional balance.

The essence of simplifying your life lies in conscious choices—choosing to do less while embracing what truly matters. By examining the clutter in both our physical environments and mental spaces, we can lead lives filled with fulfillment rather than frustration.