How You Can Make Your Life Easier This Year

Most people would likely agree that 2020 was a challenging year. With so many unexpected occurrences and uncertainties, it didn’t run as smoothly as expected. 2021 is a brand new year, and it’s full of new hope and possibilities.  

Things pile up — whether you’re behind on bills, your health isn’t up to par, you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, or you just need a break every once in a while, there are things you can do each day to ease those worries. 

Even when life hits hard, you’ll be equipped to withstand almost anything. Your life will still have its imperfections, but making a few small changes will improve your quality of life this year, especially your daily living.  

Take a deep breath, and dive into these tips on how you can make your life easier this year.

1. Make Simple Meals 

One step in making life more manageable this year is to cook simpler meals. You don’t have to cook a five-star meal every night of the week. Keep it simple with a protein and a few vegetables, and work with what you already have.  

Whether you meal prep, subscribe to a meal delivery service or create a meal with ingredients already in your pantry, just stick to the basics. Find meals your family loves, and don’t be afraid to repeat them weekly or every other week.

2. Step Away From the Phone 

Cell phones have taken away precious time and attention. If you find yourself constantly looking down at your phone, consider turning it off for a few hours while you’re awake during the day or only use it when necessary.  

When you step away from your phone, you’ll be able to engage more in face-to-face conversations with friends and family. Plus, you won’t be bogged down by notification after notification. Set aside time during the day to check your phone, and spend the rest of your time in the moment. You’ll feel like you have all the time in the world!

3. Take Care of Yourself 

Self-care has been a trend for the past few years that you should start for yourself or continue into 2021. Spending just half an hour per day on yourself can make your life easier. You can’t take care of your family if you don’t care for yourself first. 

Instead of stressing about not finding time for yourself, consciously set aside that time each day. If it helps, block it out in your calendar and let the rest of your family know that the time is your own. You have control over what you do. It could be resting in silence or putting on a skincare face mask.

4. Know and Communicate Boundaries 

Know your limits and communicate those to the people around you. In addition to this, create your own rules. If there is a valuable time in your day where you can be focusing on yourself or doing a hobby, then do it.  

For example, don’t clean while your child is napping — use that precious time for yourself! It’s okay to set boundaries with your children and spouse.

5. Pause Before Making Decisions 

Instead of jumping right into a new project that someone asks you to do, pause and think about whether you actually want to do it or have the time. Those few seconds can turn your life from a hectic mess to one that is certainly easier and less demanding.  

This both slows you down and helps you make better decisions. It’s hard to say no, but it’s even harder to balance 30 hours worth of tasks into a 24-hour day.

6. Prioritize Family Time 

At least once per week, have a family night. You can play games, watch a movie or go out for a walk. Work, social media and other activities often add up in the craziness of life. Take time to slow down with your family. 

You’ll feel so much better when you spend time with the people you love most, and your family will cherish those memories forever!

7. Get Some Sleep 

Something that makes life easier is getting sleep. Getting enough sleep is a pinnacle of health. While it’s challenging to get that full eight hours, especially if you have little ones or a pet, try at least once per week to get enough rest. 

Instead of finishing up a few chores at the end of the night or cooking a meal, order take-out, and leave the dishes for the morning. Take turns with your spouse to sleep for the eight hours you deserve.

8. Ask for Help 

Ask for help! Although you’re a super-parent, it’s okay to ask for outside help. Hire a nanny or housekeeper for additional help around the house.  

Ideally it is best to look for a reliable housekeeper near you, especially if you have a busy family life - it will be way easier for them to come over to your home quickly to help out at at short notice or in the event of an emergency. Whether it’s for every day or once every couple of weeks, when you have someone to assist you with daily tasks, your life will be more manageable.

9. Declutter 

Less stuff equals fewer items for you to clean or put away. In turn, you have more free time to do whatever you want. 

In addition to physical materials, you can declutter mentally. Write in a journal all of your thoughts throughout the day. Seeing them visually can help you organize them and, therefore, decluttering.

10. Practice Gratitude 

Ultimately, make your life easier and more joyful by practicing gratitude. Be thankful for what you have in this life — your children, spouse, friends, home, job and health.  

Appreciate every single moment and every little thing.

Have an Enjoyable Year

While you can’t escape all of life’s ups and downs, you will be able to make your life easier this year by using these tips. You deserve a better year than last year, so take the initiative to make it better starting today!