The Beauty of Simple Living: 7 Easy Habits

The beauty of simple living is that it gives us permission to slow down.

September is here again, and for me it feels like the true start of a new year. Summer’s heat is fading, and I love enjoying the fresher September days as nature gently prepares for winter.

This summer made me reflect a lot on the countless things I do throughout the year. Do I really need all of this? Do they bring me joy, or are they just more stress? I quickly concluded that most of them are indeed stress, because in a world that constantly pushes us to do, achieve, and experience more, we easily forget that happiness often lives in the simplest choices.

I think that living sustainably isn’t just good for the planet—it’s also a way for us to give ourselves permission to slow down, lower pressure, and enjoy what we already have. Simple living is a gentle lifestyle: less rushing, less consumption, more presence—and it often supports a more sustainable life, too.

Simple living isn’t about doing less just for the sake of it. It’s about making room for what truly matters:

• to live in line with our values,

• to let go of what is not a priority for us.

I created a list of straightforward habits that clear our days from external demands and create space for what truly matters.

Simple living in practice (7 habits):

travel more simply, use what still works, repeat what makes you happy, celebrate ordinary days, protect time, rest without guilt, and choose simple gatherings.

1) Simple Travel: Outward and Inward

Travel opens our minds and helps us understand the world. That doesn’t mean we have to fly across continents every month. Inner journeys, walks in our own neighborhoods, or day trips to nearby towns are equally valuable. They let us discover everyday beauty, broaden our perspective, and stay grounded—without the stress of constant long-distance travel.

Travelling is one of my core values, and I truly love discovering the world. Once per year, I travel to a far-away place and spend at least three weeks there, to travel slowly and reduce my environmental impact. The rest of the year, I choose nearby destinations and try to avoid short trips. Walking daily in the park or in the city is also vital for me. It helps me disconnect—and it feels like a small adventure.

2) Use What Still Works

Keep items as long as they work, whether it’s a phone, a piece of furniture, or a tool. When something still functions, prefer to repair or reuse it instead of discarding it. The same principle applies to clothing: wear the pieces you love. By choosing to keep and showcase what already works, we reduce waste and save money. Another win-win!

For example, some of my coats are more than 20 years old. I don’t use them every day, but at least once a week during winter. If you buy good quality, choose a timeless style, or give a fresh touch to old clothes, they can last for decades and decades. No need to spend a lot of money on it—or to fill mountains of clothing dumps.

3) Repeat What Makes You Happy

We don’t need to find a new hobby every month. If a book, a song, a walk, or a recipe brings us joy, we can do it again. Consistency and simplicity build deep satisfaction.

Recently I had a period in my life where I tried something new almost every month. I liked it because I needed to experiment and find what I truly enjoyed (before, I was too busy with kids, work, and study, and I never created the opportunity to discover what I love to do). But in the end, my energy and focus were scattered across too many things, and I felt overwhelmed.

Now I choose a few things that nourish me: yoga, seasonal sports in nature, reading, dancing with my favorite music, spending time with friends, cooking, and walking in nature or around the city.

4) Celebrate Ordinary Days

We accept that not every day needs to be “special.” A quiet morning with a cup of coffee, a few minutes of breathing, or simply watching clouds can be enough. These tiny moments are often where the real beauty of simple living hides.

In the past I used to feel guilty if a day was “too simple” and I didn’t do anything “special.” I felt like I was wasting time. Now I love ordinary days, when life is easy and simple. For me, the key is balance—some days are full, some days are quiet, and both can be beautiful.

5) Protect Your Time

We set clear boundaries. We decide when we’ll respond to messages, and we stick to it. We don’t have to be available 24/7.

This has always been unquestionable for me. Working as a freelancer, I used to indicate my working hours in emails, and I never answered outside of that time. When the sun goes down, I set my phone on airplane mode, and I turn it on only after breakfast. It’s good to disconnect. I know it’s not so easy for everyone, but small solutions can always be found.

6) Rest Without Guilt

We treat rest as a necessary part of living well. A short nap, a relaxed evening, or a lazy weekend recharges us and helps us show up with more energy later.

In the past, I didn’t know what rest really meant. And when I tried, guilt ate at me. Now I understand that resting might be the best productivity “hack” of all.

As I learned from Roberta Liguori, an Italian coach, you can rest in two phases: rest your mind by moving your body, and rest your body by activating your mind. And of course, il dolce far niente is also welcome at some point.

7) Simple Gatherings, Deep Connections

Invite a friend over for a home-cooked meal, a walk in nature, or a game night. Small, meaningful interactions often feel richer than large, sometimes stressful events. At the same time, focus on deep conversations with a few people rather than juggling many superficial contacts. Strong, authentic relationships bring lasting fulfillment.

I know this is very personal, and I speak from my experience. I used to feel bad because I wasn’t able to be myself and communicate properly at big parties or meals. I can’t split my attention between too many people, and I struggle to follow multiple conversations at once. Now I understand that I work much better when interacting with one person—or at most three at the same time. The rest is too much for me. But for someone else, it may be exactly the opposite. The important thing is to understand ourselves and act accordingly.

Let’s start with one of the items above today, and notice how a small change can ripple into a calmer, more satisfying life for all of us. 

As James Clear states in his Atomic Habits, habits don’t need to be big but they need to be repeatable. Choosing a behavior in its simplest form and show up for it again and again, for long enough that it becomes part of who we are. And that’s exactly the spirit of Green Tips: tiny, realistic actions you can repeat for a long time. Easy but powerful! 

And one last thing: your list might look different, and I’d love to hear it. Feel free to share yours in the comments!

Key takeaways

• Simple living isn’t deprivation—it’s choosing what matters.

• Repeating what nourishes you builds calm and consistency.

• Boundaries, rest, and fewer commitments create space for a richer life.

How The Natural App Supports Simple Living

At The Natural App, we believe that living well doesn’t require chasing “more.” By adopting these simple habits, we create mental and physical space for:

• meaningful relationships

• mindful daily choices

• a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us

Sustainability isn’t just an environmental decision—it’s a lifestyle that can bring more joy, clarity, and peace.