9 Simple Ways to Start Living More Intentionally

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Do you feel like you’re constantly rushing through life? Maybe it’s time to slow down and embrace intentional living. Doing so is about injecting small, simple shifts into your routine that can help you gain control over your life.

What Is Intentional Living?

Intentional living is about consciously living instead of just going with the flow. It doesn’t mean there’s no room for spontaneity, though. It’s about bringing awareness and purpose to your everyday life, which ultimately leads to a more meaningful, fulfilling, and authentic life.

This concept may have mental health benefits. A study shows that value-based actions can help lower stress and improve daily well-being.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for intentional living. For a busy person, it might mean choosing one deep conversation with a close friend weekly rather than attending every possible social event. A creative individual may seek projects that fuel their passion instead of chasing a promotion that doesn’t excite them.

The following questions can help you explore what a happier life would look like to you:

• What makes you genuinely happy in life?
• What excites you and motivates you to get out of bed every day?
• What does an ideal day look like for you?
• What activities bring you meaning and contentment?
• What upsets you?

9 Tips to Start Living Intentionally

Embracing intention is best done at your own pace. Here are simple ways to start the journey.

1. Set a Morning Intention

A single intention can bring optimism to your day. It doesn’t have to be a solid goal — it can be a reminder or energy you want to attract. Take a minute to think about what you want to get out of the day and complete the sentence, “Today, I commit myself to ______.”

For instance, if you’ve been eating fast food recently, you may consider committing to eating healthy or working out at the gym. It can also be as simple as being present in the moment. Think of it as a gentle reminder, not a strict rule.

2. Declutter Your Home

Clutter is a visual distraction that disrupts your focus and ability to process information. Getting rid of things that don’t spark joy anymore creates more space for more important items. Before decluttering, take a moment to reflect on your values and let them guide your decisions about what to keep and eliminate.

For instance, if you value creativity, you may focus on keeping things that inspire you to get imaginative, like a unique artwork. For minimalists, it can mean prioritizing stuff they cannot live without.

3. Do Less

Doing less is about embracing slow life and letting go of what isn’t worth your energy. This is especially essential for people pleasers. Start by saying no to things that don’t serve you, like toxic people, negative self-talk and taking on extra projects when you’re busy.

You can also practice doing less at work by streamlining your workload. Automate recurring tasks or delegate them to others. If you’re overwhelmed, know it’s OK to ask for help.

4. Try Intentional Eating

Intentional eating means choosing what you eat and creating a healthy relationship with food. It’s about reducing mindless consumption, which is usually driven by emotions or unhealthy habits. Slowing down while eating is one of the easiest ways to practice this. You can also practice meal prep every weekend to lessen the frequency of takeout orders.

If you love sugary drinks, consider making smart swaps. Drink more water, as it helps deliver oxygen to your brain and muscles, which could result in a better mood. If you don’t like plain water, infuse ingredients like lemon and mint for added flavor.

5. Set Simple Goals

Your goals are your compass, pointing you in the direction of happiness. Start small — identify one simple, intentional thing you want to achieve that day, whether it’s clocking out of work on time or cooking a meal for your significant other.

Once you feel comfortable about setting small goals, start creating bigger ones. Make sure they’re clear, specific, and measurable. Create an actionable plan including the deadlines and milestones so you stay accountable.

6. Try Journaling

Sometimes, it’s easier to share thoughts in writing than saying them out loud. Your journal is your safe space, allowing you to gain clarity and take action. Maybe you might notice a recurring emotion that you could work through.

Dedicate five to 10 minutes daily to write down your thoughts. Feel free to use these prompts:

• What did I do today that my future self will thank me for?
• Did my actions align with my values today?
• What is draining my energy?

7. Do a Digital Detox

Your phone is a gateway to a wealth of information and distraction. Eliminating or reducing your screen time lets you be more present and less reactive, helping you enjoy life’s little moments. Start with a “phone-free hour” daily or a screen-free evening once a week.

Notifications are small interruptions that can affect your well-being and productivity. Putting your phone on “do not disturb” mode can help prevent you from frequently checking your phone. You can also use a focus app to help you stop scrolling at work.

8. Make a Vision Board

Creating a vision board forces you to understand what you truly want in different areas of your life. By having this visual reminder in your room, you’re constantly being exposed to your goals.

Collect images, words, and affirmations to inspire and motivate you. It can be anything related to your personal life, relationships, career, finances, and passions. Think about the feelings associated with achieving your goals, and choose words and images that capture those emotions. For instance, if you want to travel more, opt for images that make you feel adventurous.

9. Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others

The intentional act of self-acceptance allows you to live authentically. However, this can be challenging, especially if your feed is filled with celebrities and influencers. Instead of knowing what’s going on in the lives of others, start working on your own. Continue celebrating your progress, no matter how small.

Embrace Intentional Living Today

Intentional living brings purpose to your life. As you become more deliberate, you may feel happier, more focused and excited to try new things. So, don’t live life on autopilot — take charge and fly high.