Getting Back to the Basics... A Simple Kind of Life

Mary-Lisa Russo

Stressful lifestyle? That's so 2025!

It matters, you know... that time we spend nurturing our well-being, living in quiet reflection and seeking simplicity in a muddled world of chaos.

Making a living, paying bills, purchasing groceries, creating and maintaining a nurturing living space... it drains and strains the delicate core of our well-being. Add in the ever-present electronics (smartphones, tablets...), timelines to meet, social media and social obligations and you will have the perfect recipe for a stressful life journey. 

2025 threw nagging political unrest, algorithm changes, financial woes, health stress and other annoying curves on our unwelcome laps. (And I am sure there is much more that affected you than those few I just listed.)

When the world elevates the chaos, I like to grab it by the horns and shower it with a wall of cool, unwavering confidence. I don't permit the outside world to dictate to me or make me get hooked on the 'news of the day' that doesn't positively feed my well-being. The drama stays outside my door. 

Life can feel so... aggressive, but you can tweak a few areas to add meaningful substance to your days by getting back to simple, intentional living. 

If your life is feeling overwhelmed or you're longing for wholesome change, continue reading further for tips on creating a serene, back to basics lifestyle.

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Learning to slow down

Slow living is embraced in the quaint small town where I reside. I am flourishing in this environment and feeling relaxed with minimal stress. The town is laid back and nature surrounds my living space, permitting me to relish the beautiful outdoors. The change from city living to rural living was a welcome transition I appreciate daily. 

You may not be in a position or wish to move to a small town, but you can implement simple living ideas in your current home. Change doesn't have to be an intense, stressful event. Approach it with softness, positivity and a clear vision of the life you are seeking. You want to stop to smell the roses and the rich scent of coffee brewing in the early morning. You want your soul to feel weightless and your thoughts positive. It's the little, simple things in life that bring us back to the basics of living a soft life.

Here are some tips to turn your life towards embracing simplicity:

1. Hand wash your delicates. Treat your private items with tender care, for they belong to a goddess... you! I manually wash mine and lay them flat to dry over a towel. It's such a feminine-inspired little task.

2. Hang your clothes to dry (that are not needed immediately). If the weather permits, hang your laundry to dry outdoors. There's something soothing about watching your laundry float and flap around in the wind and folding it after it's been kissed by the sun.

​3. Grow an indoor and outdoor vegetable garden. Sprinkle your love on seeds and blossoms that will produce beauty and sustenance for you. Try growing basil, parsley, dill and thyme indoors if you experience a cold season in your area. Cultivate tomatoes, celery, cucumbers and a variety of greens such as arugula and romaine lettuce in welcoming outdoor weather. These are just suggestions. I am sure you have your own wish list. Connect your energy to the dirt and seeds and budding plants. Practice being present and grateful.

4. Make a point of watching the sunrise and/or sunset in a relaxing location. Make time to appreciate the beauty and wonder of sunlight. Let those quiet moments stimulate your mind with hope and creative visions for your future. Savor it with a cup of coffee or tea. 

5. Make bread from scratch. So wholesome and earthy. Kneading the dough, watching your creation rise, the yummy scent filling your senses... simply beautiful! Try your hand at creating a few loaves. There are many recipes on Pinterest you can have fun discovering!

6. Attend your local farmer's market. A perfect place to connect with your community and support locals. I enjoy bringing home seasonal fruits and vegetables and listening to some tales and advice that warm my heart. I make apple and peach pies that are savory and smell delicious! Browse for recipes online and create some dishes with your foodie finds!

7. Go on picnics when the weather permits. Share a small meal with nature and loved ones under whispering trees or on a sandy beach. Pack some savory food such as cheese and crackers, olives, pickles, fresh prosciutto and French baguettes. Those are my picnic forever favorites. Include whatever makes your own mouth water. 

8. Get lots of fresh air and embrace movement. Surround yourself with the healing energy found in nature. The calming effect does wonders for your well-being. When weather permits, take your indoor exercises outdoors and keep moving. Go for walks and reflect on the positive things in your life. Ride your bicycle, go for a swim, enjoy hiking with some friends.

9. Wear less makeup. Go, French girl goddess! Appreciate your natural complexion. Accentuate what you have, as you are already beautiful. Don't stress yourself by comparing yourself to celebrities and models. Their stress should not project onto you. You're not living your life under a microscope, so be yourself, relax. Try moisturizing your skin, applying adequate SFP, a light tapping of loose powder, a bit of bronzer, a swipe of mascara and a creamy lip gloss. Let your natural beauty shine!

10. Create a cozy nook in your home just for you to unwind. Paint your walls in soothing colors like beige and soft pink, add an electric fireplace, a velvety lounge chair, plush blankets, plants and your favorite books. Don't add any clutter. A minimal setting will keep you focused on reading or meditating or whatever it is you do to relax in your special space.​

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Some final notes!

Being mindful of your lifestyle goals and connecting with simplicity fosters a simple life. Focus on mindful morning routines that nourish your mind and body. Consume nutritious foods, prioritize sleep, exercise regularly, spend time in nature and reduce digital noise. Basically, connect with your core energy and slow down. 

Paying attention on my wellness journey is a priority I do not take for granted. Disconnecting with the world's chaos and living a simple, slower life permits me to enjoy my days and fill me with stable energy to nourish my loved ones.

I hope this article inspires you to prioritize your own wellness and find pleasure in the simple joys life offers. If you would like to read more about making your world calm and beautiful, check out my book, THE MANY MINI WAYS TO CREATE A POSITIVE & INSPIRING LIFE (see below). 
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Wishing you much happiness during your life journey,

​Mary-Lisa xx

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About Mary-Lisa

Mary-Lisa Russo is a blogger and author of lifestyle books who believes in the power of slow/intentional living. She is keenly aware of women’s unique life journeys and seeks to bring elegance, confidence and classic charm to their daily routines. She writes to inspire her readers with tips on living a simple, feminine-inspired life featuring discussions on self-care, self-growth, style, home décor, health and well-being, seasonal living and much more. ​Embark on your wellness journey with Mary-Lisa’s inspiring self-help books by visiting www.marylisarusso.ca.