How to live a simple life during tough times

These days, so many are losing their jobs, house and even life savings.

It must be a terrible feeling for those who are suffering from these unfortunate events.

But for those of you who are feeling down and depressed for whatever reason it may be, just remember:

Your friends and family are always there for you.
That there are people in this world who are homeless and hungry.
You may have lost something important to you, but you still have your breath.

I have personally seen some rich people who feels miserable and complains all the time. Maybe they lead a complicated life and is not contented with what they have. A friend once told me… if only I had a simpler life. Photo by d70focus.

I told him, I wish I have the answer for you. But I’m not the expert.

Instead, you should read this free ebook: Triving on less – Simplifying in a tough economy by Leo Babauta.

From the introduction:

The recent economic recession has a lot of people worried, about their jobs, their businesses, their homes and their bills. When your income is dropping or in jeopardy and you still have a mountain of bills to pay, things can get pretty scary.

However, tough economic times do not have to be a time of struggles! If you look for the opportunity in the middle of difficulty, as Mr. Einstein suggested, then tough economic times become an opportunity to transform your life.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. A Simple Lifestyle
2. Focus on the Essentials
3. Thriving on Less, Not Struggling
4. Focusing on Enough, Not More
5. Make Small Financial Changes First
6. Look at Large Expenses for the Long Term
7. Changing Your Spending Habits
8. A Guide to Getting Out of Debt
9. Tools for a Frugal Life
10. Resources

Hopefully this free ebook helps. Also, dont forget to check out Leo’s blog at Zen Habits

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Comments (47) Posted in Self Help

47 Responses to 'How to live a simple life during tough times'

Home Business Blog - Joeyb - January 15th, 2009 at 2:04 am
That is a great article thanks for your share. I will add you to my RSS so I can see more of yuor articles. One thing I would like to mention is that although we are in an economic recession, there are several business opportunites and ways for people to make it through with a profit….as always there will be an economic boom shortly after and we should position outrselves now

Home Business Blog – Joeyb’s last blog post..Craigslist Crash Course – Getting the Most Out Of Craigs ‘list’
Ariyes - January 16th, 2009 at 7:34 am
Hi,

I really like your article because it is related to life!
I like reading facts about life!The line “You may have lost something important to you, but you still have your breath” impress me a lot!

thank you!
Josh - January 19th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
I agree with the first post, there is plenty of opportunity now, if for no other reason than very few people will be starting a business during the recession.
Will Lowrey - February 1st, 2009 at 6:17 am
It is the right time to be followers of good stewardship – being careful with funds, wise with spending, and thrifty.

For businesses – online and offline, it is also a time to create incredible success. Not at the expense of others, but by serving others. I just started reading a great book about the secrets of success. It really got me going and has changed my outlook in just a single day.

I hope this book can do the same. I will take a look at it. Thanks for sharing.

Will Lowrey’s last blog post..Secrets Of Success – Screw Affirmation
arshad - February 2nd, 2009 at 4:28 am
This is very true.But it is hard for people to console themselves during such hard times .

arshad’s last blog post..Best Wallpaper for people aiming to earn money through the net ?
sonyplasmatv - February 2nd, 2009 at 10:09 am
thank you . It great post
Nicole - February 16th, 2009 at 11:57 am
That is a very interesting post, and very helpful too. These times have really call us to prioritize the essentials. When you think about it, we do not really need a lot to survive. We don’t have to dine out every time and go shopping when we are stresses. Although it is tough to let go of the lifestyle we are used to, I think most of us will do fine. Let us just hope that this is true for everyone.

Nicole’s last blog post..Filing Bankruptcy Court and Other Vital Facts
katrina - February 18th, 2009 at 6:13 am
Even if people are filing for bankruptcy, there is always something to thank about. First, you should be thankful that you still have something to eat everyday compared to the people living on some parts of the world who still scavenges for food. You might have loose certain privileges in life but it doesn’t mean the end of the world. You still have your mind and knowledge to start from scratch and make it boost. If you did it once, you can do it once again.

Therefore, even if you loose certain things for the moment, look at the little things because they are the ones that make you just ok amidst crisis.

katrina’s last blog post..Filing Bankruptcy Court and Other Vital Facts
Anonymous - March 16th, 2009 at 11:35 am
You could do that.

I don’t.

I live in a van down by the river, living on a steady diet of government cheese.
Make money on internet - March 17th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
The current economic climate will certainly force some unwanted decisions on people. For many this will lead to a downgrading of their quality of life. For some however it is the opportunity to break free, take charge of their own destiny, become that butterfly
tratamente - March 20th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
sad, but true. Inspirational article.thanks

tratamente’s last blog post..Aromatizant pentru baie
Skipper - March 22nd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
This post is a life saver!
Chicago cheap hotel - March 24th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Things are looking pretty sad here in Chicago at the moment. When is this depression wave going to pass over.
lowongan kerja - March 25th, 2009 at 7:56 am
thanks for your info…nice article…this is very helpfull for me…
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Reiselaender Europe - March 31st, 2009 at 12:48 pm
My wife and I agreed that even though times are tough, we should not forget to relax and unwind to strengthen our bond. That’s why even if sometimes we feel financially challenged, we still allot something for our family vacation.

Reiselaender Europe’s last blog post..Südafrika
iCan't Internet - April 6th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
It is always a good thing to remember and to try to be content with less. If you do so, you will appreciate everything that you have more.

iCan’t Internet’s last blog post..Starting with Adsense
Melayu Boleh - April 15th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
yeah, economy crisis is a really bad time.
that is why we should always save our money before the crisis come.

Melayu Boleh’s last blog post..Melayu Boleh – Perdana Menteri Malaysia
Beagle Girl - April 21st, 2009 at 2:14 am
It is so very easy to get caught up in things that don’t really matter! What does matter is living a good, honest and yes, simple life! Great post!
Students Tips and Guide - April 30th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
This article is very informative in enjoyable written style, thanks for sharing mate
Skipper - May 5th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
I’m so agree with you, thank you for sharing this information!
Jason - May 8th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
I do hope that the darkest phase of the recession is behind us. This is a great time for a lot of opportunity. SO its up to you.
Meredian Credit Union - May 14th, 2009 at 11:37 am
i wanna say that there are many opportunities these days you just have to look what you can do and in what field you are best… well i liked your blog so much because of 1 that is we can read in many languages “View this post in another language.” it amazing. Keep going like this.
Melayu Boleh - June 13th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
such a great info! its help me a lot! keep it up ya!
Ber2 - June 16th, 2009 at 2:02 am
Thanks for the tips. I will do it.
Jaime Suplee - June 18th, 2009 at 9:28 am
During this recession period, Things goes so wrong, My company kicked around 200 employees, by god grace i was not in one of them. Don’t know how can one survive without a job in this crucial time. I like your little summary about the book, will read that. As this can happen to me or anyone anytime.
Bertholemeuw - June 18th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Thanks for the sharing. I hope the recession will be end soon.
Margaret Farmer - June 24th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Very informative and lifesaver post, needed in this hard times we are facing. Thnaks!
Jonas - August 2nd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Thanks for sharing.such a great info!
J Guildford - August 10th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
You notice the problems most when walking around the local shops and find most of them boarded up.
Kirk - August 17th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
times are tough and who knows when the economy recovers from it’s present state… there seems to be uncertainty in everything – in your job, business, prices of gas and goods etc.. i agree it’s wise to simplify your life in times like these because you can never be a hundred percent sure you’d still have job in the morning…
Angelic threads - August 19th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Do any intellectuals wish they were stupid and could live a simple life? what you say?
Mc custom-built garage - October 21st, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Yes, because of this recession so many are losing their jobs, house and even life savings. But we should be strong during that tough times. Hope the recession will be end soon.
Lyme disease doctor - October 29th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Losing the jobs really terrible feeling. I think no one can digest this. Good points which every one need remember. I like your Table Contents.
P. Veazey - November 16th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Thank you for this. This is very informative and helpful. Keep up the good work.
jawatan kosong - November 21st, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Its good advice for all of us. But please dont give up to find dream job in Malaysia.
high gloss kitchens - November 22nd, 2009 at 12:21 am
Things seem to be picking up but it’s been really grim in the UK for the last 2 years.
ALex Alcyone - June 8th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Good stuff. I can only see books like this becoming more popular, I think there’s something of an adjustment going on in people’s perception of how to live. We’ve come from an era of constant spending, credit etc and the money climate is a little different at the moment.
Paul - June 18th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
I am always surprised by people who want’s to get fast money doing nothing or win some by spending in lottery or casino, but just get nothing. Your brain is the first major income for you and your family!
Homer - June 23rd, 2010 at 6:50 pm
If you are reading this comment – know you are not going to streets cause you have money to spend on internet and a computer with which you can earn money working at home.
Max - June 29th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Simple life is like no cable plugged in to your TV, but it is there in your room. Living simply is just getting in borders of spending money and living from salary to salary.
Cabburry - July 2nd, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Max, nice one! I think the tough times comes with overspending, and buying in credit when you don’t know what will happen tomorrow. So my point is if you have money spend it, when you don’t – collect em.
Jesee - July 5th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
I think that I will pitch a program to the BBC about living the simple life in the City. Making soup from weeds. Night hunts for the urban fox. Preparing the cuts of fox meat in my tiny kitchen. Getting everything you need from the Tesco dustbin. Secretly growing my veg on the traffic roundabout whilst I wait years for an allotment. Meanwhile I will also hold down a 40 hour working week plus commute. I think that would speak more to the average person.
Justine - July 7th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Even if people are filing for bankruptcy, there is always something to thank about. First, you should be thankful that you still have something to eat everyday compared to the people living on some parts of the world who still scavenges for food. You might have loose certain privileges in life but it doesn’t mean the end of the world.
Jenatt - July 8th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
For businesses – online and offline, it is also a time to create incredible success. Not at the expense of others, but by serving others. I just started reading a great book about the secrets of success. It really got me going and has changed my outlook in just a single day.
James - July 9th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
It is so very easy to get caught up in things that don’t really matter! What does matter is living a good, honest and yes, simple life! Great post!
Buj - July 21st, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Things are looking pretty sad here in Chicago at the moment. When is this some kind of depression wave going to pass over.