10 Minimalist Habits That Simplified My Chaotic Life

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I'm a bit of a mess. But I'm working on it. These are the 10 easy habits I've implemented to simplify my chaotic life.
What are some habits you've started to make your life a little easier?
#habits #simpleliving #effortless
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ABOUT ME:🌿
I'm Christina, friendly neighbourhood human on the internet slash pharmacist. You may have previously known me as Style Apotheca. I'm living in Toronto, Canada and on my channel you'll find me on my journey towards minimalism, being content with less, recovery from a shopping addiction, and my journey towards financial freedom from over $120,000 in student loan debt. Thank you SO much for watching and taking the time out of your day to support my channel. A little thumb always helps support me!

[@Christinamychas]

What are some ways you’ve simplified your daily life?

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

I actually set a screen time timer in Tik Tok so I don’t spend more than 40 min a day on there which is the lowest it will let me set it.

[@DomaHomeZina]

Great job! Unfollowing is a really nice de-stressed/ de-compressor and choosing to see beauty in the mundane or ‘regular’ like a walk or a flower

[@user-tj6ot7tw8g]

There are images lie within my heart. Heart image with the power to warmth of a summers night...

[@JehanineMelmoth]

I don’t do Tiktok or Insta. I can manage FB and KZbin!

[@MycahEquette]

I’ve reduced my social media scrolling tremendously! I also try to look at my budget daily but I have an obsessive trait and sometimes it makes me VERY anxious. So sometimes I get to deep into it and start to stress lol

[@julzmilz5259]

One thing I did to simplify my life is to get rid of the early morning routine - which had become a task list instead of a way to begin the day calm and focused. Somethings are non- negotiable like drinking a ton of water and COFFEE (of course!), but all of the meditating, planning, journaling, reading, exercising, became overwhelming and I would feel guilty if I didn’t check all the boxes. Now I ask myself - what do I need this morning - and then I do that. Oddly enough it’s never “scroll social media”. Love love love your channel!

[@kaitlynjury6207]

Wow, more people need to say this! Everyone says you're failing if you don't have a morning routine.

[@janicevin4207]

it shows how different everyone is! I need a routine to start a productive day!

[@Klara_is_finding_herself]

1. Wake up at the same time every day 2. Have a place for everything 3. Budget every single day 4. Learn to complain less 5. Take your time whit skincare 6. Set minimum and maximum limits 7. Limit your social media 8. Meal prep 9. Find your style uniform 10. Unfollow and unsubscribe (and don't feel bad about it)

[@sanjalisnjic7271]

Thanks!!!!

[@diamondcentury21]

I love the minimalism content, but honestly I always come back for your personality ☺️ you’re so funny and laid back 😂

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

s a m e would love to have a coffee with her offline xD

[@howeaa71]

Totally with you on this, especially the complaining. I've noticed i complain way too much, especially when others are complaining. Misery loves company, I guess.

[@Christinamychas]

Big time!

[@gracedarlenemcpherson9079]

"I'm a bit of a mess." Lol! That makes two of us! I love your honesty & transparency. I think we are on the road to leading happier, more fulfilling lives-one step at a time, learning along the way. You are certainly a big inspiration in my life. Have a wonderful day.

[@loub1733]

I read a quote recently about the subtle aggressive messaging we are exposed to about continual self improvement. It was in relation to mindfulness ( I am a mindfulness trainer). The quote applies to self care in general. Is it an act of a continual mission to improve oneself and a list of should dos that is never ending or is it a friendly act towards oneself of care. Seriously brought a different perspective to my acts of self care and my mindfulness practice - a lot less guild involved.

[@lesleytungate2629]

I have unsubscribed to all the you tubers I never got a chance to watch, preferring others. Cleared out my wardrobe in favour of not only my favourites, but the most natural and sustainable fibres. In limiting excess I have also learnt the words “no thank you” - I’m not saying no to everything, but items, experiences which do not benefit only cost. Thanks for keeping it real and acknowledging the fact that we all suffer from envy, but are human and make mistakes - thanks again Lesley England x

[@elinarajaniemi]

Dear Christina! I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your journay on debt-repayment and all the other content of your channel. I found your channel quite soon after you started to talk about your journey with non-sustainable spending habits. You have been the biggest inspiration for me and I am happy to say that I paid off my last chunk of stundent loans just this past week 💸 I couldn’t have done it without your example. Thank you, thank you, thank you 🙏🏻

[@faeriesmak]

Congratulations! I bet that you felt amazing paying off that last chunk. One less thing to worry about now!

[@elinarajaniemi]

@@faeriesmak Thank you for wishing me well. I feel pretty amazing 💪🏻

[@Christinamychas]

YES! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

[@crystalh1402]

Though my boyfriend here’s me gripe about our tiny kitchen it has been a positive in that everything HAS to be in its place or it doesn’t all fit. Seriously most tiny homes have more and better storage 😝

[@jeanphilpot350]

I love your channel! I have really decluttered my life. I’m almost 67 and one thing I’ve done is completely rethink my makeup routine. During COVID-19, I only wore sunscreen and moisturizer and lipstick on Zoom for work. My dermatologist said to please stop using all the KZbin recommended makeup and skincare products “ . I took her advice and am so happy I did! This really helps me stay on track with everything minimal!💕

[@Christinamychas]

Ha! Your dermatologist is right! I added a few things that “KZbin made me buy” this year and noticed that’s when my skin freaked out the most. Keeping it simple is the name of the game! 🥰

[@faeriesmak]

Definitely! I am 46 and have found that when I use all of those active ingredients my skin isn't very happy. When I just use a basic cleanser and moisturizer it is fine.

[@janicevin4207]

I am about the same age and I stopped too! Most of these youtube videos are first, younger women, 2nd, how can you tell a product is working after only 2 or 3 weeks using it???

[@faeriesmak]

@@janicevin4207 You Tube videos really make us think that we need to be using SO MANY PRODUCTS and that just isn't the case. I watched a video that Allison Anderson put up maybe a year or so now talking about the very pared down skin care routine that she has that was recommended by her dermatologist. That is probably something that I should look into doing.

[@AhmetKaan]

*5 things to quit right now:* *1. Overthinking* *2. Trying to make everyone happy* *3. Living in the past* *4. Worrying* *5. Doubting yourself*

[@faeriesmak]

That's a great list Ahmet!

[@tatiananagumo1962]

Hi, thanks for inspiring and relatable video! I am Tatiana from Israel. I am working on simplifying my life by loosing perfectionist approach which can be summed up in "all or nothing". I choose to accept that things are often not perfect and just progress twards my goal even taking imperfect step in imperfect surroundings. I choose to see my progress and concentrate on it and not on my mistakes. I actually say "good job" to myself and cheer myself the same way I whould of cheered a child. I give myself a break some times (as I whould for a child). After all there is a child inside every adult 😁 (I am mom of 3 kids that is why lot of refrence to children) 😁

[@nadiarambles]

"Making reading more... Effortless." Very smooth transition. ;) And great topic! I too was constantly busy and thrived on an overflowing schedule/to-do list, until... I didn't anymore. I burnt out too often, was constantly anxious and realized that my body/mind do so much for me and deserve more care. So learning to say no to certain plans, proactive rest days, regular grocery shopping/meal planning and 8+ hours of sleep per night (most nights!) have been ways that I've been able to better care for myself and lessen previously sleep-deprived rush.

[@Christinamychas]

Love that!!

[@cindyadores9528]

I’m currently reading, Atomic Habits, so this video is so timely! Thanks for a great video, Christina! :)

[@Christinamychas]

Another great read! I need to take the one for another spin soon!

[@paigemurray4946]

When my husband and I became empty nesters last year we started cooking (mostly) the same very simple meals each week. What a game changer. Also recently adopted quickly checking my bank balance and budget every morning and it has also been super helpful.

[@faeriesmak]

I love your tips. I definitely complain WAY too much, especially when I am overwhelmed or stressed out. I need to work on that. Decluttering my wardrobe really helped me know what I really don’t like so now when I am buying clothes and see something that’s cute but in a style that doesn’t work for me I know not to buy it. It has helped a TON.

[@Christinamychas]

Me too! Complaining I always think is a stress reliever but totally ends up making things worse and Debbie Downer-ish haha - great SNL skit anyway 😂

[@faeriesmak]

@@Christinamychas I think that when you complain you are reinforcing the thought rather than acknowledging the thought and letting it go.

[@nataliecrosby1]

During the pandemic, I started a few habits to simplify/improve my life, including journaling and lately I've been working out from home. I love the new virtual options that have come about this past year. I also declutter regularly and my apartment is more peaceful and inviting without my usual stuff. I have had a hard time with overspending on clothes however I have used some of your tips to buy items that I actually wear so my closet is more realistic for me.

[@rhonda2337]

The step "set minimum and maximum limits" is an eye-opener for me. I constantly stress about having so much to do but somehow I overthink each little step and never actually complete the large tasks. Using this trick ASAP!

[@Antistylestyleclub]

It is chocking! as a kid you get asked what you want to do so much and it suddenly stops as an adult. I want to keep asking that question to everyone who wants to hear it (: 🖤

[@Christinamychas]

Love that!

[@lisaw8619]

yes to meal prepping! That's how I was able to eat healthily on a budget during the craziness of grad school, and the habit stuck.

[@jo.a.sia.]

Your channel is so wonderful! Very refreshing, insightful and your honesty is inspiring. You've helped me with realizing how important it is to take the time to slow down and write down what my priorities are. As well as how I can work towards inner peace and financial freedom. Thank you!

[@kaitlynjury6207]

The part about not complaining really resonated. I've recently noticed how much my best friend complains to me, but he said I complain just as much to him! Apparently we both need an attitude adjustment!

[@lisadougherty5999]

Being more organized, having my go to foods always in stock and journaling daily, yoga.

[@cindyglasscock]

Love this!!!!! THANK YOU ❤️

[@lenisteingen3036]

Your videos are so calming to watch. You have stepped up your video making game soo far up! Awesome job! Really helpful Tipps. Thankyou!

[@audricalamasa2671]

i always love watching your videos Christina! you inspire me a lot in many aspects of life 🤍🤍🤍

[@amyhart8244]

I needed this! These are all things that I’m working on. Thank you for a little motivation! 🙂

[@persephone213]

So relatable!! I’m working on simplifying and slowing down in my life, too.

[@tanfriesen1]

This is a good and achievable list. I also have been working on not complaining. It's a hard habit to break, but I realized how exhausting it is to me and the people I am complaining to. And I never do it just a little bit.

[@stylistcamilla]

Love this video. Such great video production. You are good at this🥰👊🏻

[@tank5932]

I learn so much from your experience!!! Thank you

[@christinegivens9048]

Such a sweet and authentic post. Thanks.

[@amyhoover9]

Currently, I'm watching this while tidying up my bedroom. The weekends are usually busy for me because that's when I have to work, so Mondays are usually my day to reset and take some time off for myself. Thank you for the inspiration, Christina 😊❤

[@Christinamychas]

Enjoy your reset day, Amy! ❤️

[@amyhoover9]

@@Christinamychas Thanks! 💖

[@nsansoni22]

Thank you. Just thank u. I needed to hear this

[@leanneanderson562]

This video was so great I watched it twice. I’ll continue to say it: you’re my favourite KZbinr because of your consistency when it comes to your message being so succinct, practical, and action oriented. I’m going to do a habit tracker starting today for the next 1 1/2 months tracking putting things in their place in the kitchen/dining/front entryway area of my apartment with the caveat that perfection is not the goal daily (effort to find a place for everything and return things to their place as I use them is). I’m excited! *^also proud that I’m being practical and implementing one thing rather than all ten in one go like I’d usually try to :)

[@Christinamychas]

I love that idea! And thank you 🥰🥰

[@capturedbyannamarie]

Love all of these tips

[@sarahrosehenkin1479]

Hi, I've been watching your videos for several months, and just subscribed to your channel! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge

[@moldypotatochip]

I simplified when I had a long work commute by simplifying my wardrobe (creating a work "uniform" for myself), showering at night to give myself more time in the AM, and doing meal planning on weekends for my packed lunches. And I deleted Facebook off my phone as well to give me more peace during work days.

[@myhauntingromance]

I love these tips. I have a very chaotic life for various reasons and I love the streamlining tips you give. I really need to start tips 2 & 3

[@Christinamychas]

❤️❤️ it helps

[@andreahomer9434]

Thank you for the video, Christina. One of my habits that I've needed to simplify and change is my planner habit. I was/am addicted to writing it all down and having multiple planners. And when I say multiple planners, I mean MULTIPLE planners. This actually stressed me out more because I had to duplicate appointments and plans in each planner (or run the risk of missing something important). This took time - a lot of time. While I was planning, I wasn't actually doing anything productive. Add to this the visual clutter of multiple planners and the expenditure (none of these were cheap - most being expensive Japanese planners that incurred the cost of the planner plus shipping costs and import taxes). It actually made my organisation chaotic rather than streamlined. I have just about got my simplified system in place, but seeing these beautiful, artistic planners on Pinterest and KZbin does push all of my 'I want, I need' buttons, so willpower is still a big part of my planning at the moment. The simplified way of doing this isn't a habit just yet.

[@paigemurray4946]

I kept looking for planner peace. Personal, half letter, pocket, I loved them all. Bought all the inserts. Spent a lot of money. Then I found Google Keep. All my lists in one place. At first I was sad I wasn’t using my planners. Now when I see a planner video it gives me anxiety, lol. I thought I was being organized but I was actually jut spinning my wheels.

[@andreahomer9434]

@@paigemurray4946 That's it, Paige, I feel like I've been spending so much time spinning plates by keeping my planners up to date that I haven't actually been terribly productive. I still keep looking at shiny new plan with me videos, so I think, as Christina advised, I really need to cut back on the social media time this takes up. I will have a look at Google Keep. Thanks for that pointer.

[@roxanne7185]

3:24 I am so curious, did you hysterically laugh at yourself after you did this? Cause I certainly would, if I were you. It is so cute and endearing. 🥰

[@Christinamychas]

Lmao “cringe” is one of my personality traits 😂

[@bryana1591]

I've got to say, I've been using Every Dollar for a couple years now and I LOVE it. Trying to convert all my friends lol

[@Jakeaba86]

another great video! :)

[@angelikabatwoman]

Thanks for the tips Christina, they're super helpful! I always love your videos. 😊 What programme do you use for editing?

[@Christinamychas]

I use Final Cut Pro!

[@karosway]

Loved how you portrayed complaining. :D

[@laurab4570]

Where is your computer chair from?? Great content!! I needed to watch this today. Thank you!

[@Christinamychas]

It’s called the Herman Miller sayl chair!

[@janicevin4207]

I tried to really focus on what I am doing, just one thing at a time, not multitasking, not thinking about something else and leaving what I was doing (unfinished) to start something else. At the end nothing was done completely....

[@dot.888]

i do every day 4x 17 minutes of cleaning/decluttering. It's 1hour8mn but I divide it in 4 units (like WW). Because 17 mn is quick & easy to do. I set a timer. I can do them another day, as long as I do them, or in advance if something planned. At the end of the year I did 413 hours of cleaning/decluttering. Budget again 💫

[@user-xt6yx5ss3f]

Hi Christina! Great video as always! I would like to know if you have any tips when starting my journey to want less. I find my biggest struggle is every pay day there is always something I want that I end up spending that money on:( I would like to learn to not want as many items to just sit and clutter my space

[@Christinamychas]

Working on that one!

[@AhmetKaan]

*“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending...”* *―C. S. Lewis* I may not know you personally, but I believe in you my friend! 🙏

[@weronikataraszkiewicz1074]

I like this channel. It is a very nice video, like a reminder and btw- you look good in that jeans and white top. Greetings from Poland, Weronika

[@AvaTheAdventurer]

The last point was something I def needed to hear. Idk why but I feel guilty when I unfollow folks, but I need to do it so much more!

[@Christinamychas]

Totally!

[@rhosymedra6628]

Style uniform is the biggest one for me. It really takes the stress of "aahhhh nothing to wear" away.

[@eythanamiller4199]

Am I the only one concerned about the fact that she’s eating blueberries and eggs together?

[@Christinamychas]

Lmao it all ends up in the same place 😂

[@annefitz7346]

Why not ? I do it most days plus walnuts !

[@carriepriegel6477]

I love them both, too, and they're both nutritious 👍☺️

[@mdbarton1979]

Yah, I thought that too! I love both, but wouldn't eat them together. I think she had some hot sauce on her eggs too... hot sauce and blueberries! lol. But hey, I've got some food quirks too. Thankfully she's not eating to please me. lol.

[@trisha6053]

The girl is quirky and owning it 🤪 🙌

[@timtamtums]

This is so random but I feel like I remembered you saying you worked at a SDM and I always have this thought in the back of my mind when I walk into an SDM about whether I'll see you at the Pharmacy 😝

[@MycahEquette]

See I can get down with everything except the food prep lol. I get SO bored of eating the same thing. And I LOVE eating out so my fiancé and I would get groceries to meal prep and after 2 days of eating, i would be bored of it and we would eat out. To fix this we started ordering from Hello Fresh (but we’re switching to Green Chef). This way we were able to cook at home, but it felt like we were eating out because we were eating new foods and trying new meals everyday.

[@saraphillips15]

How do you organize your note book or journal? Do you have Any suggestions

[@Christinamychas]

I made a video on my bullet journal set up - but I also use the 5 min journal sometimes which is laid out for you already!

[@DreamingCimderella]

I am trying to limit my time on the couch 😃 😅 and actually do something..

[@aliwarren5110]

1. Wake up at the same time every day. 2. Have a place for everything. 3. Budget. Every. Single. Day. 4. Learn to complain less. 5. Take your time with skincare. 6. Set minimum and maximum limits. 7. Limit social media. 8. Cook and it similar foods weekly. 9. Find your style uniform. 10. Unfollow and unsubscribe relentlessly.

[@colleen523]

Hmmm I’ll have to try eggs, sriracha, and a blueberry all in one bite!

[@mootmovies6372]

👍

[@Christinamychas]

😊😊

[@susanvelez6534]

This was great Christina! Question ? I remember when we started our no spend year we both did it at the same time! I’m now going on 3 years have you paid your student loan off? I have saved a lot but still have one line of credit open for emergencies…where did you purchase your black and white tee shirts?

[@Christinamychas]

Debt free mid July this year! The tank tops are from everlane, the white tee is from a brand called Little high little low ❤️

[@susanvelez6534]

@@Christinamychas OH MY GOSH CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! 🎉🎊🎈 I’m so excited for you! Go Christina 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙋🏻‍♀️

[@lizandjohnny]

🖤

[@Christinamychas]

🥰🥰

[@defitfanaat]

So I was also thinking about cooking the same meals every week.. Hows that going for you? Are every individual 7 days the same? Do you have days you dont plan?😊

[@Christinamychas]

It’s a mix! I can do a week of eating/meal planning video to share. Breakfast is usually the exact same, lunches are dinner leftovers and dinners are what change the most!

[@defitfanaat]

@@Christinamychas yeah I would like that! I'm a mess with planning dinner🤣

[@marypatty1061]

@@Christinamychas I would love a eating/meal planning video!

[@myrnaj4502]

❤🤗

[@Christinamychas]

Always look forward to seeing you in the comments, Myrna! ❤️

[@Sam-tt3qc]

this video actually has 11 good tips (the 11th one is "make eggs with sriracha and blueberries")

[@Christinamychas]

😂😂 sriracha on everything 🍳

[@pohoka_]

Great video! 🙂 Just a tiny note: the author called Greg McKeown, not Mckewon

[@Christinamychas]

Oh noooo! Apologies for the typeo!

[@melissafowler3580]

Would you be willing to do a simple grocery haul?

[@Christinamychas]

Totally!

[@mel90212m]

Make notifications on your phone about everything important. When you have it set you don't have to worry that you forget- bc your phone is remembering it for you :) and also remember that not everyone is gonna like you, because you too don't like everyone :p

[@michellechouinard4958]

I love minimalism, but how do I set a "maximum" on taking care of my kids when there are so many other things I'd rather be doing? Lol...

[@Christinamychas]

Hahaha touché