10 Small, easy changes that will greatly SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

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Let's talk about simple living! In today's video, I share 10 small, easy changes that can help you to greatly simplify your life. I'm very excited about these, because they are rather easy to implement, but they've been incredibly helpful for me in my life. Let's go!
Lots of love,
🌼 Vera
VIDEO CHAPTERS
Intro 0:00
The 'I'll think about it' rule 0:50
Shorten your bacllog 2:56
Simplify your workout routine 4:54
Simplify your periods 7:06
Own fewer clothing items 8:55
Gift giving when you feel inspired 10:26
Own fewer bags 11:55
Decrease what's coming in 13:45
Practicality vs aesthetics 14:48
Re-examine your beauty routine 16:11
Living drama-free 17:45
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[@SimpleHappyZen]

What is something small you changed that helped you to simplify? 🌱Also, a big thanks to Ruby Cup for sponsoring this video. Use my link bit.ly/4eBvQxI and code VERA15 to get 15% OFF on your reusable period products 🤗

[@naekana]

I apologize in advance for the question that maybe too personal, but do you know if this menstrual underwear is enough for really heavy bleeding (when you have to replace that ob.extra protection super flow tampon every 2-3 hours)? I really want to make this change in my life, but I'm terribly afraid of leaking in public...

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hi there! No problem to ask, of course :) I know that one pair of underwear can absorb 50 ml, equal to the amount of three regular tampons. I also find they feel quite snug, and the absorbant part is a lot bigger than regular pads are, so I used to experience leaking with pads but not with these. However, I can also see how it would be scary to leak in public in days with a heavier flow, so you can also always use something extra on heavier days when you go out in public, like a tampon, a cup, or an extra pad. And then when you get home, you can just wear the reusable underwear. :) I know many women do it like that on heavier days, just to make sure.

[@naekana]

Thank you!

[@juliemoore6957]

Your natural hair color complements your face and skin so much more than the pale blond! It's a beautiful tawny dark blond! Rock it, girl!

[@user-xy6hs4tw9p]

Not rushing to say yes to requests is a game changer 🌞

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Yay, happy to hear it! Have a wonderful day

[@ingenuity296]

Totally agree.

[@juliemoore6957]

I always say, "Let me check my calendar and I'll get back to you."

[@thefluffywaffle8388]

How rude of that stylist to say your natural hair doesn’t look good on you! That was definitely a strategy to get people to come back and pay for extra unnecessary hair stuff rather than keeping it simple and natural which totally beautiful!❤

[@heatherframpton9693]

Your hair is GORGEOUS! ❤

[@char-su9vu]

Totally her natural hair looks amazing, people would pay to have hair colour and wave like hers!

[@boulevardiere1623]

Exactly what I was about to comment! A good lesson not to trust the "professional" opinions of people who have something to gain (or lose) from your decision.

[@ChrisJericho-yf4db]

She's gorgeous with the hair she has, agree 100 percent. A lit of hair stylists make up their own theories,doesn't mean it's true. I stick to my salon.if I've went elsewhere they always try convincing me to go another colour or shorter, no thanks. Never going to another again. I go to the one that respects my wishes.

[@ericaseas6103]

Her hair is amazing!!!

[@SeaEagle87]

The best decision I've made recently is to completely cut off a 'friend' who I got tired of gossiping and generally being an awful person. It didn't end well but now that we don't speak its like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. It is a revelation! Sometimes the hardest things are the right things ❤

[@user-ic1tc7yg2q]

Yes, me too. I did feel guilty at first but it was such a weight off my shoulders to cut contact with such a negative gossipy person. She was dragging me down

[@SeaEagle87]

@user-ic1tc7yg2q I feel you, my situation was the same. Cutting toxic people out of your life is a necessity if you want a calmer life, I wished I'd learned this years ago but better late than never

[@SistersTape]

I did the same very recently and it's been really hard but also a great relief. I do feel bad/guilty about it sometimes but on the other hand it's what I needed and my life is much more relaxed and positive now!

[@annlink8265]

One thing I did was to stop watching Reels. I used to get drawn into them but realized what a waste of time they were for me. I told myself "I don't watch reels any longer." For the most part they do not tempt me, but if I happen to see one that looks like it might be interesting, I remind myself that I don't watch them. I have really saved time for other things.

[@NintenJon2023]

Agree so much that keeping your backlog short is really important. For me, if I present myself with too many choices, I completely freeze up and can’t get anything done. Keeping a small, curated list of things you want to watch, play, read, cook, or otherwise do can help you so much in terms of mental clarity.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Exactly! :) Glad someone agrees, haha

[@100maxnochill9]

A tip if you like bags: I put all my essentials in a small wallet and just move it between bags.

[@Veronica705]

That is a really good tip, thank you.❤

[@elizabethdeslauriers7498]

I have a corporate job. I am allotted one hour for lunch. I never used to take the hour. Basically I ate, and went back to work. That was about fifteen minutes. But I decided to do something for myself to distress. For me I like rewatching my favorite movies or tv shows. But my husband doesn’t like to rewatch anything. So I have a nice collection of watchable material on dvd. I bought a portable dvd player and watch them at work on my lunch hour. I feel better after lunch and recharged about the afternoons work. Currently I am rewatching the whole Downton Abbey series. ☺️❤️💕☺️❤️💕☺️

[@JaneDoeDoeDeeOhDoe]

What a great idea!

[@vinaygohil3793]

Lucky you get 1 hour . My employers give me just 30 mins

[@patdennis2586]

My game changing event was playing the minimalist’s month long game of reducing my possessions by the date’s number - day 1, one thing out; day 2, 2 things out; etc. for the entire 30 days. I have played it 3 different times and am now in maintenance mode of one item in; one item out. The relief from having so much stuff is just the best.

[@autorinmitkatze]

I did that, too, and it felt so great to let go of all that un-used stuff. Looking around in our place, I feel it might be time to do it again. :)

[@pamelamiller4775]

I was guilty of the gossiping in the workplace. Now that I no longer am in that environment, I feel so much better mentally. Thank you for your videos❤

[@freestylergirl806]

Vera, your natural hair colour is very beautiful!!!

[@Sofia-bd3ej]

I use to workout in gym. Last 5 years I do my exercises at home. I love it so much better. I can do 10 minutes stretch or 30 minutes strength depending how I feel. I don’t have to drive anywhere , spend time or money.

[@heathers2128]

I totally agree with prioritizing function over esthetic lately . I used to decant all of my shower items into pretty glass bottles and one day I just realized how much more work it was creating for myself to have to keep refilling them and cleaning them out, waiting for them to dry … Now if the labels on shampoo and such are too “loud” I just peel them off and go on with my day!

[@mariaziarnik6909]

I love your videos, it helps me simplify. My one change was disconnecting myself from toxic family and friends. My life is calmer and happier.

[@Mimulus2717]

I like to have a few potential gifts in my closet for unexpected celebrations, birthday, hostess gift. My go to is handloomed cotton dish towels i get on Etsy. They are really well made, absorbent and hatd wearing. They come with a personal note from the weaver. Everyone, even people who don't cook, can use a really nich kitchen dish towel. People love them. It prevents the last minute scramble to get a present.

[@LaLayla99]

I definitely need to stop adding to my "want-to-do" list. I see something interesting and just immediately put it in my queue, whether it's reading, watching, listening, making or learning... I can't die for several lifetimes just with my current lists! 😁

[@familiamontserrat3621]

I had a hairstylist tell me the exact same thing when I was in my 20s! She said no one with my hair color (dark blonde to light brown) should wear their natural color. Yet here I am, loving it and saving hundreds of dollars every year 😊

[@linnulman5883]

There are, as you wisely describe, many aspects to bidding the drama farewell. I would add, drama can come from being too critical or impatient with self. Be kind to self!

[@carlienvandernet7902]

I think the main thing is that people start to believe in themselves and that they are good the way they are. That way your whole life becomes so much easier and more relaxed and enjoyable. Just do as much as possible what you want (without damaging other people or yourself) and see that people will like you for who you are.

[@joycegonzales4994]

It’s a hard one, to mind my own business. But I think it’s so valuable. Let them do what they want.

[@lwilliams3151]

I have made several changes with my cell phone. I cannot believe how much better my sleep is when I put the phone away a couple hours before I go to sleep. I also took your advice about waiting to read emails and look online for at least 1 hour after waking up. Thank you for all your videos and tips!

[@KellyBoettcher-qo9tx]

I say no to anything I do not want to do. I no longer feel bad.

[@sunsetatshabooms4558]

Be wise when saying "I'll think about it". Sometimes people say this & then the other person is left waiting.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

For sure! I mention this later on in the video, make sure to actually get back to them soon and don't make them wait.

[@MyFocusVaries]

Since starting removing items I don't love and wear very often, I've kept up the trend. It's helped me find my style so it's easier to dress, launder, etc, and it's easier to shop when I rarely do, because I think hard about what will fit into my wardrobe and help me vs just buying random items that are cute.

[@clb9201]

Your natural hair color is basically what people who want blond hair ask at the hair salon and pay for! Shades of gold 😌♡♡♡

[@rachelchanel7941]

When. you were talking about clothing items, it cracked me up when you put in the note "Please no. Life is too short for this". I never thought about it like that, but you're absolutely right. Life is too short for undergarments with holes. It doesn't matter that no one sees it. Although I was really waffling on spending the money, this made me laugh and challenged me at the same time. Let me go out and replace my holy stuff because it's not holy as in sacred... it's trying to die and I'm not letting it. It has served me as long and as best as it could. It's time to let go now🤣

[@autorinmitkatze]

Avoiding drama, endless discussions and gossip really is a thing for me. Sometimes I don't even realize that I am sucked into those things. So thank you for the reminder. I will go about that more mindfully. Keeping routined as simple as possible was a game changer for me. I read a lot about household chore routines like fly lady etc, and decided that this was not for me. I thought about joining the five a.m.-club, but valued my sleep more, so I just shifted my morning routine a bit to get everything gone what I need to get done in the morning. I learned that just because everyone and their cat do certain things, it does not mean that I have to do the same.

[@nellautumngirl]

I recently stopped dyeing my hair, my partner said how pretty I looked with my natural brown hair and after that I was able to see myself through his eyes 😊 Your hair has a beautiful honey color to it.

[@RetirementbyDesign26]

You touched on a great point about minimizing the backlog in your life. I did this with recipes. I used to save so many Instagram recipes and found myself not any more organized or enthused to prepare them. I found one young lady in YT Tish Wonders who creates bountiful healthy and delicious meals. I bought her e-books and found it’s drastically simplified my weekly meals. Deleted all the rest Did the same thing with my exercise regimen. I enjoy dynamic movements that are low impact and found great exercises that fit my preference.

[@williamclark1244]

This is a great list. Most resonate with me due to the way that I live. I definitely agree with gift giving. Sometimes, I will buy someone a gift for their birthday but I stopped doing holiday shopping over ten years ago. It was too stressful and not financially responsible. Nowadays, I tend to give gifts when someone crosses my mind or I see something that I know they either need or have mentioned. I also, don’t allow people to give me gifts. I suggest that we do an activity together or grab a meal. For me its really about spending time with the individual.

[@TigerG16]

Same with the hair color! I was always told my hair was ashy. So highlights were needed…just a way for them to make money! Who actually cares…be natural. And if want some brightener, spray some lemon spray before going in the sun. Done and cheap 😂

[@alisabaidukova7288]

Oh God 😂 I guess you should never ask for advice from people who have financial interest )) cause your natural hair colour is SO gorgeous. The hairdresser must have been just gealous

[@connieclark1288]

Thank you for the time you give us to make your content. I simplified my life by tossing in one friendly basket everything I need for morning and night face care. All in one place. Not fussy. Just tossed.

[@TheBestSelfGuide6-StepSy-xo6vh]

I can't agree more on your take about gifts! My sister gave me a super-expensive designer bag for my 50-th anniversary and it has turned out to be a big headache for me: deciding how to wear this bag (none of my wardrobe matches its design and its luxe level), worrying about scratching or loosing it, worrying about being robbed on the spot and mainly ... regretting on lack of life events to showcase this treasure. Beware, that certain gifts may not just be your headache, but the gift-receipient' heartache as well.

[@user-pr2vy9ls4n]

Your natural colour isn`t dull at all, actually. It`s very beautiful!

[@geraldgithunguri1969]

Hey Vera! Great video, learning from your tip on avoiding drama even if it means staying secluded in my bedroom to avoid people 😂. Thanks for this and be blessed!

[@cynthiashepherd8676]

Hello Vera. I love your videos! One thing I do to make life simpler/easir is that I prepare 1-3 meals on the weekend that I can pull from during the upcoming week. I always have salads and such to add on the spot if I don't want something I have prepped ahead, and as the week progresses I may end up freezing some portions. Which means that the next weekend I probably don't have to make as many recipes for the following week. It also means I better control the healthfulness of what I am eating. To your peace, Cynthia

[@lisirahhunter2845]

I found myself always feeling like I didn’t have much or comparing my life to others due to social media. I slowly backed away from the different platforms. It has really made my life more simple and more happy. Thank you Vera for the content. I love your videos. ❤

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Awesome, so happy for you that that helped :) I'm not really on social media myself but I can so imagine what a difference that can make :)

[@ms.schnapp7415]

Very helpful tips! I'm guilty of skipping books. I'll enjoy a sample but when I actually own the book and start, if I'm not engrossed after the first few pages, I put it down. Do you force yourself to finish books? One change I've made is not oversharing about my personal life with friends. I really pick and choose who I share something personal with. I feel lighter, less vulnerable, and less likely to be gossiped about.

[@cynthiacrumlish4683]

Your natural hair color is perfect! Just as nature intended. I stopped coloring my hair two years ago and it feels so liberating! Tired of dumping chemicals into my scalp. Aside from the cash, I could have studied for a PhD for all the hours I spent in that salon chair!!!

[@DNA350ppm]

This is DNA and I approve of all your points! Thank you for sharing so beautifully and kindly! Among my simple habits are also these: No pot-plants to tend - we live in an apartment that needs curtains. In two windows I've chosen design flower patterns, by William Morris/Gudrun Sjödén, I will not tire of them in my life-time. It's enough, because we have flowers outside, too. Many of them from the Netherlands, btw, and many more on nature-walks. It's plenty. 🙂 No carpets anymore, but a small dog - it's much easier to keep empty floors clean. (In-doors slippers of course.) Almost all my textiles are washable in 60', either white or colour - but I've stopped to have reds, because red bleeds the worst. (Allergy-prone, too, so no perfumes and scents.) Cooking soups and stews is easy and no nutrition is wasted. I sometimes mix them with a mixer for speed and variety. Sallad-making is for times when having many hands available to help with chopping. 🙂Eating whole vegetable chunks and fruits is simpler and good for one's teeth. I like simple dark bread with cheese, too. No smartphone for me, but a simple mobile one, for making appointments and quick messages. It is on silent for weeks. Interruptions have always been one of the huge stressors for me. I did not know how to communicate to people that I'm introverted and love my alone time, because I was good at being "social on demand" - but my way of sparingly using my old-fashioned telephone with an expensive tariff, has been a clear message in itself. I'm not impossible to reach, but my phone is not so tempting for chatts and gossiping, and mass-messages "to all friends". Opted out of FB, too. All my closest people know that if it is really urgent, it is best to reach me via my hubby. Simple! Helpful of him and convenient for me. 🙂

[@cantocant2346]

I agree with all of this! I got rid of rugs, I stopped dyeing my hair, I got rid of most of my clothes, and I am so much happier!

[@DNA350ppm]

@@cantocant2346 So nice to know! We kind of distance ourself from what "people might think" in the same process, don't we? An easier, simpler, more personal, happier life. :-)

[@cantocant2346]

@@DNA350ppm

[@lisakey8888]

Hi Vera! I so enjoy my “Vera Time,” and visiting with your authentic self. I had the same experience with hairdressers wanting to brighten up my “dull” hair. I haven’t highlighted it for 4 years and I now love my natural color and its healthy shine. Have a great week!

[@Lou73779]

I’m so glad it’s not just me. It’s my mum that pressures me to get highlights and tells me my hair is dull all the time. She took me to get highlights for 10 years starting when I was 13. I’ve been slowly trying to change my identity to my ginger/auburn hair compared to bright blond. It has been a lot harder than I thought but I’m glad I’m not the only one learning to embrace our natural hair colour.

[@nafeezabolia9724]

A drama free life is a peaceful life.I have family members that want to get you involved in their drama.I tell them directly i dont like interfering in people 's lives.I am the boring daughter in law.I like it that way.My favourite phrase is "i dont know."

[@SistersTape]

being "boring" is the best way to happiness in my opinion! keep it simple and enjoy the small things. good on you!

[@d.b.g9216]

Getting rid of drama ! Tbh I think I was sort of getting myself into these situations a bit by listening etc, without realising it, I sort of enjoyed listening to gossip and the drama😂 initially, however I realised that actually it wasn’t good for me, as I either felt bad afterwards or felt down after listening to all the negativity. So I decided to distance myself from these situations as much as possible. while I was getting used to this I did sometimes feel a bit bored or restless, but after a few weeks I began to feel so much better, I wasn’t getting wound up,or feeling down because of negative comments. Now I’m so relieved I made that decision, I avoid these situations completely if I can….. say 99%

[@ColleenFeyre2539]

I love your channel and your soft approach ❤ I live in a big old home that feels so overwhelming to me. My husband built the 1/2 we live in with his dad, so I feel we will be here till we croak 😅. The thing is- we have created so much clutter on the second floor that when I have to go through that floor up to the third floor, where my study is - - I get into the panic mode all over again. All of your tips on reducing clutter is everything I want to start doing. If I only knew where to start.😮

[@nafeezabolia9724]

I am in the same boat.The only difference is my house is small and I need to start in my room.All these years I have focused om my children's rooms and neglected my own.

[@bizcape6157]

#10 Avoiding drama- was very helpful for me ever since I started it

[@sl9906]

Fabulous content as always Vera ❤ I’m surely old enough to be your mother, but I immediately stop whatever I’m doing when your videos pop up so I can “visit” with you. You are a “perfect cup of tea!” I also wonder if you would share where you got that sweater you’re wearing today. I’ve been looking for that same thing. Love from the USA ❤

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Aw thank you for that, that means so much 🥰💕 The sweater I've had for years, I bought it from Organic Basics back then. I remember they kind of went MIA for a while but I think they're back now? I don't know if they still have this boxy model though...

[@jacquieyeung5811]

Your natural hair colour is gorgeous ❤

[@connieburns4495]

You are one of the BEST!! Calming, mature, honest and pure… I enjoy you and your videos, thanks for the quality work!!

[@pinkroses135]

The thing with backlogs is when you do get the time to watch or consume something you may be in the mood for something else entirely. It's more fun to go with the flow there imo.

[@seriouslywhatever1031]

I like to keep cooking simple. I do not want to spend over an hour cooking a meal every night or do any meal prepping for the week. I might batch cook sometimes but only enough for 1 or 2 extra portions. Frozen veg, pasta, melted soft cheese and a tin of tuna will do me fine. I'll eat a big meal for lunch so that dinner can just be a snack to save me time in the evening for my hobbies.

[@JaneDoeDoeDeeOhDoe]

I'm curious: do you eat lunch at home or pack/buy a lunch when you're out? Are the items you listed the kinds of things you have for your big meal, or are they what you make your snack from? I'm always looking for ways to simplify cooking, though my method is often to rely on batch cooking, since I'm cooking for two. I like being able to go to my fridge/freezer/pantry and just toss a few things together, reheating if necessary. Having time in the evening for hobbies is a wonderful thing.

[@danielasousadasilva]

The tip on freeing the backlog is really interesting. I used to have a big list of books to read, but now I don't do it anymore. It save books on my wishlist on amazon just to not forget then, but I rarely see it again 😅 so maybe I could work on freeing that too.... For me, one change that I made to simplify my life is to have only one place to take notes of things. Before I have many notebooks and apps, but now I am downsizing it to just Notion, leaving my notebook for more creative and thinking processes.

[@mariamirolyubova6921]

You cannot want what you didn't see! Wow! It is so simple, yet so profound! Thank you for your videos, Vera! They always help me to set my priorities straight! Best regards from a regular viewer in Ukraine! Hugs

[@immanoctopus]

I started to go over pictures on my phone once a week. So nice to declutter little by little. 🥰

[@zeitgeist888]

Some small habits that help me simplify are systematize most repeat processes so that I can make it efficient, fast and easy by carefully reducing it to the most functional process that works for me. I also use capsule style wardrobe year round and at home or when traveling so I spend less time and effort deciding what to wear or what to pack and everything goes with each other item well while being easy to care for and comfortable. Lastly I try to find common and low cost products that do what I need to do and stick with it so I am not tempted to try or buy more expensive or newer versions of things except in rare occasions. Makes shopping faster and easier while also being cheaper in most cases.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Yes that all sounds very sensible and well thoguht out! :) Very nice suggestions!

[@aubreytoms6823]

Two of the simplest changes I’ve made over the years are daily walks and eating more whole food snacks. Makes life so much simpler not worrying about sodium, cholesterol, calories, and the like. I eat what I like, when I like and if a sweet is involved, it’s all good. My friends are often hypochondriacs, stressing about inane health things or chemicals, and I decided health and wellness doesn’t need to be complicated with diets or fads, unless of course you’re working with a professional. In that case, do you. But for me, a cookie with my tea is great, and a daily walk is enough exercise to count for something, if I can’t for whatever reason, do other movement that day. It keeps things positive and consistent. In terms of chemicals, I do my best to avoid, but if a body wash ranks a 5 on the Environmental Working Group database, I won’t just chuck it out. I grew up on simple foods and homemade meals, so if something has extra “bad” things in it, remembering the 80/20 rule- living healthy 80% of the time and enjoying the 20% for desserts, treats, occasional splurges- to me, is a life well lived. While I prioritize savings, my father also believed money and health can’t be taken with you when you pass away, and that’s how I strive to live my life now. It keeps life much more simple, to not over complicate it in the first place. Also, when things come up or bills come in, I just do it then or pay to simplify. Don’t procrastinate easy things and let problems develop in the first place. And for extra exercise, I clean my house or leave early for appointments. Works just as well as a two hour work out, at least personally and less stress in traffic.

[@Saaaa2324]

Love that sweater on you, the colour really suits you 😊

[@ellahopkinson]

I hate how mean people can be about certain hair colours. I used to hate mine because some kid called it dirty blonde. Now I'm happy with it- and it doesn't even make sense because people pay lots of money to dull the brassy yellow tone of dyed blonde but naturally ashy blonde is apparently bad?? You can't win with some people. You should be able to do whatever you want with your hair ❤

[@madelinepasnik5058]

Thank you Vera for all your very helpful advice. I have struggled for so many years with not being to able to find a true meaning for things. Recently, by doing some research and watching so very inspirational videos, such as yours, it became very clear to me that having too much stuff, carrying what others thought of me and how I live, wasting time on cleaning and maintaining things that in reality had very little meaning to my life and I just knew I needed to change things to be truly happy. Also I want to thank you for recommending the green tea…I absolutely love it❤️ Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week 😊

[@SimpleHappyZen]

@@madelinepasnik5058 Aw thank you for your kind words Madeline, so happy you're finding all that valuable inspiration! 🤗 And also that you like the tea, it makes me so happy when more people are enjoying them ❤️🍵

[@leon_forte]

I bought some clippers when I was 18 and it's been a major source of time and money saving. I never needed to take the time to visit the barber and pay for a haircut since. I never needed to purchase expensive hair products. The same soap that cleans my body also cleans my sheared head 😅

[@marthaC495]

I love your hair color! Thanks for all these ideas. I love not having so many clothes for myself.

[@user-ol2te5hc7e]

Wow. I am amazed every time I watch your videos. Absolutely brilliant. Thank you 🌷

[@MisisAe]

Gosh Vera, you really know what I need!😅 Just two days ago I was checking online reusable period pants! And now here you are endorsing what I need...🤩👸🏻

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hahaha great timing then! 😁🌺

[@larbirim6622]

Thank you so much for sharing. The drama free life has changed my life completely... Who is with me🎉🎉🎉🎉 by the way your natural color of hair is so beautiful and you look your best. Keep it natural ❤

[@SimpleHappyZen]

@@larbirim6622 🤗🌷

[@aisoconcranberriesu2as]

I hate gossip. But it's such a big part of every workplace i've ever been in.

[@joank5585]

I can totally relate with using your backlog because there are so many things we want to do and so many choices and it can feel overwhelming, we have to catch up and get it done fast instead of enjoying the moment. I am so guilty of this!!! Love this point! 👌… avoiding drama, we do have the choice by not trying to convince people that you’re right or complaining about people and minding your own business, these are excellent pro-active tips Vera, ty for this great video! 👍💖….ooh, I love mac & cheese. I have to try this one 😋

[@michellemcgoldrick7369]

Hurrah for Ruby Cup. What fantastic products. Less waste products. What a great initiative. If only they were available when I was in that stage of life. Fab for all the young ladies out there.

[@barbarap3676]

Hi Vera! I love your videos! My question is how did you make the transition from gift giving for relatives for holidays to what you are currently doing without upsetting your family members? How do you help them to understand what you would like to do differently? And what if they say “holidays aren’t about you, it’s a time to please others and do what they want”? I have three family members who are extremely difficult to shop for because they either have everything or they aren’t interested in a lot of material things. It takes me days of research and looking online to try and find something for them. 😕

[@bollybelly]

Dear Vera I always get lots of thoughtful content from your videos. I really appreciate the clarity your insights provide❤ I have been thinking about the relationships that I have edited from my life; friendships with people that I still like and have enjoyed spending time with, but find that they don’t fit my current life situation. I am a caregiver for my husband and I need to be more careful about who I, who we give our time to.

[@jacquelinemcgowan8164]

Hi Vera Love your channel and your hair colour too, i do not wear make up or colour my hair either and not wanting to boast i get regular lovely comments about my hair colour, a good diet and other factors are usually enough. Thank you for sharing i just love your contents thank you for all you do, have a lovely week.

[@raquelvilela9719]

Gossiping and complaining is the worst ! But so many people do it and think it’s pretty normal

[@spe-chulpee-pul6976]

Hair stylist are so dishonest. I colored my own hair auburn or years and loved it. I also cut my own hair blunt cut at my tailbone. Now for 8 to 10 years my hair is virgin and I love it. I also got rid of the bangs. Love your channel

[@CP-ew8uu]

The avoiding drama is really huge in my life right now. Company I work at is undergoing major changes and the drama is so huge and pervasive it has an almost physical presence (I'm very highly sensitive). I'm looking for a new job but in the meantime getting some very serious practice in on not engaging with the drama and on setting boundaries. I need to add the not rushing to say yes advice to my arsenal too. Thank you Vera 😊.

[@hiamanda]

I’m sad that your stylist told you your natural hair color is dull and wouldn’t look nice… what is more naturally complementary than the hair you are born with?! I think your hair is lovely 😊

[@cantocant2346]

Such a good video with really great ways to be happier.

[@lisarobbinson8835]

My idea of gift giving is making things ❤ I know I'm creative 😊 I'm horrible with wanting bags, lol. I love clothes, shoes, slippers, snuggy socks & blankets 😬 yet I don't leave the house much so there's no reason for alot of clothing. My youngest has made me realize that name brand is crazy & thrifting is best. I do like to pick up a few pieces of new clothing per season & on sale but I don't mind thrifting with certain things. I love your channel. Thank you! Have a calm day 🤍

[@gwenj5419]

I was going to let my hair go natural after years of highlights and lowlights. My hairdresser told me the highlights helped give my hair volume since it's very fine. I did the highlights one more time but honestly didn't notice any difference in volume. Also it was very expensive.

[@azlynzzz5]

Gurlll.. I did most of what you recommended for almost a year now and my life has become sooo much better😂 esp those dramatic ppl! that was the latest one😂 they can be a fun bunch though but my peace and keeping good karma is more important🥰 Thank you and keep up with the great vids and tips 🤗🌸

[@chillibird2511]

More great ideas I loved. It's great to hear how these can work for us. I used to dye my hair blonde and stopped over 15 years ago. It took me a few years to get the encouragement to stop, but I was very relieved. Drama is something to avoid. If stressed from it, I meditate ❤

[@starshiptrooper4455]

Loved your suggestions, thank you Vera. I do the book thing already but I’m stricter than you because I used to buy lots of books and then not be in the mood for them and found myself sleeping next to stacks of book which looked more like work. So now I have a rule of reading one fiction then non-fiction book and only buying two more books after I am close to reading my last book, the reason being I don’t know what I’ll be interested in. I also resell books and don’t allow them to pile up. One thing I realised we do differently is, you suggested not creating lots of watch list choices for Netflix etc. I feel like if you add things you are interested in then it makes life easier when you are on the hunt for a movie and avoids you mindlessly roaming for hours - the list is your curated choices so more focused. I also add books that I read about or that are suggested to me in my Amazon basket, then when I’m in the mood I’ll pick a book - yes I have a lot, but it does two things, stops FOMO and helps me to focus on my choices rather than what Amazon’s AI bot decides is something I might be interested in. I am struggling with the clothes thing though because my body weight fluctuates and I realised I have been seeking out clothes to feel comfortable in my skin when really I just need to lose weight. I also found when I’m feeling low I would seek clothes of a particular colour to help lift my mood but that can be a trap too. And like you said: stop searching, you really can’t miss what you don’t know about, plus online shopping can rob you of more hours that physically shopping in an outlet actually does and can cause endless rumination. Thanks again, giving me lots of improvement ideas! 💫👌🏽

[@stephanieg2000]

I use a menstrual cup and it has saved me the stress of having enough tampons in my purse at work or in the bathroom cabinet, so much simpler and cheaper. Win Win!!!

[@seal_l_l]

Completely agree about the backlog, it helps with decision fatigue A LOT

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Nice, glad to see I'm not the only one 😁

[@chrisoulalakkas7935]

Control what you can control. But let go of everything else.

[@cfischer3027]

Best advice "less/no DRAMA"!

[@daisyrowaro44]

Thank you for this great video ! Much appreciated from Papua New Guinea!

[@EneEri]

Your content is so wonderfully wholesome. Thank you for sharing. I think a big shift for me was having offline days. There are now days that I naturally crave to be off electronics, like I could live without games, tv, and social media now. Sometimes I just like to sit with myself and enjoy my own company!

[@xochilguevara3429]

I simplified a lot during the pandemic. I never went back to wearing makeup regularly. And I even switched to fitted tank tops instead of bras. I just can’t go back.

[@erikabossie]

I try to cycle to work as much as I can. It saves petrol, I spent time outdoors and I keep fit 🎉

[@gyganmag]

Omg! Ditto on those placemats! I also have plastic ones with bright fruits printed on them, totally not my style but very very practical

[@silkestadler2647]

Great tipps, thank you! I simplified my life when it comes to cleaning products: I mostly just use two, that are homemade from simple and inexpensive ingredients.

[@jessicaj2391]

I was raised in a highly dramatising family. I was always blamed for being indifferent to adults's drama

[@feylights166]

I am definitely guilty of having a backlog of books XD Deleting most of my SM accounts helped simplify my life. I have FOMO sometimes, and I may or may not create a couple of accounts again, but it's nice not to feel like I have to check them constantly.

[@sarahyeager1376]

I agree with all of your tips! These are awesome and I’m proud of myself for already doing a lot of these things. ❤ love finding like minded people. Thank you!

[@coco85949]

Thank you dear Vera for these tipps 🙏 I will definetely implement ALL of them !!

[@user-oy8kk4hh4t]

Such awesome advice. I so enjoy your shows. I'm for sure with you on the ironing, can't remember the last time I ironed anything. By the way your hair is beautiful ❣️. Thanks so much for everything 🙏

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Aw thank you 🤗🌷 And yes, we don't even own an iron or ironing board anymore hahaha

[@kathyn4267]

Thank you for a nice video. I try to do a quick tidy up and make sure my dishes are done before bed.

[@lislourenco8630]

This video is so important! Thank you so much!

[@pinkroses135]

💯 creating a capsule wardrobe or honing in on your personal style is a whole journey throughout the seasons. How I've started to solidify something is by making one decision at a time, sitting with them and focusing on what pieces I will realistically use in the next 30-60ish days.