30 Practical Ways to Simplify Your Life in April

Updated for April 2022

As the weather starts warming up, I feel like we’re pulled in all new directions. We’re getting out more and becoming more active. This opens up many new opportunities to fill our schedule. What we need this time of year are practical ways to simplify.

If we’re not intentional in setting boundaries at the start of this new season it can feel like you’re in a constant game of tug o war between the urge to simplify and the pull of the world.

In order to make it a little easier for you to cultivate that daily mindset and build those habits necessary to your pursuit of simplicity, I’ve got 30 practical ways to simplify your life this April.

To make things even a little simpler you can download this free simplicities calendar for April which has all 30 practical ways to simplify. Print out the calendar and keep it handy all month long.

If you haven’t gotten to your spring cleaning yet, no worries, the calendar includes a simple decluttering task for each week of the month.

Download the PDF version here!

 

In case you missed it, click for January February or March calendars.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase something mentioned in this post. See more details here.

1. Play a Light-Hearted April Fools Joke

Life is all about making each day special. Joining in on the festivities of holiday pranks is a great way to do that. Just make sure to keep it light-hearted and in the spirit of kindness. If you need some fun April fools ideas check out these fun ideas!

2. Get Lost in a Good Book

This was my favorite thing to do as a child. Even as an adult, there’s something so wonderful about getting lost in a good book. It just kind of forces everything to stop. Take some time today to cuddle up with a book that’s been on your I want to read list!

3. Make a Donation to a Shelter

Whether you’re an animal lover, passionate about the plight of the homeless, or have a heart for women and children, donating to an organization near and dear to your heart has the ability to make you feel like you’re the one being blessed. Taking the time to help out others brings that feeling of true joy every time. When you help those less fortunate it puts the good in your own life into the right perspective. Try it today!

4. Watch a Sunrise

I’m usually more of a sunset girl, but I got the pleasure of watching the sunrise the other day. It was captivating. While you’re watching everything just kind of stands still. Force yourself out of bed to watch the sunset, I promise you’ll be glad you did. It really is the perfect way to start your day.

5. Get a Pedicure

When you’re not taking the time to take care of you, life feels anything but simple. A huge part of simplifying involves self-care. A little indulgence like a pedicure can make a big difference. If you’re feeling like a salon pedicure might be a little too indulgent, you can always do a pedicure at home. The point is to do something for you!

6. Declutter Under The Kitchen Sink

Most people don’t spend a ton of time searching under their kitchen sink, so it’s easy for it to get overrun with clutter. You may just find a stash of old cleaning supplies you didn’t even know you had. ’

Take everything out and place it in the middle of the kitchen floor. Now toss anything you didn’t know was there. After all, if you didn’t remember having it you don’t need it. Next, get rid of all mostly empty bottles. If you know you’re not going to use something go ahead and toss it.

With the items that are left, invest in a couple of inexpensive containers for corralling the like items together.

7. Make Out A Spring/Summer Bucket List

I know summer’s still a couple of months away, but you know you’re gonna blink your eyes and it’ll be here.

Get a head start on your planning by putting together a fun bucket list of all the things you’d like to do. Include the family in this and commit to making it a special and fun-filled summer.

8. Go Out to Dinner

Every once in a while, it’s just good to take a night off, especially in the middle of the week. Let someone serve you this evening and enjoy dinner out!

9. Leave Your Neighbor an Annonymous Gift

My kids did this one year as part of an assignment they had. They had so much fun. It was also fun for me to watch them make the perfect gift, wrap it beautifully and leave t it on the doorstep. Next, they sat staring out the window waiting for the neighbor to find the gift. It’s a memory they still talk about.

Leaving a surprise gift makes you feel just as good as your recipient!

10. Color Easter Eggs

Celebrating holidays builds a strong bond with the people you choose to celebrate with! Not only that, but they’re a way to express what matters most to us! For me, Easter is the holiday that matters most.

But no matter what the holiday means to you, a little thing like coloring Easter eggs (even if you’re not doing an egg hunt) takes the day out of the ordinary.

11. Tackle a Task You’ve Been Putting Off

We all have those little tasks we know we need to do but keep putting off. The thing is, procrastinating is so much worse because it continues to take up mental space. You’ll actually feel relieved and lighter when you get that task done.

12. Get Dressed Up For Easter Service

We’ve become a much more casual society, which I admit I like. But it’s still fun to dress up for special occasions. And what’s more special than an Easter Sunday service. Go all out and make the day special!

13. Declutter Your Pantry

When was the last time you went through and cleared out your pantry? If it’s been a while it’s time to take everything out. Check all expiration dates and toss all expired items. Donate any canned goods you won’t use before they expire.

To keep your pantry neat and organized it’s really worth investing in a few pantry containers and baskets. For some reason, I’m far more likely to use up pantry items when they are stored in clear containers and organized bins.

14. Start an Evening Routine

I’m a big proponent of setting up routines to simplify your day-to-day life. They help you to be intentional with what you’re filling your time with.

Your routines don’t need to be elaborate, in fact, the simpler, the better. An evening routine is a practical way to simplify your life. It tells your body it’s time to start winding down so you’re able to sleep better at night. It also helps you get a jump on the next day and avoid unnecessary chaos. You might want to check out these tips for setting up routines in your life. (link)

15. Take Advantage of Tax Day Freebies

I love getting things for free! To ease the pain of tax day, many businesses offer free or discounted items on this day. Just google “tax day freebies” and you’ll get a whole list of things to take advantage of.

16. Give Yourself a Facial

When we look our best we tend to feel our best and have more confidence. A little self-pampering goes a long way toward building our confidence. Spend time today giving yourself a mini facial. Put on a mud mask and sip some tea while it does its work. Trust me, you deserve it!

17. Declare a T.V. Free Day

Going even one day without television is a practical way to simplify your life. For starters, you’re forced to use your creativity because you’re relying on yourself for entertainment. Another bonus is that you’re more likely to pick up a book and read.

Perhaps my favorite benefit is not being exposed to endless advertisements telling us everything we need, yet are doing just fine without.

18. Light a Candle

I may or may not have a slight candle obsession. However, both lighting and smells have a huge impact on our mood. Lighting a candle with a favorite natural scent addresses both of those. Honestly, it makes everything feel calmer and simpler.

A good quality candle that looks pretty is so worth the small investment!

19. Write Down Your Top Three Priorities to Work On

What leaves us feeling overwhelmed is giving in to the urgent. When we do this, we fail to work on the things that are important to us.

This has to change, be intentional with your time, and set aside space in your schedule for what matters most.

To start, write a list of your top 3 priorities. Keep it somewhere you will see each day and commit to scheduling time to work on those priorities.

20. Celebrate Earth Day

I’ve been asked what environmental issues have to do with simplifying your life. Well, the answer is easy. The environment and the things we do that impact the environment also impact our health. When we’re not healthy life is complicated.

So, celebrate earth day by swapping out one product you use regularly for a more natural eco-friendly alternative. I love these straws.

21. Plant a Garden

Spring is in the air! At this time of year working with your hands and watching a small garden sprout up is a natural way to slow down and simplify!

Even if it’s a small windowsill herb garden, it will add beauty and simplicity to your life.

22. Declutter Make-up and Personal Care Items

Most of us have way too many personal care items, not to mention the number of lipsticks. Today’s the day to declutter this area!

Take out everything you have that fits in this category and place it in a pile. Look for expired items and throw them out. Next, for any products you have but don’t like, consider donating them if still usable otherwise toss them as well. If you can combine partially used bottles and jars of the same product do that now.

For everything that’s left use it up or get rid of it.

23. Take a Bubble Bath

This is something most of us don’t do nearly enough. Spending the evening in a warm bubble bath is such a practical way to simplify. It doesn’t take a lot of extra time, but the results are immeasurable!

24. Turn Off Social Media For The Day

More and more studies are being done on the negative effects of social media. In fact, excessive social media consumption has been linked to an increase in depression and anxiety.

We all need a break from time to time. And if the thought of going a day without social media increases your anxiety, well then you definitely need a break. Declare today a social media free day and watch how everything feels a little simpler and slower.

25. Slow Down

Spend some time today just relaxing. Have time with nothing planned and just enjoy the calm and slower pace. It will do wonders for your health and your attitude.

26. Be A Tourist In Your Own Town

I happen to live in a place that gets a fair amount of tourist traffic, yet we’ve never been to many of these places. Finally, we decided to spend a day visiting some tourist spots in our town and it was so fun. Next time we’ll take it up a notch and check into the hotel down the street.

Being a tourist in your own town will leave you feeling refreshed as you gain a whole new appreciation for your city.

27. Declutter Your Costume Jewelry

How big or simple of a task this will be is going to depend on the size of your jewelry collection. If you have a large selection of jewelry I suggest decluttering according to categories. For example, go through all earings, then bracelets, then necklaces. Keep it up until you’ve gone through all categories and everything is decluttered.

If you’re unsure of what to get rid of, there’s a list of some good questions to ask yourself here.

28. Set Your Goals For Next Month

Spend some time today setting out goals that you’d like to accomplish in the month of May. Make sure they include goals for those areas of life that matter most to you! These are the eight main areas of life that I set goals for each month: they include my relationships, home, health, finances, career/business, spiritual growth, and self-care.

29. Make the Switch to Natural Cleaning Products

Remember for Earth Day we talked about how switching to natural products is good not just for the environment, but also for your health. Well, this is equally true when it comes to your cleaning products.

Using cleaning products that contain excessive chemicals and toxins is unnecessary and damaging to you and your family’s health. Start simplifying your cleaning products by switching to all-natural or at least less toxic cleaning supplies.

30. Write Down The Most Memorable Event From April

Take just a few moments to reflect back on the month. Jot down at least one memorable event. This helps you focus on the positive and see how your effort to simplify really is moving you closer toward those things that genuinely matter most.

I hope you find the 30 Practical ways to simplify your life in April helpful.