Guardian Australia readers have shared their personal strategies for embracing a simpler, less stressful life in 2026, highlighting intentional downtime, reduced digital engagement, and a shift away from perfectionism.
Letting Go of People-Pleasing
Inspired by popular self-help themes, many readers are learning to stop bending over backwards for others. Eva, for instance, has abandoned her role as an emotional diplomat in social situations. She now resists resolving every conflict, tolerates brief moments of awkwardness, and allows others to handle their own issues. This change has conserved her emotional energy, as she realised that trying to keep everyone happy was detrimental to her family's long-term wellbeing.
Embracing Imperfect Travel Planning
Marion used to spend excessive time researching every flight and accommodation option to find the perfect deal. Now, she simply selects the first option that meets her needs and budget, saving significant time and mental energy. She noted that this approach has made travel planning fun again, as she no longer pressures herself to find an ideal solution.
Switching from Texting to Phone Calls
Maya found that quick glances at her phone for texts often led to prolonged scrolling sessions. To foster more meaningful connections, she replaced texting with phone calls. This shift allowed her to develop a deeper bond with a first date, as they got to know each other more quickly through conversations. Although the relationship didn't last, Maya has no regrets, believing they wouldn't have connected as deeply without this change.
Planning Intentional Downtime
Jane, who runs a small business, felt constantly overwhelmed by work demands. To switch off, she started scheduling intentional downtime into her week, giving herself permission to avoid work-related tasks during these periods. This has freed up time for hobbies like gardening and reading, or simply doing nothing, helping her recharge effectively.
Taking a Holiday from Hosting Duties
Emma has hosted family gatherings during Christmas and New Year's Eve for 19 years, often exhausting herself to make the holidays perfect for others. This past season, she decided not to host, which provided an enormous relief and allowed her to truly relax with her partner, breaking the cycle of constant entertaining.
Selective Gardening and Simplified Tasks
Grace has adopted a more selective approach to her garden, letting some areas grow wild instead of trying to maintain everything. This has given her the energy to manage general life admin more effectively. Similarly, Bill has scrapped lengthy to-do lists in favour of focusing on just one important task each day, reducing pressure and increasing productivity.
Incorporating Micro-Breaks into Daily Life
Daniela introduced frequent mini-breaks into her day after a moment in 2013 when she became entranced by watching chocolate syrup coat her cup. These pauses to observe her surroundings help her feel recharged and ready to continue with daily activities, emphasising the value of stillness in a busy world.
These insights from Guardian readers offer practical ways to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing by doing less, from managing social expectations to simplifying daily routines.
