SIMPLE: Remember times when having the latest and greatest of every piece of technology was a must? Sure, lots of people are still like that, but studies have shown more people are turning toward simpler ways of life — back to nature, less emphasis on “stuff” and more on “experience.”

Phys.org says a simple life is a happier life. A study led by the University of Otago analyzed data from a representative sample of more than 1,000 New Zealanders, made up of 51% men and 49% women, with a median age of 45 and a median annual household income of $50,000.

“They found the commitment to simple living, or ‘voluntary simplicity’ as it is formally known, leads to well-being through providing more opportunities for personal interaction and social connection than conventional contexts of exchange, such as community gardens, sharing resources and peer-to-peer lending platforms.

“Women are more likely to adopt a simple life than men, although more research is needed to understand why.”

Co-author Associate Professor Leah Watkins says consumer culture promotes happiness as being typically associated with high levels of income and the capability it affords to acquire and accumulate material possessions.

“However, research is clear that attitudes to, and experiences of, materialistic approaches to life do not lead to increases in happiness or well-being. Nor do they lead to sustainable consumption necessary for planetary health.”

There’s more of a focus on everyday joys, like reading, walking and having meaningful conversations.

Reduce possessions, buy less, limit time on social media, eliminate multi-tasking, practice mindful eating, enjoy the art of simply doing nothing, learn to say no, appreciate time by yourself.