- Stop worrying. Its easier said than done but you can do it. One way to stop worrying is to focus on things you can control. Stop worrying about what you can’t. Once you get use to putting your mental efforts on things within your control you will have better focus and become more productive.
- Start a routine. Create a morning and evening routine. A morning routine can prime you for the day, set the tone and allow you to gain control over your day and your to do list. This is where you can do a small work out, write in your journal, prioritize the main goals or tasks of the day, prepare a healthy lunch to take to work. There is not a cookie cutter routine that works for all. You will definitely want one that suits your goals and lifestyle. An evening routine is good as well. It is a way to put away the mental baggage of the day and allow yourself to relax and prepare for a good sleep. After you implement your routines enough you will feel a great shift towards simplifying your life.
- Schedule down time. Actually write it in your calendar (or digitally put it in your smartphone calendar). It is important to take a block of time regularly so you can detach from everyday tasks and focus on yourself for a moment. For me, I meditate, do yoga or take a walk. Do something that fits your interests but make sure it is something that your attention is away from work or chores and when you are done, you feel refreshed.
- De-clutter. Pick an area and remove clutter. Examples of areas to de-clutter are your closet/wardrobe (possessions in general), your commitments, goals, debt, digital clutter (email and social media), your mind. This is a huge category but definitely belongs on this list. If you start de-cluttering one small area right now you will gain immediate benefits and be on the way to a simpler life. After you declutter one area, move on to another.
- Focus on quality not quantity. This can apply in a few ways. Quality time with your loved ones or friends is important. Make sure you are not looking at your phone or checking email while you are gathering. People can tell when your are distracted. Really be present when you spend time with your children, family or friends. Put the phone away, listen and engage. You may be “with” your family every day but are you truly paying attention? Also quality possessions. We have to have “things” like furniture, clothes and appliances in our life so investing in good quality can bring simplicity as well. Instead of replacing items frequently due to poor quality splurge for the best you can afford. Having one good item instead of 10 pieces of junk brings simplicity to our lives. It’s less to clean, store and deal with which equals more time. Since you are not replacing it multiples times it equals more money in the long run.
I hope these tips will help you find a way to begin simplifying your life. Life is too short to stress, worry and be overwhelmed with things that do not matter. Tiny changes become habits and habits become a lifestyle. I found my Zen through simplifying my life one small habit and project at a time. I hope you can too!
Enjoy the journey and always be true to yourself!
Jen