10 Ways To Simplify Your Life Today

Posted on February 4, 2009 by LJ Earnest
Categories: Simplification

Wednesdays are simplicity days at SimpleProductivity blog.

Photo by leezie5 Most of us lead crazy-busy lives. And most of us, at one time or another, have longed for a simpler life.

Simplifying your life, when looked at a whole, can seem daunting. Some people I have talked to have said they don’t want to simplify because there is too much to do to simplify! But by making small steps, simplification can help you grasp life better, and enjoy what you have. Here are ten ways to simplify your life, right now, today:

Declutter a small space. Decluttering is the essence of simplicity. I ask myself, “do I use it or love it?” If not, out it goes. Starting with a small decluttering will get you moving. The trick is to pick something really small. Declutter something that can be completed in five minutes or less, such as a sock drawer, your purse or wallet, or your glove compartment.
Take time to breathe. Sometimes our lives seem overly complicated because of their break-neck pace. Sit down for 2 minutes; shut your eyes and breathe. Your life will appear less frantic afterward.
Single task. For one hour, try to do only one thing at a time. Single Tasking focuses on the here and now.
Plan a week’s worth of meals. This little life-maintenance item adds up to lots of afternoon stress. Take five minutes and list out the meals you would like to eat for dinner for the next week. Make them healthy, and take into account activities you might have. Just having a plan is a good start to simplifying the after-work rush.
Walk 10 minutes. Exercise reduces stress. A 10-minute walk will give your mind a break and shift your perspective.
Spend nothing. Many times we spend money to fill gaps in our lives. We buy fast food because we haven’t planned for decent meals. I buy books (or I did, up until my book buying fast kicked in). But things that we bring into our homes and bodies often lead to clutter. Stop the clutter at the source. Buy nothing for a day when you normally would.
Use something up. Frugality, closely linked to simplicity, says that we should waste nothing. So use something up. Like leftovers, or toothpaste, or even the coffee you brew at home.
Make a list. Often times harried lives look less frantic when they are down on paper. Or perhaps they will show that there really is too much to do. Make a list of something: what you need to do after work, errands you need to run, or groceries to buy for your dinner tonight. Give yourself the gift of perspective.
Say “No” to one thing. A friend of mine refuses to do anything unless she can say wholeheartedly, “Yes, I would love to do that.” For one thing today, check to see if you can say yes wholeheartedly, without any reservations. If not, say no.
Get ready for tomorrow tonight. Pack your lunch, pick out your clothes, assemble your briefcase. Preparing things simplifies your morning greatly, and gives you a great start on tomorrow.

Simplification does not have to be an overwhelming task. Pick little things (“simple” things) and you will soon find yourself making inroads on a much less complicated life.

Photo by leezie5