August 6, 2009
National Simplify Your Life Week
The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week. It's an official yet little known observance that encourages you to think about what simplifying your life means to you. Faced with a multitude of choices on an ongoing basis as to how to use your time, energy and money, this is a good week to begin to de-clutter your life and focus on whatever your priorities are or you'd like them to be. But don't limit yourself to just this one week. Do something every week - or every day! - to simplify, reduce stress and start enjoying life more. It's not as hard as you think. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
TIP #1 – LEARN TO SAY NO: Tactfully saying "no" – when you want to and can - to some of the daily requests and demands on your time will help you to simplify and de-stress.
TIP #2 – DOWNSIZE: One way to simplify your life is to move to a smaller space. It will force you to get rid of those things that aren't absolutely essential or positively adding to your life. Downsizing will create space and time in your life for the things you really want to have and to do.
TIP #3 – SPEND LESS: Spending less is an easy way to simplify your life and, in these difficult economic times, it's a necessity for many people. The good news is that you'll have less "stuff" to deal with in your space, fewer bills and debts to pay and more time and inspiration to get creative and find simple, free or cheap things to enjoy in life.
TIP #4 – DECLUTTER: Only keep those items you use, love or cherish for reasons of your own. Take 5 minutes and fill an empty box with things you really don't want or need anymore. When the box is full, take it to a donation store when you're out on other errands. You’ll find that it's an easy way to let go of clutter and simplify your life.
TIP #5 – PRIORITIZE: We're all limited to 24 hours a day so make sure that you spend yours wisely. Decide what's the most important to you and eliminate as many of the "have to's" as you can so you have more time for the "want to's".
TIP #6 – UNPLUG: Technology should simplify your life, not make it more complicated and stressful. Be mindful of when the technology in your life is consuming too much of your time and energy. Unplug from it for a while and give yourself a chance to get back in balance.
TIP #7 – MINIMIZE: Minimize the amount of time you spend doing household chores and maximize the amount of time you spend doing things you'd rather be doing. If resources permit, hire someone to clean for you. If not, enlist your kids to help. Let them know that having chores and responsibilities means they are fortunate to have a home and things in it to take care of.
TIP #8 – YOU’VE GOT MAIL: Don't just throw your mail in a pile and tell yourself that you'll get to it. If you do, you'll probably have a stack so high – and intimidating! - that you'll absolutely dread dealing with it when the time comes. Instead, get in the habit of opening it daily. Dump the junk mail immediately. Put items that need your attention into ACTION folders labeled Call, Computer Entry, Discuss, Email/Write, File, Pay, Pending, Read, Shred, Waiting for Response, or whatever makes sense to you. Put your bills in the Pay file and make a reminder note in your planner or calendar one week before they are due. This will make handling your mail a snap…but only if you follow through and take the required next steps.
TIP #9 – YOU’VE GOT E-MAIL: E-mail is a major distraction and time waster so simplify your online life by only checking it at designated times during the day: i.e., 9 am, Noon, 3pm, 6pm, rather than all day long.
TIP #10 – UNSUBSCRIBE: If you subscribe to a number of online newsletters or e-zines, now's a good time to UNSUBSCRIBE from the ones you don't read, enjoy or intend to read later but never do. Do it now and you'll have less e-mail to sort through and more time for things you'd rather be doing.
TIP #11 – LIQUID REFRESHMENT: Water has long been known to have a soothing, rejuvenating effect. Pick one night (or more!) a week and put a long, relaxing soak in the tub – complete with candles and your favorite music - on your calendar. You'll feel relaxed, refreshed and sleep well, if you do. It's a small investment of time that pays great dividends.
TIP #12 – THE REMAINS OF THE DAY: At the end of each day, review your current to-do list, make a list of things you need to do the next day and review your calendar for the next day. If you do, you'll be able to hit the ground running in the morning knowing what needs to be done without wasting any time trying to figure it out!
TIP #13 – SOCIALIZE: When life gets too busy, it's often time with friends and family that gets sacrificed. While this frees up space in your schedule, unfortunately, it also reduces the quality of your life. If you can, work fewer hours - take a cut in pay, if necessary - and spend more time with your significant other, children, grandchildren or friends. A happy, successful life is not measured by the quantity of "stuff" we have, but by the quality of our relationships with others. And remember…no one on their deathbed ever wishes they had worked more!
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MILLER ORGANIZING. All rights reserved.
14 Stuyvesant Oval
NYC, NY 10009