Did you know this is National Simplify Your Life Week? In light of such an auspicious occasion, here are a few tips to help you simplify:
1. Plan a weekly dinner menu and shop once, saving both time and money. This eliminates multiple last-minute trips to the grocery store. And it prevents the expensive, nutritionally-challenged temptation to get take out because you don't have anything planned for dinner.
2. Handle your mail as it enters your house. Mail is a constant decluttering exercise, and if not handled immediately, it grows into a huge pile. Recycle, shred, file and toss. Sort as you walk back from the mail box, if applicable. Toss unwanted mail into the recycling bin. Immediately walk your bills to the place where you keep unpaid bills. File other important mail. Shred sensitive material or place in a container for shredding. Toss the rest. By taking a couple of minutes to process your mail, you're eliminating a large job later.
3. Put things away when you walk in the door. This assumes you have a designated place for keys, coats, bags, backpacks, etc. Otherwise, it looks like an explosion. And you know exactly where your things are when it's time to leave the next morning. Hooks, a closet, coat racks, cubbies, shelves all are solutions to the explosion problem.
4. Say no. Say no to invitations that don't contribute to your passions and goals. Say no to over-commitment. Say no to excess.
5. Spend some time in nature. Go to a quiet park and drink in your surroundings. Take a walk, read a book, or take a nap. It doesn't have to be long for it to be restorative. An hour seems like several in such a serene place. We did this as a family during a very stressful period in our lives. We'd squeeze in a picnic dinner, make up a game, and laugh together at "our park." An hour seemed like we'd been there all day!
Packing your life leads to chaos. Be intentional about how you live your life. Make sure you're not just tossed around by others' agendas. Be pro-active and simplify to the point of enjoyment!
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