Simplify Your Life Week (August 1st-7th)

Life is so complicated and overwhelming at times that I often need a reminder to slow down and let the little things go. The days fly by like minutes and I end up feeling as if nothing significant has been accomplished. Some describe the feeling as being caught in a hamster wheel.  We keep spinning and spinning, trying to stay caught up with work and commitments but always seem to be running behind, causing feelings of anxiety and disappointment. This can actually create negative long-term effects on physical health and emotional well-being. Fortunately, understanding how to turn those negative feelings into positive vibes is something that can be learned.

Here are some books full of strategies for slowing down, simplifying, and feeling content:

Declutter

Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste by Bea Johnson
This book has hundreds of ideas on how to reduce the amount of general "stuff" we all think we need.  Using reusable cloth bags for groceries reduces the amount of unnecessary plastic bags we store in our homes.  There are tons of home remedies and recipes for everyday items like toothpaste, throat lozenges, and even shampoo to avoid buying these items that usually come in containers and tubes that will eventually end up in a landfill. Less meaningless clutter means less to clean and worry about daily. I have a very good friend who has decided to declutter her home for no other reason than to simplify the way she lives.  She is not moving from her home and she is not going through a major life change. She has wisely decided that she wants to change the environment of her home to a more worry-free atmosphere.  She would like a little more time to meditate and relax instead of constantly thinking of what else needs to be done around her home. One way of achieving this is to get rid of items that are no longer needed. On trash days, she has made the decision to take out one bag of trash and one bag of items to donate to the local thrift shop.  This will eliminate many of the items in her home that are rarely used. This means that there are less objects that she has to dust or clean regularly.  Among these items are clothes that have not been used in a while, extra glasses, cups and dishes and other items that are not in use on a regular basis.  Your flat become easier to clean, reducing the amount of allergens in the space, and will give a neat and tidy appearance, which in turn actually is proven to reduce anxiety.

"No" is a complete sentence.

Simplify Your Time--Stop Running and Start Living! by Marcia Ramsland
This book has handy charts and time saving tips for daily and weekly chores.  It helps to put things down on paper to visualize what needs to be done in small doable steps.  According to Ramsland, one question that you should ask yourself is "What is one task I can do today that would give me the most relief/calmness?" The book guides you in how to simplify your life without feeling overwhelmed and suggests that you take a little time for yourself every single day to wind down.  If you have social engagements that are awaiting your response, please know that it is okay to decline an invitation.  It will not be the end of the world or the friendship if you are unable to attend an event.  Everyone needs "me-time."  In this fast paced world where obligations and responsibilities take precedence over our health, we tend to put our own needs on the back shelf and tell ourselves we'll do something for us after we take care of everyone else. Life is busy and we all have responsibilities to others, but we also have a responsibility to ourselves.  Reading a book, watching a movie, taking a refreshing walk are some simple recommendations.  Taking time to do something you enjoy will in turn change your mood to a more relaxed, pleasant and less anxious you.

Breathe

The Simple Living Handbook: Discover the Joy of a De-cluttered Life by Lorilee Lippincott
The author and her family decide to minimize their possessions and clutter.  She goes so far as to move out of her home and move into a small apartment with her husband and two young children.  The book lets you in on her journey of how she accomplished her goal of living simply and peacefully. Fortunately, Lippincott says we don’t have to move to achieve peace. For example, when finally emerging out of the world of internet, YouTube, Facebook, and more, hours of unproductive time may have gone by.  Turn off your phone and computer and take some time to disconnect from the virtual world. (Well, after you finish reading this blog post!)  Take a walk outside.  Your phone and computer will still be there when you get back.

Finally, can we just take a moment to BREATHE?  After all that cleaning, organizing and tossing, just take a deep breath and look around.  Even if you were only able to do one thing that made your life simpler and more tranquil, you can feel the tension leave your shoulders. This is an accomplishment in itself. Celebrate the accomplishment!

Happy simplifying! 

- Kaneeze, Hightstown Branch