Follow the KISS principle
Most of us wish, at least sometimes, that our lives could be a little simpler. But how do you get there? Simplifying your life is a case of adapting a “less is more” philosophy. Fewer possessions require less cleaning. Fewer options mean fewer decisions to be made. Fewer obligations mean fewer stressed moments from being late all the time. Ultimately, all those “fewers” add up to a lot more: more time, more money, more fun. Try following one or two of these tips. Make them a habit, then add a few more. Simple, isn’t it?
Streamlining work
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Consider what’s really required of each task or request, and do only that much.
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Check emails as infrequently as you can to manage your time and still do your job effectively: say, twice a day, or every two hours.
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Make a list of the top three things you absolutely must do today, and focus on just getting those things done.
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Consider what must be done by you and, if possible, delegate everything else.
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Be choosy about accepting assignments. Practice saying no.
Simplifying home
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Pare down your wardrobe to only things you love and wear a lot. Mornings will be faster when you have fewer — but easier — decisions to make.
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Plan to make the simplest recipes you know twice a week. On those two days, cook a large batch of food with enough leftovers for the next day. That covers four nights of the week — on some nights of the week, rest and order out.
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Cancel subscriptions that have become a chore rather than a pleasure.
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Give yourself permission to do nothing.
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Take a vacation from shopping by putting off all purchases as long as you can. Maybe they’re not as essential as you thought.
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Cut back on time spent watching television.
Family and social
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Simplify entertaining: invite guests for snacks or dessert instead of dinner.
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Book time to spend with good friends. Plan activities that don’t burden anyone — walks, movie nights, going for coffee
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Drop obligatory or burdensome social contacts. Focus on the people whose company you truly enjoy.
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Create space for time alone each day, even if it’s just 10 minutes.