National Simplify Your Life Week

Okay, thanks to one of my fellow colleagues (Soulstice Nutrition) for pointing out that the first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week.

However simplifying your life can happen anytime really. It can incorporate various aspects of your life from physical to psychological etc. And at the same time we have to also remember that simplification doesn't have to be complex or overwhelming or even stressful especially when you narrow the list to what needs to be addressed now and what can wait.

Really, there are things in our lives that can wait even through everything feels like it needs our attention right now.  Believe me,  I know that concept is foreign because I am infamous for this ideal that everything needs to be done right now to the point that I even try to do it all. Does this sound familiar, yeah I am a work in progress too and I am still learning the true meaning of simplification which isn't the norm is it? Especially when the end result for simplifying is to lessen stress and anxiety. 

Furthermore, by simplifying one's life you can bring mental well-being and gain a healthier you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually which can have a domino affect by letting you get better sleep and/or better digestion etc.  So what are you waiting for?? You know you and you know what needs to be simplified so my challenge to you is to choose that one area of your life to simplify this week.... 

Do you need some assistance on figuring out that one area?? Here are some ideas to help get you started... 

1. Say no (to other people’s demands and requests, social invitations, anything that’s going to burden you and cause more problems than it’s worth)
2. Unclutter or clean for 15 minutes a day
3. Throw away, give away, or donate one item a day
4. Meditate for 15 minutes a day
5. Make a schedule (for work projects, social activities, family events)
6. Take a break from social media
7. Set a bedtime (and go to bed at that time no matter what)
8. Treat yourself to a stress relieving activity that you enjoy (such as a massage, yoga, dancing, movie, dinner, live music, walking, hiking, karaoke, reading, a night out with friends)
9. Unsubscribe from services, lists, and websites you never use (such as magazines, email lists, streaming services, automatic text messages)
10. Subscribe to services that make your life easier (such as automatic deposits, automatic bill pay, automatic purchase and delivery of household goods)
11. Unclutter and organize one room in your home (be careful not to overextend yourself; do a little bit every day like a kitchen drawer)
12. Unclutter and organize one space in your office (such as your desk, file cabinet, desk drawer, bookshelf)
13. Donate, give away, or sell any clothes you have not worn in the last year
14. Before you go to bed, prepare for the next day (pack your lunch, pick out your clothes, put your backpack or suitcase near the front door)

Woohoo.. Now that you have your area or that one place that needs to be refocused or uncluttered or just simplified-- The next step is to keep it simple and focus your full intention on it by asking yourself- 

• How do you envision your simpler life? 
• How would your simpler life feel? 
• What steps are needed to simplify this one area??
• How long will it take to simplify this aspect in your life?? (Remember it can take as long as it needs to but an idea of a time frame can be helpful as long you allow for adjustments when needed too). 
• Are there thoughts and obsessions that could hinder this simplification process? 
• Are there habits I can eliminate or put into place that will help me to simplify this area in my life?

Lastly, you have to remember that any change isn't easy and this is a change because most people don't live a life where simplification is the norm...so if you go through the process-- be kind to your self, it's a learning process where there will be growth and at other times there won't be.

The kicker is it took a lifetime to get you to where you are today... so this change to simplify your life won't happen in just one day... 

 Would love to hear from you... 

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