Simplicity 101

Life is pretty complicated. Things like staying on top of work responsibilities, keeping up with friends and family, paying your bills on time, and making your home seem like it’s clean (all while trying to trick people into believing that you’ve got your life together) just aren’t easy.

I find myself wondering some days if I’ll ever get a break from the balancing act.  When I feel that “overwhelmed feeling” come over me, I stop for 5 minutes and assess. 

Here are a few tips to help you make this week and all weeks simpler. 

1. SET MONTHLY and weekly GOALS.

Set yourself 1-4 goals each month.  This will allow you to start new habits, break down larger goals into manageable chunks, and achieve things you’ve been meaning to do for a long time.

2. CARRY A WATER BOTTLE EVERYWHERE.

We all know staying hydrated is super important, but it’s so much easier to do it if you keep a water bottle with you at all times.

3. DECLUTTER YOUR CLOSET.

You know that feeling when you have too many clothes and nothing to wear? Yeah, it’s time to get real honest with yourself and get rid of the unnecessary and free up some precious space. 

4. WRITE EMAIL TASKS ON PAPER.

If you’re overwhelmed by all of the emails in your inbox, start at the top and write down any requests you’ve received or action items that need to get done. Seeing these tasks on paper helps you prioritize and can help you be more efficient with your time.

5. PACK AN ON-THE-GO KIT.

You know when you have to make an unexpected overnight trip and need to pack in a hurry? Instead of worrying about whether you’re going to forget something, keep a pre-packed kit of products under your bathroom sink so you can grab it in a hurry. Those sample sachets of shampoo and that mini-cleanser you got as a free complementary gift are perfect for your kit.

6. INVEST IN A CROCKPOT.

Okay, it’s not even really an investment, is it? They’re like $30. Maybe $25 at Walmart and even cheaper on Black Friday.  But crockpots can make even the worst of chefs into the Pioneer Woman, and you get to come home to a meal that’s ready to eat immediately. BAM!

7. UNSUBSCRIBE FROM EMAILS.

You know what takes up unnecessary time? Emails you don’t care about. I’ve heard that there is a website that is called Unroll.me that will show you how many lists that you’re subscribed to.  It’s time to get that nonsense out of your life!

8. MAKE YOUR LUNCH THE NIGHT BEFORE WORK.

If you make your lunches ahead of time, you’ll a) make healthier choices by avoiding fast food or restaurants, b) save money, and c) have the option to pack yourself some left over Halloween candy (mini-sized candy bars come with less guilt).

9. GET A PURSE ORGANIZER.

I don’t mean one of those cringe-worthy As Seen On TV purse organizers.  I’m talking about a little bag that you can keep easily-lost necessities like chapstick, hand lotion, bobby pins, and pens. No more wasted time emptying out your bag just to find a hair tie.

10. PLAN YOUR WORKOUTS.

Scheduling workouts into your calendar really helps with accountability and making sure you feel prepared.

11. ALWAYS KEEP VINEGAR AT HOME.

Do you know how many things you can do with vinegar? A MILLION. You can clean your house with it, clean your jewelry, prevent running colors in your laundry, remove stains, remove candle wax, unclog drains, remove bumper stickers…the list goes on! And it costs about a dollar for a giant jug.  Score!

12. LISTEN TO PODCASTS & AUDIOBOOKS.

Sometimes I find that I’m able to process information a lot quicker through audio rather than reading. Also, never underestimate the usefulness of the library (Shout out to Grace A Dow!!) . I download audiobooks and e-books from my library regularly, rather than buying them. Need some podcast suggestions?  Hit me up!  I’ll send you a list if interested.

13. CREATE A FOLLOW-UP EMAIL FOLDER.

Instead of letting read emails pile up in your inbox because you don’t know what to do with them, move them to a follow-up folder. Pick a day of the week and check your follow-up folder to make sure you don’t forget about things.

14. KEEP HEALTHY SNACKS at your desk or in your purse.

Most office’s have an unlimited supply of chips and M&Ms that you probably tend to gravitate towards during the afternoon, but they’re not really doing your body or brain any good. Instead, keep a stash of healthy snacks at your desk to perk yourself up and feel less defeated during the work day.  If you don’t work in an office, keep nuts, fruit, cheese sticks, etc. in your purse to grab when you would normally grab something enriched in excessive carbohydrates. 

15. WRITE YOUR TO-DO LIST BEFORE BED.

Instead of taking 10 minutes to prepare your to-do list in the morning (when you could already be getting down to business), write your list before bed. This way, those pesky to-dos will be out of your head, and you’ll have a much more peaceful sleep.

16. SLOW DOWN.

So many of us are rushing through life, trying to get a million things done at once while attempting to absorb as much information as we can at the same time. Take a few minutes to make some small shifts in your schedule.  Hack, delegate, cancel the unnecessary, ask for help, and/or schedule blocks of time to do nothing or something you enjoy.  Slowing down and being present isn’t easy, but it's possible as long as we're intentional and deliberate.