Take On Fewer Responsibilities

Do you find your life resembling an endless race to the finish line? If so, look at the suggestions below.

They will bring a greater sense of calm back into your life.

Less Is More

It’s amazing how many things we accumulate in our homes because we think they’ll contribute to our lives. It’s true! We do gain enjoyment from having material possessions, but the more we accumulate the more burdened we often feel. Eventually we find ourselves living under a constant cloud of confusion, scattered thoughts and stress.

Begin clearing out the material possessions you no longer need or want, and donate them to a local charitable organization. This accomplishes two things: one, you’ll feel lighter and less cramped in your home; and second, you’ll feel good about giving these items to people who can really use them.

Eliminate Some Of Your Activities

An active life is good for everyone, but not if it's going to leave you feeling stressed and fatigued! A lot of us take on more than is necessary as far as obligations and even recreational activities are concerned.

So take a few minutes to think about the things you do on daily, weekly and monthly. Is it all necessary? Have you taken on responsibilities that really aren’t yours? Are you spending time on activities you no longer enjoy? Make a list of some of the activities or obligations you can eliminate, and then do so – even if you have to eliminate them gradually.

Spend Time In Silence

An easy and simple way to put simplicity back into your life is to shut out the mental and physical “noise” of your busy life on a regular basis. Try sitting in silence for just a few minutes. This can drastically reduce your stress level and leave you feeling calm, centered and happy.

If you live close to a park or natural setting, you can boost the effectiveness of this activity by spending some time in nature. It won't be completely silent, but natural settings have soothing sounds like running water, singing birds and wind sighing through trees – that will automatically trigger feelings of peace and well-being.

When all is said and done, living a simpler life is all about learning how to slow down and connect with your inner self on a deeper level. It doesn't matter if you do it by simplifying your surroundings, calming your schedule or enjoying a quiet respite each day, the result will always be the same – a happier and more peaceful you - with simplicity back in your life!

Many of us feel that we no longer control our time or the direction of our lives. There are more and more things to do and, seemingly, less time to do them in. We may have created a full and challenging life but have no time to enjoy it. However, there are some ways to slow things down and simplify our lives.

Listed Below Are Five Suggestions:

1) In order to make more time for yourself, paradoxically, you have to take time to examine how you are using your time now. There's the saying "if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten." Begin to think about what can be changed or eliminated in order to simplify your life.

Focus on the activities that result in the greatest satisfaction and eliminate those activities that are unprofitable.

3) Take on fewer responsibilities. Many of us may think the answer to our busy schedules is to get more help. But think about it.

If you hire someone to help you get more done, you've actually complicated your life further. The answer is not to get more help; it's to take on fewer responsibilities.

4) If you want to simplify your life, learn to say no. Individuals get into trouble when they agree to do things they really don't have time to do. This eventually leads to a constant state of being overwhelmed and frustrated.

5) Clear away the clutter around you. Get rid of things you don't use. One suggestion is to go through your house and get rid of everything you haven't used in the past year. When considering your next purchase, consider not only it's immediate cost in money but the cost of it's use over time.

Particularly with the latest electronic "toy or gadget", factor in the cost of setting it up, learning how to use it or fixing problems with it down the road. If you feel like you have to have some item, put it on a “30 day wait list”. At the end of the 30 days, ask yourself if you still need the item.

Chances are you will have lost interest or the enthusiasm for the item and will cross it off the list. When thinking about all our possessions, the saying comes to mind, "that which we own owns us."

Go From Simplicity Back Into Your Life To Techniques Of Meditation

From Linda Young, Ph.D., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist