Does life feel overwhelming? Is sleep a luxury? Do you need some me-time?

If the answer is yes, it might be time to simplify your life. Here are some areas that you can do that might help you feel a bit better about things.

DECLUTTER:

When your home and your life become cluttered, anxiety, stress, and depression may increase. Minimizing the clutter can help provide a calmer lifestyle.

1. Unsubscribe from Emails: It might not seem like a big deal, but all the unwanted emails add stress because you feel like you need to do something with them. Either unsubscribe or create a filter.
2. Your House, Car, Office: These three places are where you’ll most likely spend the majority of your time. Having them neat and tidy will help you relax.

• • Kitchen:
    • Cabinets
    • Drawers
    • Pantry
    • Refrigerator
    • Countertops
  • Family Room/Living Room:
    • Entertainment center
    • Bookshelves
    • Side Tables
    • Desk
  • Bedrooms:
    • Dressers
    • Under the bed
    • Closets
  • Bathrooms:
    • Cabinets
    • Medicine cabinet
    • Makeup
  • Vehicle:
    • Door pockets
    • Glove compartment
    • Trunk
  • Office:
    • Old documents
    • Drawers
    • Things that don’t belong – cups, plates, tennis racket
    • Door pockets
    • Glove compartment
    • Trunk
  • If you don’t know where or how to start, check out this thorough guide to decluttering your home.

3. Cut Out Toxic People: Spend time with those who lift you up. Having a constant source of drama turns a simple life into a complicated life.  
4. Unfriend Facebook Friends: Whether it’s getting rid of drama, or you’re not interested in everybody’s day-to-day life, minimizing your friend list will lower your anxiety level.
5. Worry Only When Needed: Are you a worry-wart? Do you spend a lot of time thinking about things out of your control? Give your body and mind a break by utilizing tools designed to help you stop worrying.
6. What to Wear? What to Wear?: Is it challenging to decide what to wear? Are there too many choices? Slim out the options for a simpler lifestyle.

TIME MANAGEMENT:

There are only twenty-four hours in a day, and you get to decide where and how to spend them.

7. Start Saying No More Often: Do you find it hard to say “no” when someone asks for a favor? Are you always the go-to person for a job? Here are a few suggestions on how to say, “no”:

• • Be polite, but firm
  • Practice in the mirror
  • Set boundaries – and stick to them
  • Don’t feel guilty for saying “no” – there are times when your needs do come first – and that’s OK

8. Spend Less Time on Social Media: Do you find yourself looking at the clock and realizing you’ve just spent two hours on social media? It’s easy to get pulled in. Try these ideas to curb your use:

• • Set a timer
  • Turn off notifications
  • Have one screen-free day a week

9. Manage Time Commitments: Take advantage and control of your calendar. First, consider YOU. What do you want to do – workout, family time, volunteer, me-time? Use time management strategies to help organize your days.
10. Stop Multitasking: Do you often have three things going at one time? Do you still feel that even though you’re working, nothing seems to be getting done? Is multitasking even real? According to numerous studies, multitasking is a myth.
11. Let Your Brain Wander: Take time to unwind. Listen to music. Nap on a blanket in the park. Go for a walk outside. Read a book. Meditate. Breathe deeply.

Simplifying your life is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Take it one step at a time – can’t get much simpler than that.