Yes life is busy. Work, home, kids, stress, bills, cell phone distractions and now we can throw social media into the mix. It also has taken up a lot of our hours in our day. As much as we like to say it doesn't, it does. You think you only check your phone for a few minutes a day, but all those minutes add up. Anyway our lives are busy. Nothing seems easy anymore and everything seems stressful or shall I say, more stressful than it was 10 or 15 years ago.
So how do we get back to simple again? Without the distractions, stress, business of life? No matter h ow hard we try, distractions take over again and we're back to square one. Busy, stressed and full of anxiety. At the end of the day, we lay in bed and think to ourselves that nothing was enjoyed, the day was crazy and you don't feel satisfied. You feel anxious, empty and exhausted. Wouldn't you rather go to bed with a sweet simple smile on your face knowing that your day was filled with laughter and love?
My days used to be hectic and frazzled. I'm going t o share some tips with you that helped me, in hopes that at least one or two can help you too.
1. When you wake up, think of one thing you can do today that will make you really happy.
Like silly happy. Something that you haven't done in a long time but have longed to do. It may even be going to buy a tub of cotton candy and eating the whole thing. Just think of one thing, start small. Schedule it in your day and make sure you do it. Keep doing that every day. Think of one thing in the morning and plan to do it.
2. Say no and don't be afraid to say no.
You've already made a commitment to yourself to do something fun for you. Don't let anyone else's demands take you away from that. Learn how to respect yourself and your time enough to say no to others. They will eventually get the hint and learn to respect you too.
3. Unplug for at least one hour a day.
This can be hard to do but try it. Put the phone away. Hide the iPad. Go for a walk, sit in your backyard and listen to the birds sing, do whatever you want but do it without your electronics. You may actually even find out something really awesome about yourself while you are unplugged. This forces you to be inside your own head and one with your surroundings. It's really a good combination.
4. Don't take on so much in the day.
Try to not make y our to do list so big. I don't get why people do this and then they get all upset when they don't complete their to do list. The reason why most don't is because your list is too darn big. Be realistic. You don't have to save the world in one day. Try to schedule some things for other days of the week. Don't overload your day. You are just setting yourself up for disappointment and stress.
5. Take a breather.
After you've finished one task, take a small little break to enjoy your accomplishment and be present with the moment. A little refresher or recharging time if you will. Remind yourself of how great you are and practice gratitude at this time as well. Be grateful for the things you have and your life. This would b e a great time to go grab a pot of tea and meditate too.
6. Practicing gratitude.
Yes speaking of this, try to find time in your day to stop and look around at all the great things in your life. What do you have that most people don't? Also take the time to be grateful for you and the task you just completed . Maybe even take some time to be grateful for the wonderful people in your life too.
7. Take time for others.
Make some room in your day or week to go see an aunt in a nursing home or maybe visit the old lady that lives next door. W hat about your girlfriend you haven't seen in ages. Instead of texting these people go see them face to face. Human interaction is so important to so many. Do it more often.
What tips can you contribute to this list that bring you back to simple? Life isn't complicated. We make it that way.
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