Did you know that the first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week? Given I have so much on my hands right now, this speaks to me – though who am I kidding?? I’ve been wanting to simultaneously do more and simplify my life for at least a decade. It’s the tired perfectionist in me I’m sure, worrying I’m not doing enough the right way, all while while brewing another cup of coffee.
Have you felt the pull to s l o w d o w n ? ? ? ? ?
How do you tackle that without sleeping through your responsibilities? Some standard options are to do lists, or upping your planner game, setting timers – or there are some of you who give in to the stress and just take a nap or binge watch Netflix and procrastinate? Simplifying can mean getting big enjoyment from little things, really being mindful and taking stock.
Here are some ways I simplify:
Step away from the devices – I have a goal of one hour per instance multiple times per week. (admittedly a hard goal for me, but I’m working on it)
Bake something that requires focus and multiple steps – bread is always a good option (here, here, here, or here)
Write it down , cross three things off my list and then take a power nap
Cook something fragrant low and slow with minimal effort – soups are a go to in this category
Schedule a donation pick up and purge things that no longer serve us (my pick up is scheduled for 8/11). I love doing this for two reasons, one it allows me to share things with my community and two, having a date forces me to get it done.
Say no – if it doesn’t get me closer to my goals or bring me joy I give myself permission to pass (as a born and bred people pleaser, this is admittedly a hard goal for me, but I’m working on it)
I use my hands to sew or paint or draw or craft with Charlie
Trade in coffee for tea. Tea just inherently gives me a sense of inner calm that I love. I like to kick my coffee habit for a few weeks several times a year. My body also likes the decrease in caffeine.
I play with my son – bubbles or pushing him on a swing or sitting in our kiddie pool are all sure to bring joy.
Deep breathing and a non-negotiable bed time.
My goals for this year’s simplify your week:
file my back log of documents (at home and at work)
purge clothes that no longer bring me joy
cut down to only one cup of coffee per day *bonus points for only tea
headspace before bed each night
bake a loaf of bread
five hours of device-free time
yoga three times
clothing & home goods donation
close some of my open web browser tabs and save the articles for later
early and long walks with the kids four times (plus two short ones for my crazy schedule)
Are you going to celebrate by slowing down and simplifying? Or maybe you’ve done a major overhaul of your life and busyness – tell us all about it!
