Simplify Your Life And Save Time, Money And Your Sanity

We live in a fast passed world that is also very materialistic. "Keeping up with the Jones's" is a way of living. We have so many 'things' have more money than any generation and yet we are not any happier. In fact, many people do not feel happy in their lives and have turned towards simplifying their lives to find more contentment and happiness. And it does usually work.

Habit:

Making what we do or how we act a habit is crucial for success and thought it is difficult, it is entirely possible to do at any age.

When moving around your job or your home, never go empty handed and try to handle things only once. Example: Mail comes, sort and throw or write check and put in envelop to mail, receipts go in filing system and magazines are put in the readers chair to read that night or even read immediately. Result: no pile-up of mail, bills paid and on time, filing done and not piled, etc. Also leaves your home neater and your mind 'neater' too.

Structure your day and commit to it. You are in charge of how much time you spend on different activities. Some ideas on how to save time include: kids are only allowed a certain amount of sports/activities to participate in, arrange more car pooling, pick-up the groceries on the way home instead of making a whole new trip to the store on the weekend. Group your travel activities. Have some frozen fast prep meals on hand. Dishes go into the dishwasher right after use or are hand washed immediately after. Have scheduled times for activities - Thursday is family night; after 8 PM is don't bother Mom time, etc.

Multi-tasking:

Maximize your time by doing two or more things at once and find extra free time fast. Recyclables go immediately into the appropriate areas after use, while fixing dinner - put in a load of laundry and if the oven isn't in use, also put in a brownie or cake to bake. While dinner is cooking, clean out the frig or wipe the interior shelves down. When you shower, use a skin moisturizer that you put right on in the shower (no water on) and then towel dry - no lost time putting on creams later and which you may forget. When you get your mail, put your out-going mail in the box. While driving, listen to your favorite audio book. Ready your magazines during commercial breaks and then dispose of. Use a DVR and skip commercials really saves time you can see. I'll tape a show, even if I am there watching TV (a previously taped show) and watch it later because I'll save 20 min of commercials in an hour TV show! Have everyone put their dirty clothes in the washing machine each night and the next night, start it while you get dinner.

My-Time:

You need to build in time each day for gratitude and some quiet time for you. I used to also take a 'smoking' break (I don't smoke) and go outside for 5 minutes a couple times a day. It makes a big difference and you can do this at home to. Everyone in the family needs some time every day to be quiet and that seems too non-typical for people now and it does impact your mental and physical health.

Other ways:

Don't stop at corner stores for sodas and snacks; bring a reusable container from home with a drink in it. You can save a lot of money and time by eliminating the fast food and corner store runs - plus you'll be much healthier too. Everything in your home and office should have its own place where it belongs. Always put things back where they belong and you'll prevent clutter that you have to spend time putting away later and you'll be able to find what you want, when you want it. Tools - draw the shape on the peg board and even little ones know where each tool belongs. Organize every draw, closet and cupboard - it will take time, you will have to sort through what to keep, give away or sell. First time around, do the best you can, second time, be tougher. It took me two years to whittle things down through the entire house and I love it.

Putting away items as used, paring down what you have and not buying unless you really need it, structuring your time and saying 'no' to things will gradually start simplifying your life and making it more organized and manageable. I've found the process to be refreshing, not missing anything and that making it a habit was much easier than anticipated. Also make sure you don't buy anything unless you really feel you need it and you've waited at least 3-7 days after to get it and also think in terms of the 'wow' factor. Do you feel that the price you'll pay in money, time, use and storage is giving you a BIG 'WOW' factor? If not, then don't do it.

Simplifying your life is wonderful and it doesn't mean doing without. It means refocusing on things that are more important to you and allows you to live a fuller and richer life.