5 ways to simplify your life

If you are like many people these days, you feel your days are so full that you do not have the time to do the things you really want to do in life. Taking time to stop and smell the roses just seems like a pipe dream. Well, it is not as hard as you may think. It is all about simplifying.

1) Disconnect from technology. We are connected to so many different types of technology that sometimes it can feel very overwhelming. Disconnecting does not mean getting get rid of your cell phone, pager or e-mail. It just means setting boundaries. Here are a few suggestions. Screen calls using caller ID. Let your answering machine or voice mail take some of your calls. On your automated greeting, make it clear when you are available and when you are not available. Turn off your cell phone and use it only when you need to call someone. Set aside a specific time each day to answer email or phone messages.

2) Watch less television. Did you ever think about how much time you and your family spend watching television on a daily basis? Cut the number of hours the TV is on by asking yourself what activities you could be doing with your family instead.

3) Take the most difficult task and complete it first. By getting the hardest tasks done and out of the way, you can concentrate on other tasks and not worry about the hard ones any more.

4) Get rid of clutter. Having too much stuff causes stress, because clutter takes time and effort to maintain and it distracts our attention from other things. Donating, selling or giving away unwanted and unused items are great ways of simplifying space and giving someone else the opportunity to put your items to good use.

5) Ditch debt. Debt is a big stress for many people. Look at consolidating and making one payment. Create a budget and focus on paying off your debt. Hide your credit cards and do not use them until you are debt free. Look at ways to curb spending by tracking your current spending habits. Devise a plan to save for your future.

Understand that simplifying your life is an ongoing process. Continue to learn new ways to simplify to make your life less stressful and more enjoyable.

For more organizing tips visit my website: www.andreadekker.com