15 Tips for Living More Simply/Getting Peace Back in your Day:
Ever feel between running around at work all day, errands (because something always needs to be done), and then coming home to take care of more chores (or even the kids and spouse), that there is zero time for you and your sanity? It seems there is just never enough time, and when (if) we finally get a break, all we end up doing is sitting on the sofa in front of the TV. It makes us feel more tired and we still did not really have time for us. Here are some tips to help break that, unwind more, and live a little more simply:
1. Focus on Being Present
This may sound a little silly, but so often we are working on one task and thinking about ten other tasks we need to get done. Focus on the task you are doing. For example, if you are washing dishes, feel how the soap and water are on your hands. Feel how each dish feels a bit different in your hands. Notice the colors and/or patterns on each plate as you are cleaning each one. Hear the running water when you turn it on to rinse off the dish. Just focus on being present to the task at hand.
2. Clean a Room or Dishes
This ties back into my first tip, but also is a great form of self-care. A clean space is less stressful, even if it is on a subconscious level. You can even declutter while cleaning, which can help keep the space cleaner over time. Less things on a shelf is less to dust; less things in a home are less to put away. Cleaning a space and keeping the space organized can help lessen stress levels.
3. Make time for yourself
I know this one can be more of a challenge, but I do this every morning before I truly start my day and it makes a difference for me. If you are a morning person, get up a little bit earlier; or if you are an evening person, stay up a bit later. Have a few minutes with just you. You can sit in a quiet room with a book or just meditate. I personally like to sit on the balcony (or porch) with a cup of tea, and just enjoy a few quiet minutes before starting the day. I have even put a few potted plants on my balcony since that helps make it more of a peaceful area for me.
Use this time to also think of, or even write down what you are grateful for. Even if they are super simple, be grateful for it. Breathing, sunshine/rain, and a soft and warm blanket are just a few things we can be grateful for.
4. Go for a Walk
Instead of coming home from a long day to finish chores and then plopping down on the sofa to turn on the TV, take 15 minutes and go for a walk (or run). Walking has many benefits, and you don’t have to walk forever or at a lighting speed to get these benefits. Just taking 10 or 15 minutes to go for a nice, short walk can help your brain relax. Be present while walking, as this can help be more calming.
5. Do Not Turn on the TV
Instead of having the TV on, just turn on the radio. Is there a hobby or a craft that has been sitting in your Pinterest account for years that you keep saying one day I will try this? Maybe now is the time to do it. Or is there a free class online you have been wanting to check out, or a good book you have been putting off reading? Instead of watching TV, you can grab a book or try that class.
6. Play with your Pets
If you have pets, playing with your pets can also be relaxing for you while bonding with them, and giving them all the attention. Walking the dog or playing fetch; have a bell or a mouse on the end of a stick for the cat are just a couple of ideas. It may take them time to figure out the game, but they will be happy to spend time with you either way, and giving you some joy while unwinding.
7. Eat a Meal at the Dinner Table or on the Patio
You can eat alone, or have family or friends join you for a meal at your dinner table, or on your patio. Keep the decorations/cleaning the home simple, and make just a simple meal, or even potluck (keep it simple though, nothing fancy). If you want to ‘dress up the space,’ you can even create calm lighting with a string of lights or candles/LED candles. Don’t overdo it though as this will only stress you out. Keep the TV off and just enjoy each others company, because that is what the meal is really about; not the decorations or how it looks, how fancy the food is, etc., just each others company and slowing down is what really matters.
8. Try a New Recipe
Instead of making one of your usual recipes, try something new. Why not try a different recipe for a favorite of yours? Like chicken enchiladas? Try a recipe someone posted online instead of the normal family recipe. Even if it does not end up your new favorite way of making something, it broke the daily routine and helped you be more present while cooking/baking.
9. Write or Draw
You don’t have to be the next Robert Frost or Picasso to write or draw, you just need to put a pen to the paper. Even if art is not your talent, just writing about the day, or drawing something can help let your mind process and unwind.
10. Look up at the Stars
At night, step outside and go look at the stars (or gaze out the window at them). See how many constellations you can find. Take a minute to think of the big picture, and remember what will really be important in five or ten plus years from now, not what the worry is right this minute. Remember who is in control of it all (even if it is not feeling like that right now), and that you truly are here for a purpose. Recognize that you are doing the best you can. Some days make look better than others, and everyday is just like playing a sport. Even the pros have some days that are better than others when playing that sport. You are still doing your best everyday though. Breathe, and enjoy the beauty of the shimmering lights in the night sky.
11. Start a Small Garden
Gardens do not have to be huge and elaborate like we see on TV or in the magazines. Start with just a couple of plants, whether they are planted in the ground or in pots. Put them in a spot where you will see them and enjoy them daily. Use the time of planting and watering to help feed your soul also.
12. Try an Outdoor Volunteer Project
This one is a good way to connect with nature, other people, and can be a workout. It can also help break up your usual day-to-day living. Getting out to nature is essential, especially these days when our lives are mainly indoors, connected to some electronics. I always joke that ‘God made outdoors first for a reason,’ but when it comes to bringing peace back in your day and simplifying your life, getting outside into nature can be a huge help. And why not volunteer and do good for the community while you are outside?
13. Take a Hot Shower or Bath
Sometimes just taking a few minutes to take a nice hot shower/bath with Epsom salts or essential oils is all we need to relax. Just a couple of drops of an essential oil in the shower can help calm your mind, and make you fully present to just relax. You can also do a face and/or body mask while in the shower or tub to help you relax and unwind. Taking time for yourself with self-care is important as it helps you let go of the stresses of the day.
14. Talk to a friend
Or even go for a walk with a friend. Not only can talking to someone help you relax, but it also helps create a stronger bond with that person. Walking can help you process things, and it’s one of the best forms of exercise.
15. Leaving Your Schedule Free
It is okay to say ‘No’ to events, activities, etc., and make sure you have time for yourself and your loved ones. You do not have to give reasons, and it is okay to step back from toxic relationships. This will help simplify your life. Less drama, means more mental space to heal and grow. It is important that we are kind to ourselves and stand up for ourselves with what we really want in life.
Ever feel between running around at work all day, errands (because something always needs to be done), and then coming home to take care of more chores (or even the kids and spouse), that there is zero time for you and your sanity? It seems there is just never enough time, and when (if) we…