K.I.S.S.
Keep it Simple Sweetie!
I have become my own expert 'tweaker' at trying to keep things as simple as possible for myself. By no means have I perfected it - but I'm consciously working towards it all of the time (I have a sneaking suspicion it will be a lifelong project!) As our lives continue to be busy, one of the keys to experiencing less stress is to make a commitment to keep things as simple as possible. Over the last few years I have worked out some of the things that cause the cortisol to flow through my body and I try to avoid these at all costs!
Here are some ways to K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Sweetie) Don’t commit to something you know will put pressure on you and your time. For example, making an appointment that will cause you to drive at break neck speed to get there on time! When scheduling appointments allow yourself a ton of time to get there. (nothing stresses me more than running late - and of course you attract every slow driver on the road at that time!) Choose the 'right time for you' to do necessary activities Grocery shopping is my least favourite household activity to do. I try to go later in the evening to avoid crowds which may hold me up – as opposed to going on my way home from work. It's also much quieter and I usually don't have to queue! Allow for gaps in the day between commitments For example, if a parent wishes to make an appointment to see me after school I make sure I have enough time before that meeting to get a drink and be prepared before I walk into it. Going 'back to back' with meetings is not keeping it simple or looking after yourself. Try and say no to the things you really don’t want to do Sometimes this isn’t possible but often it is! For example I'm not a fan of baby showers. I love babies and I love gift giving I just prefer to do it on a smaller and more intimate scale. My response to invites sounds a little like this ...“Thank you for the kind invite but I don’t do baby showers” And I leave it at that. I do not over justify it. I always love to buy a beautiful gift and pass that on with a special card. I'm comfortable with my response and at the end of the day that is all that matters. Be super kind to yourself in simple ways Some of the most simple acts of being kind to yourself are the best! For example, running yourself an epsom salts bath - the salts are super cheap and they have great health benefits. Try and eliminate any bugbears around you You know the ones - the drain that keeps blocking, the cupboard that needs de-cluttering, the squeaky door that needs oiling. The things that drain a little bit more of your energy each time you look at them and think about them. Slow Down. Slow everything right down. Slow down your speech, your inner thoughts and the pace of everything you do. Like I've said before, we die with a 'to do' list. Enjoy the little moments. Have a think about your own life and what stresses you out? How can you make a small change that may make a big difference?
