8 Ways to K.I.S.S (Keep it Simple Sweetie)
As a result of feeling overwhelmed in the past, I have made it my mission to try and keep life as simple as possible. You could say that I've become my own expert 'tweaker' at K.I.S.S.
By no means have I perfected it - however I am consciously working towards improving it all of the time. (I have a sneaking suspicion it will be a life long project!)
Because it is 2019 and we're all busy, one of the keys to experiencing less stress is to make a commitment to keep life as simple as possible. Over the years I have worked out some of the things that make the cortisol flow through my body and I try to avoid them at all costs!
Here are 8 ways to Keep it Simple Sweetie!
1. Do not commit to something that you know will put pressure on you and your time
For example, making an appointment that will result in you having to drive at break neck speed to get there. When you schedule your appointments, allow yourself a ton of time to get there, taking in possible hold ups, such as traffic. Nothing stresses me out more than running late to an appointment - and of course you attract every slow driver on the road!
2. Outsource As Much As You Can
I pay our lawn mower $25 a fortnight to mow our lawns and it is the best money I spend. I actually love mowing lawns but have neither the mower nor the time to do it. I've also recently started buying food shopping online. It feels indulgent spending moolah to have them delivered, but seriously the time it saves is worth gold. I estimate that it would save me approximately 90 minutes each time.
You don't have to spend mega bucks to get a good return.
What could you outsource?
3. Get Crystal Clear on Your Absolute NO and your Absolute YES
I have fun telling stories in my workshops about Absolute No's as I have become really clear about it over the years. Once you too, get clear on your Absolute No's it becomes easier to say 'No' to people.
Your Absolute No is something you definitely do not want to do or attend, but in the past you may have said yes to out of obligation. Your Absolute Yes is something you would move the earth for. A YES for me is spending time with my three nieces - I would move anything in my calendar to make that happen as I LOVE spending time with them. My Absolute No is attending baby showers - I love babies, just not the whole party game thing.
What is an Absolute No and and Absolute Yes for you?
4. De-clutter all of Your Spaces
Eliminate everything you don't use and haven't used in the last 2 years ...your clothes, your kitchen utensils, your cupboards, your makeup drawer, your office desk etc... It creates space - not just physical but mental as well. It feels so darn good to give stuff away. Pack up the car with your 'stuff' and deliver it to the local hospice shop.
5. What Can You remove?
A high quality life has a lot to do with what you remove from it. I've recently stopped watching Netflix during the week nights. It creates time for me to read, and go to bed earlier. My husband and I also recently went through all of the subscriptions we had signed up for over the past few years (that were costing us money) and we scaled it right back, saving us about $70 a month. A friend of mine recently resigned from being Treasurer of her local community board. She enjoyed it but she didn't love it. She loved the time it was going to free up more than the role itself.
What can you remove from your life?
6. Write Lists
I could write a whole BLOG about this one, but for the sake of keeping this simple, do yourself a favour and keep lists.
For work I recommend two lists; a master list with EVERYTHING on it and a daily or weekly 'to do' list.
Have a list or two for home too. Whenever you think of something that needs to be done, add it to the list.
Be sure to cross things off as you go along as this will give you a sense of accomplishment.
7. Stop Filling the Spaces
If there is extra time while you are sitting in traffic or you're queuing, take a few deep breaths and breathe. Stop filling in the spaces with digital scrolling and mindless reading and viewing.
8. Enjoy 'JOY' breaks
This is an act of love to yourself. It is not selfish.
Take frequent breaks throughout the day to relieve tension and regain your energy.
In just 5 minutes you can take a brisk walk, go and smell some flowers, drink a cup of tea, sit in the sun and breathe. You get the idea - recharge yourself throughout the day.
I sit at home for 10 minutes every afternoon when I arrive home. It's not easy as my mind and body want to move, move, move - but it is so relaxing.
Go keep it simple my friend xx
