What if You Slow Down - 10 ways to simplify your life
SLOW DOWN, PLEASE
Why is it so hard to just slow down and enjoy each moment as they are? I have questioned this myself many times for past weeks.
I'm doing 100 things at the time. Trying to multi-task (yep, I know it is not recommended for productivity wise). Trying to be quick and trying to achieve as much as possible for the shortest amount of time possible.
Not working.
Everyone knows that it's important to fully concentrate on one thing at the time.
Focus on what you are doing.
Do not try to think about that next thing which you are going to do.
Be not busy
I have always hated the word "busy". In my previous workplaces, I have jokingly said that "busy" is banned from my vocabulary and I don't want to hear it used around me. It has worked.
To be honest, I don't appreciate "busy" people. I don't think their life is more important than those who aren't that "busy". I understand you may have busier periods in your life and that's okay. But you cannot be always "busy" without being stressed out.
You should ask yourself why you are so "busy"? Cannot delegate? Wanna have some attention? Wanna make others feel sorry for your "busy life"?
Yeah, please stop using "busy".
Concentrate being effective in what you do and do only things that are intentional and truly matters.
Try to cut down all nitty gritty and things that don't belong to your bigger picture. It's easier to say than do, I know.
10 STEPS TO TAKE FOR SIMPLIFIED LIFE
Keep a gratitude journal - write at least 3 things that you are grateful for each day. Have a notebook and pen beside your bed and write those things before you go to be. Read also my prior blog post on gratitude.
What are the things that you value most in your life? Write them down. Are you living your life according to your values?
Remember to have your own quiet time. Sometimes it is good to be silent and in your own company. Pour a cup of coffee and read a magazine if you cannot just be.
Start doing yoga. I didn't like it at the beginning. Start with easy poses and you'd soon realise how your flexibility has grown and your mind is more peaceful.
Create a peaceful morning routine and stick to it. What you will do each and every morning after getting out of bed...? Include something which makes you really happy!
Clean up your computer (iPad + iPhone). Delete all documents, images and apps that you don't need anymore. Arrange and archive old photos and documents and transfer them into a cloud or an external drive. Get rid of everything unnecessary! Take time to do this. It will not happen an overnight.
Create a white space to highlight things that are meaningful, special and beautiful. You can start with one surface, like a wall, a table or a shelf. Remove everything from it and leave it completely empty. After one week, start putting things back one by one.
Start decluttering your wardrobe. Let go of clothes that you have not worn in the last year or so, do not fit you, are not in good condition or don't make you look beautiful. Give them away, recycle or sell on the flea market.
Start planning your meals. Start with weekly meal plans. Write down your favourite meals and make a grocery store list of ingredients that you'll need to purchase.
Use good tableware, utensils, glasses and table linen. Every day has a reason to celebrate with good tableware and create special memories with your family. They make you feel better, give a joy and are beautiful to look at. Do not just store them inside your cupboard and wait for the right moment. Start making your life more beautiful!
Enjoy your slow life
You can practise your slow and simplified life everywhere but I have to admit that it might be a slightly harder in the middle of a big city. However, try to find your peaceful haven. Most of the times, it is inside your own mind.
For me slow living means that I can enjoy being outside in our garden, taking a time to read a book, having a coffee meeting with a client without hurry, and arranging joyful gatherings with my extended family.
ENJOY THIS MOMENT AND THIS DAY! KEEP IT SLOW!
