6. Exercise
Even though there are days I have to pry my fingers off the keyboard, I always feel better after I exercise. Whether it’s my pilates class or just a walk around the block with my baby, I feel a sense of inner peace that comes from focusing on physical activity instead of the ticker tape to do list in my head.
7. Compromise
Whether it’s your personal life or your professional life, sometimes it gets complicated. And since there are always two sides to every situation, an effective way to simplify your interpersonal life is compromise. While I grant that sometimes this is easier said than done, it does in fact simplify your life to meet in the middle instead of expending time and energy holding your ground.
8. Compartmentalize
It is no easy task to compartmentalize, or separate into components, parts of your life, especially if you work from home. However, it doesn’t make it any less necessary to create boundaries between your personal and professional life. While these boundaries do not have to be rigid, they need to be present so our lives don’t become overwhelming and convoluted.
9. Specialize
You may have heard the expression, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” I think that statement can be applied to simplifying your life as well. Many of us try to be good at everything (cough, cough) and wind up being overwhelmed and stressed because of it. So instead of trying to be good at everything, excel at a few things. In other words, life doesn’t have to be a decathlon. A triathlon is tough enough.
10. Rationalize
“Rationalize” doesn’t always have to apply to why it’s okay to buy that new pair of shoes or eat that second piece of cake. This defense mechanism of Freud’s can also help simplify your life if it helps you keep in perspective what’s important. So on days when I’m stressed that I didn’t get enough accomplished, I rationalize the to do list will always be around, but my kids won’t. And if that doesn’t work for you, I use the old standby from Life’s Little Instruction Book
. . . No one on their deathbed ever regrets not spending more time at the office.
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