Ever feel like life is spiraling out of control? Check out these 5 ways to simplify your life right now and stop stressing out for good!
I’m actually really good at hectic.
I can DO frenetic. I do it well, and I do it often. And if I’m being totally honest, I’d say that most of the time I’m happiest and most comfortable–and possibly even at my best–when surrounded by a little bit of chaos. I like being busy, and most of the time, I thrive on having a lot to do.
And yet, sometimes it starts to feel like it’s all too much.
Sometimes I cross that line from controlled chaos to complete craziness.
I start dropping balls and feeling overwhelmed. I start waking up in the middle of the night with anxiety attacks, feeling like I can’t breathe, and like I’ll never get caught up. And honestly, that’s always when I know I need to pare down the craziness and start simplifying.
But luckily, I’ve been there before, and I know I’ll be there again, and I also know exactly what steps I need to take when life starts to feel like it’s spinning out of control.
I guarantee that if your life is feeling overly hectic and crazy right now, or if you’re just feeling overwhelmed by everything that’s on your plate, that taking the time to do these five things might just change everything.
And the best part? You can start right now.
What are your biggest goals? And what are your most important priorities? What things are weighing you down or holding you back? Do you actually know, and have you taken the time to get clear on what you actually want your life to look like, and where you want to go?
Too often, especially when we’re busy just trying to keep up on all those day-to-day tornadoes, we allow ourselves to drift through life, without any real sense of purpose and direction. And when you think about it, it’s not really that surprising that we feel like we’re spinning, because the reality is that we actually ARE spinning in circles. There’s no target, no destination, and so we just stay stuck.
And that’s why your first step needs to be clarity! Write it all down–what you want most, and what’s most important to you, then refer back to that list daily. Let it guide your decisions so that you can live your life proactively, not reactively.
This is hard, but oh-so necessary, and if you’re serious about wanting to simplify your life, you’re going to have to start practicing one of the hardest words to say….NO.
The good news is that once you’ve actually taken the time to get clear about your goals and priorities and have a clearer picture of what’s most important to you, NO actually becomes a whole lot easier to say
Start by putting some limits on the number of activities you will participate in. There is no rule that says you MUST do something, just because you were asked. Set aside time in your calendar that is just family time–perhaps start with an afternoon, then a day, then a weekend–and then protect that time at all costs. If something comes up, simply say, “I’m sorry, we already have plans.” Likewise, if you are already feeling like your plate is full, don’t add more.
Of course knowing we should say no and actually saying it are two different things! These 5 effective ways to say no can help give you the courage to start guarding your time.
One of the best ways to simplify your life is to adopt a morning routine. Take 15-30 minutes each morning to just be quiet, get centered, collect your thoughts, focus your priorities, make a to-do list, and to pray or meditate. If your mornings are normally rushed, try getting up 15 minutes earlier, but don’t miss the opportunity to start the day with purpose. It literally will change everything, and the impact is instantaneous.
For more in-depth guidance on how to create an effective morning routine, be sure to listen to Episode 59 of the Do It Scared Podcast–How to Supercharge Your Morning Routine. And if you struggle getting the rest of the family moving in the morning, creating a morning routine that works for all of you may make all the difference.
Yes, I’m serious!
The reality is that most of us lose a LOT of time every day watching TV, not to mention all that time spent scrolling through social media! And when we’re not really keeping track, that 15 minutes here and 30 minutes there adds up to a lot of time that could be better spent elsewhere.
That said, if actually cancelling your cable or deleting all those social media apps from your phone still feels a little too severe, perhaps just make a conscious effort to not watch television or participate in social media for the next few weeks. You’d be surprised how little you miss it! Likewise, make a choice to limit the other mindless distractions in your life-texting, video games, reading the news, etc.
Want to know one of the biggest sources of stress and overwhelm? Feeling like your budget is out of control, and not really knowing where your money is going. And believe me, this happens whether you are making $30,000 a year or $300,000 a year.
The truth is that money affects everything else we do in life, which means that if your finances are in a disarray, there is a very good chance that other parts of your life are too.
But the good news is that getting your budget under control doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds. Our easy-to-use Cash Flow Budget Worksheets are a great place to start, but if you’re really ready to get serious about getting your finances in order, I definitely recommend checking out our LWSL Financial Rescue Pack Money Management System, which is designed to help you get your finances in check FAST by showing you how to make immediate changes (most of which are actually pretty painless) that will save you a lot of money right away. One of the most effective ways to simplify your life is to get your finances in order!
* * *
In the end, simplifying is a choice that can only start by getting clear about what you want, and what’s most important. Because the truth is that for most of us there will always be more to do than we actually have time to do. We are always choosing. These five steps will help you make sure that you’re choosing well.
Have you heard the news? It’s the 12th Anniversary of our LWSL Holiday Planner! For…
LWSL & Co. Favorite 5 It seems crazy that it's fall already, but we can…
Lisa's Favorite 5 I'm a busy wife, mom, and gigi, so I'm all about finding…
Feeling like your finances are out of control can be downright scary. Don't miss these…
Amanda's Favorite 5 Do you spend so much time pouring into everyone else in your…
Danny's Favorite 5 Need some gift ideas for the Dads in your life? I've got…
Simplify your life in just 3 simple steps. Get our Living Well Starter Guide, absolutely free!
View Comments
great post Ruth! And I love that you included to start saying NO, and also to start each morning well with a morning routine that works for each of us. Learning to say no is so important especially as so many of us have so much on our plates already and a busy schedule. A morning routine has been a life saver for me, and each person can tailor their morning routines to what works the best for them and depending on how much time they want to spend. Meditation, prayer, a gratitude list, affirmations, visualization, journaling, a daily planner page/schedule, these are all good options for choosing what to incorporate in one's morning routine. Looking forward to reading more of your blogposts. :)
Why is it that all the responses to Ruth's post are from females. Doesn't this also apply to males?
I don't know how I managed to stumble upon your web-site but I am all the same" grateful". A lot of my thoughts all sorted out, put into a great, goal oriented way. These things weigh heavier and heavier on your mind when you know inside it's time for change. I love this and will definitely be following along. Thank you! Can't wait to get started!
Hello!
I just found your blog and I have totally fallen in love. Thank-you!
I have done all of the above steps recently. This is Our first year homeschooling. I have been on a mission to simplify our lives one step at a time. When I reached #5, I thought I was going to break. I love shopping. And not in a selfish way, as I bought things for my kids, husband, and house. I have now gone FOUR whole months without spending frivolously. Boy was that hard. It has been FREEING. I have given the extra money to our debt. and we have almost paid it off!
i love the planner/calendar pictured in a photo above. i alsways like the ones with lines to neatly write in tasks for the day. who is it made by? thanks.
Thanks for the great post, Ruth! Although my changes are not as drastic as yours, I have also resolved to simply my life more this year. While many of the things that complicate our lives (strange work schedules, grad school) are not negotiable right now, I am making a point to be more organized at home. Good luck as you continue on this new journey! Keep up the good work!
Hey Ruth! I actually stopped by here to ask the best way to combine simplicity and organization with couponing and stockpiles. This helped me! It is motivating me to start cleaning out all my closets and donate things I'm just not using. I'm reading a book called The Happiness Project and it reminds me of you. If you haven't read it, I suggest it. It's about a lady who takes a year and sets goal to, well, not make herself happier but to appreciate and find all the happiness there is already in her life. I love your blog and the new design caught me by surprise but I like it! Same with SavingWell, very pretty and even more organized! I love it!
I have not read the Happiness Project but it definitely sounds like it would be right up my alley! I am adding it to my reading list--thank you so much for the suggestion. It can be so hard to find the right balance between couponing (and stockpiling) and simplifying. Sometimes they almost seem in direct contrast with each other. For myself I am finding that focusing my stockpile on the things we are actually using and not just getting things because they are cheap or free (unless to donate right away) is helping.
I love this! My husband was recently laid off so some of these tips (namely don't spend anything on non essentials for 30 days) will probably be implemented very soon. Great post!
Emily, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. That is so tough! We are facing some uncertainty with Husband's job right now, so I can definitely feel for you. I think we will be taking that 30 day challenge soon too! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. :-)
Looks beautiful! LOVE this post!! :)
Claire
Thanks Claire! :-)
love this post, ruth... and can't wait to see you again! linked to you today!
xo
Thanks Patty. Me too--only a month to go! xoxo