In my previous post, I discussed how focusing on experiences rather than stuff might help reduce stress and boost happiness. Today, I’d like to go a step further and concentrate more on getting rid of stuff — both physical and emotional. The objective is to discover contentment in simplicity.
Living a simple life doesn’t mean that everything is dull or all monotonous. Quite the opposite, it means that you live with less things, but more happiness by living with your true desires and your true needs.
When you simplify your life, you simplify all the stress, all the expectations, and you realize that some little things are more important than they appear on the surface. I found out few habits that had helped me simplify my life along with my thoughts.
My goal right now is to gradually learn some habits that had always appeared to be really hard for me before. I’m not saying that I’ll never buy any clothes or never eat out or never do some activities like I used to enjoy doing before, but it won’t be a regular occurrence anymore because it’s just not a necessity.
Vacations are enjoyable because we are away from most of our belongings and the obligations that come with them. You don’t have to worry about various projects and chores around the house, and you can simply relax and appreciate the area you’re in. You’re not available for appointments, work, or being reachable. This helps you to concentrate on the people around you.
While we can’t recreate the sense of being on vacation, we can lessen the clutter in our lives and simplify things. This helps us to concentrate on what is important to us and what makes us happy.
Here are a few simple tips to get you started on your decluttering journey.
Cleaning Up Your Home
Let’s start with the basics. There are several books, blog posts, articles, and even TV shows on the subject of decluttering. While it isn’t easy, what it boils down to is going through your home, one room or one section at a time, and removing items, you no longer need or want.
These can then be discarded or given away. The idea is that in the end, you’ll have stuff you like and a lot more open space that’s more comfortable to live in and easier to maintain clean and organized.
Declutter Your Calendar
Next, take a look at your calendar or the activities and duties in your life. Being busy helps us feel productive, yet often the best use of our time is to eliminate all the unnecessary and unsatisfying activities. Don’t be afraid to be brutal and, at times, unpleasant.
An obligation should not be used as a justification for doing something. Move rid of it, and then use the extra time doing activities that will help you relax, get ahead, and, most importantly, make you happy.
Mind De-cluttering
Finally, but not least, it is time to clear your mind. It’s remarkable how much “stuff” we’ve allowed to accumulate in there. We all have a running list of things we should do, ideas for future projects, meals to prepare, groceries to buy, and so on.
What we don’t know is how much mental energy that type of thinking requires. A “brain dump” is the greatest approach to deal with it. Take out a piece of paper and begin writing everything down.
Everything you have in your head that you believe you need to remember, from the book you want to read next to what to cook for supper tomorrow to the business meeting you need to schedule. Make a list of everything.
Don’t pass judgment, don’t edit it, and don’t attempt to organize it. That can all be done later. For the time being, write it down to get it out of your thoughts.
When you’re through, note how much lighter and happier you feel in each area of your life that has been decluttered.
While it is not the easiest thing to perform, it is definitely worth it and should be done on a regular basis.
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