15 Ways to Simplify Your Day
Have you ever reached a point of "over-saturation?" Where everything starts to feel like too much--too many things, too many obligations, too many expectations, too much to maintain? Like you're trying to navigate that maze pictured to the right? We live in a world of endless choices and over-stimulation. Do you ever wish for a chance to just find stillness and think?
This year, March marks the start of both Lent for Christians and Ramadan for Muslims. In each of these faiths, it is a time of reflection and self-denial. Whether you approach simplicity from a spiritual standpoint or a more secular one, there is value in a "less is more" ethos.
Think of how relaxed you feel on vacation--might it have something to do with the parameters or limits that you have put on yourself? Your clothing choices are limited to the items you could fit in your suitcase; you have settled on a region of the world to explore; you may have set a budget on what you will spend during this time. Part of the ease of a vacation is the drop in 'decision fatigue.' So, how do you bring that simplicity into your day-to-day life? Here are 15 ways.
Fifteen Ways to Simplify Your Day
- Take 15-30 minutes to Map Out Your Day. Whether you think of it as making a plan, formulating a to-do list, or simply visualizing how you want your day to go, this time of mapping out your day will allow you to check your calendar and make sure that nothing falls through the cracks.
- Put on Your 'Uniform.' Perhaps one of the best-known stories about former-President Barak Obama was his penchant for blue suits. Knowing that he was going to wear a blue suit gave him one less decision to make. How about you? Black or navy pants or skirts make planning an outfit pretty easy. A close of khakis and polo shirts might not be terribly exciting, but your mind will be freed for other pursuits.
- Separate Your Wants From Your Needs. Social media and Internet newsfeeds can tempt us with a dazzling array of stuff. Do you really need it? Some of the most organized people I know still have overflowing shelves and drawers, because it's hard to resist a BOGO (buy one, get one) or a limited-time offer. The more you have, the more there is to maintain.
- Align Your Values with Your Wallet. This point is related to the one above. Big-box stores, chain coffee shops and online shopping offer a set of conveniences, but perhaps you have a heart for your favorite Bergen County business? Is Bogota Press a coffee shop you just love? Maybe you have a favorite boutique, like Cenia in Ridgewood? Support them! If you have a favorite charity, take some of the money that you save from buying smarter and donate it; RBARI, Women's Rights Information Center, West Bergen Mental Health Care, and Center for Food Action are but a few of the nonprofits that serve the Bergen County area.
- Buy in Bulk, When It Makes Sense. For those items that you use frequently, being well-stocked can save you from the aggravation of not having something you need.
- Blank Canvas Cook. What does that mean? Spend some time--on whatever day of the week is most convenient for you--and cook something that can be used many ways. That double-batch of pasta could become mac and cheese one night, and pasta primavera on another. Seasoned, roasted chicken breast might top a salad for lunch, but be a main dish for dinner on a different day. One or two proteins, one or two starches=endless possibilities.
- Not using it? Donate it!
- Prioritize Your Calendar. Sometimes our hearts pull us in many different directions--we want to volunteer in our civic institutions, serve as a coach for our child's sports team, be a band parent or a class mom. To feel less frazzled and to truly be present, we may have to truly soul-search, and see what is most important to us. Being overbooked can lead to burnout.
- Learn the beauty of "No." Saying no can be tough. No one wants to be perceived as selfish or difficult. Saying no--even if it is once in a while--can create that space for you to reflect and truly choose what you say yes to.
- Barter or Swap Before You Buy. Do you have a strong social network? Maybe you are friendly with your child's classmates. If so, you might want to consider doing some bartering or swapping of items. That mom with the newborn might appreciate some of those clothes your child has outgrown. Maybe it is worthwhile to barter your talent as a baker, for your neighbor's talent as a seamstress. Strengthen your bonds with friends and neighbors, and save money.
- Have Designated Areas for Specific Items. Have a key rack, and use it. Cubbies for shoes and backpacks. A container for spare change. A charging station for phones and tablets. Knowing where things are will save time and frustration. A place for everything, and everything in its place.
- Practice FIFO. What's FIFO? It stands for "first in, first out." This is a great way to avoid food waste. When you buy something new--a carton of milk, a bag of salad--make sure that it is placed behind any milk or salad that is already open. Older stuff gets used up first before starting the new container.
- Take a Tech Break. Having a wealth of information and entertainment at our fingertips can be fabulous, but it can also get compulsive. The news cycle isn't moving so fast that you can't unplug for half an hour.
- Spend Some Time Intentionally. Whether it is a walk outside, a family game night, or some time to write down a few things you are grateful for--spending time on something that is special for you and your family is important. These are the moments that you'll remember as meaningful.
- Delegate What You Can. You don't have to do everything. Many household tasks do not require your expertise!
ChoreVoyant can assist you with numbers 5, 6, 7, 12 and of course, number 15. That one's our sweet spot! What do those numbers have in common? Shopping, ingredient prep, dropping off donations are all things that can be delegated. Anything that can be delegated, we take care of. Why? Because "Your Day Simplified" is our motto and our mission. We're here to support you in building a life that is filled with meaning and calm. If you live in Bergen County and are looking to build more simplicity into your day and life, click here to book an exploratory call.
ChoreVoyant is a family-owned personal concierge service offering help with errands and household tasks to all of Bergen County. We focus on working with moms and families. Our best clients are moms of toddlers or tweens, moms who own a small business, and moms who may be facing a health challenge. For a full list of our services, click here.
