10 Lesser Known Tips for Simplifying Your Life (Part 2)

5. Read Actual Books - I have nothing against online reading (or I wouldn't write a blog, would I?) but there is something unspeakably luxurious about reading a paper book. I can't explain it, it's partly the connection to the author, partly the smell of paper and glue and the ancient art of book binding, partly the way you carry it around everywhere you go and bend the corners up and spill tea on it...it's a relationship, and one you can only have with a paper book. Reading a book, whether on a sunny porch or in a crowded coffee shop is one of life's greatest simple pleasures.

6. Be Selective of Your Background Noise - It is something we hardly ever notice...because it's in the background, but background noises can effect our mood and anxiety levels in an instant and without us even being aware of the change. Everyone is affected differently of course, maybe city sirens are pleasant to you and birdsong makes you violent, the point is to be aware and be choosey. If you are at home alone, the TV can be comforting, but maybe music that can sooth the mind, might be better than commercials that only add anxiety, the point is to make sure that you decide what you listen to.

7. Say No - I find this piece of advice on every tip list for simplicity around and that's because it is TRUE. How can you do your daily activities mindfully when you have ten billion of them to do before lunch? Nobody likes to disappoint others but nothing can be done well without time. So tell them you can do it fast or you can do it well, but not both. In the end, I am always surprised at how much people respect me more when I respect myself and say no when I need to.  In fact it is respecting them, because if you say yes and then fail you have only succeeded in costing them time and money.

8. Make Toys With Your Children - How does that saying go? Buy them a toy, you keep them busy for an hour...teach them to make toys, you keep them busy for a lifetime...okay I'm ad-libbing but you only have to see the light in their faces when they realize that they can create the things they want for themselves, and you will know what a lifelong gift you have given them in just a few hours of craft time. They will become independent thinkers from that moment onwards, and for the rest of their lives, plus it really will keep them quiet for hours! There are countless websites and books with homemade toy ideas and there is nothing like getting covered in paint and sprinkles to lift the day's stresses off your own shoulders.

9. Play - On that note, my favorite stress relief and idea generator is to go play on a swing set. You may prefer the monkey bars, or dancing or professional soccer, suite yourself, but go find your inner child and get a little wild. Take two immaturity pills and call me in the morning, I'll bet you're cured of complexity.

10. Do Your Own Laundry - For all the stay-at-home mom's ...just disregard this one, but for the rest of you, Listen up! The only way to really know yourself and the only way we are going to ever achieve World Peace is if we all start cleaning up after our own messes. I mean this both physically and metaphorically of course, wash your dishes after you cook, clean your own clothing, be aware of the impact you leave behind you...that means awareness in the words you say to people, in the garbage you create, in the things you buy, in the job you do, in everything. Everything you do has consequences, reactions and if you don't pay attention to them, how can you make sure they are positive rather than negative? Start small, do your own laundry as practice and eventually you will become mindful in everything you do.  

If you have other great ideas for simple living tips please comment and share them!

Take Care,
Nina