As humans, we are naturally complex creatures: Our problem-solving ability has been our primary survival mechanism, allowing us to monitor and adapt to our environment very successfully, and even to learn to adapt the environment to ourselves. Combine those inherent tendencies with modern technology, society, information and communication, and you get a complicated recipe for our minds to process. So is it any wonder, then, that slowing down and keeping things simple can be a real challenge for our lives?<\/p>\n
“With increasing reactions to modern living such as lack of fulfillment in our careers, stress-related diseases, and anxiety … a daily dose of simplicity could go a long way in helping us reconnect with the things that truly matter. We need to learn how to walk the middle path, to be sensitive to the natural flow of events while not throwing away our own determined idea of where we want to go.”<\/i> – Joshua Rosenthal<\/p>\n
I love the idea of simplicity. But I am also a realist; and, as a reality, simplicity is never as easy as it sounds – it usually involves sacrifice. We have to shift priorities around when children are born or when a new job comes along, for example, and sometimes at the cost of other things we value. Striving for simplicity in life is no different.<\/p>\n
“It is far more difficult to be simple than to be complicated; far more difficult to sacrifice skill and easy execution in the proper place, than to expand both indiscriminately.” <\/i>– John Ruskin<\/p>\n
But I would argue that is one of the most valuable things for our health and well-being (as well as for those we care about) to work toward. And yes, I did just use the word work, because it is often very hard to choose one thing over another. While any results we achieve in the effort probably won’t happen overnight, it is still a very valuable journey to begin.<\/p>\n
“It is always the simple that produces the marvelous.” <\/i>– Amelia Barr<\/p>\n
Here are 5 ways to start to de-complicate your life. If 5 is too many, pick just one for a month (or a day, or a week) and start there:<\/p>\n
Do what you love.<\/b>
\nWhat (or who) is truly most important to you in life? Let your heart guide your actions and spend the least amount of your time doing things that deplete your energy and happiness (because, realistically, you will have to spend some). This might require some planning, but once you liberate yourself of the burden of incongruity, life will flow much more smoothly.<\/p>\n
Don’t try so hard.<\/b>
\nThough that’s probably not what your parents told you, there is a big difference between putting energy into things that are important to you, and creating unnecessary pressure for the mere attainment of the next goal. If you’re working yourself into a tizzy for reasons that don’t boil down to health, happiness, or love then stop, take a deep breath, and reevaluate: Who or what are you really doing it all for?<\/p>\n
De-clutter.<\/b>
\nBe mindful of signs that you’re over-complicating something trivial. Whether you’re an advertising executive planning your next marketing outreach or a working parent trying to balance the needs of those around you, remember to check in with yourself and consider whether your efforts could be streamlined.<\/p>\n
Detoxify your mind.<\/b>
\nAre you stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts? Do you spread yourself too thin in an effort to accomplish several goals simultaneously? Are you fearful of the future because of all the expectations you’ve built up in your mind? Let it go, as much as you can. Instead, focus on taking care of yourself and enjoying the company of your loved ones. Trust that the rest will fall into place.<\/p>\n
Play<\/b>.
\nMost people take life too seriously and make little time for good ol’ fashioned fun. Don’t live a fun-free life! Play hookie once in a while, scrap the to-do list, and let loose. Life is too short to not just enjoy it sometimes.<\/p>\n
As the holiday season gets into full swing, now is often the time our priorities in life come into focus, and it’s good to check-in with ourselves to see if we are where (and who) we want to be. What’s one way you can begin simplifying your life today?<\/p>\n
Information courtesy of The Institute for Integrative Nutrition<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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