Celebrating National Simplicity Day: Embrace the “Less is More” Approach

Friday, July 12 is National Simplicity Day, a day dedicated to honoring the life and philosophy of Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau, a renowned philosopher, naturalist, and author, believed that living a simple life could reduce stress, increase productivity, and lead to a more fulfilling existence. His “less is more” approach is more relevant today than ever, as many of us strive to find balance and peace in our busy lives.

empty photo frame between a glass vase with plant and jar with candle

Henry David Thoreau is best known for his book Walden, a reflection on simple living in natural surroundings. Thoreau’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of reducing materialistic things and focusing on what truly matters in life. By simplifying our lives, Thoreau argued, we could free ourselves from unnecessary stress and distractions, allowing us to live more mindful and intentional.

I have found that simplifying my everyday life has made a significant difference in my well-being. I have less moments of feeling stressed or overwhelmed. When there is a fork in the road, I’m able to hurdle it without any anxiousness. Here are a few ways I’ve embraced the “less is more” philosophy:

1. Simplifying My Wardrobe:
By downsizing and keeping my wardrobe only to pieces I “know” I’m going to wear, I’ve reduced the time and stress associated with choosing what to wear each day. A few versatile, high-quality pieces can go a long way and eliminate the clutter of rarely worn clothes. I was tired of looking at money wasted because I never wore something, forgot about it, or bought because it was on sale.

2. Streamlining My Makeup Kit:
Reducing my makeup collection to just the essentials has not only saved space but also time. I no longer waste time sifting through products I don’t use, and my daily routine is much quicker and more efficient. A pretty packaging will get me every time. But I’ve learned that I don’t need more than one eyeshadow palette, numerous foundations I won’t finish, and tons of brushes. Also I’ve saved money keeping a minimal collection.

3. Eliminating Knick-Knacks:
Clearing out unnecessary decorative items has made my home feel more open and peaceful. It’s easier to keep clean and organized, and I appreciate the items I do keep much more. Lately, I’ve been on this spree of getting rid of “stuff”. The more places you have to put things the more stuff you’ll find to fill them with. Declutter is a great tool to free mental and physical space.

4. Reducing Kitchen Items:
Simplifying my kitchen by reducing the number of pots, coffee cups, and other items has been incredibly freeing. Multipurpose items and a streamlined kitchen setup make cooking and cleaning much simpler. My kids aren’t little anymore and I wasn’t using much of what I had. Nor did I want another gadget on my countertop. Eliminating excess items and donating them is better than being unused in my home.

Living simply doesn’t just apply to physical possessions. It also extends to our daily routines and habits. Here’s how adopting a simpler lifestyle can benefit you:

1. Less Decision Fatigue:
Having fewer choices to make each day can significantly reduce stress. My husband’s endless shoe collection, for instance, often leaves him spending unnecessary time deciding what to wear. Simplifying your options can make daily decisions quicker and easier.

2. More Productivity:
A clutter-free environment can lead to increased focus and productivity. By simplifying your surroundings, you can create a more conducive space for work and relaxation. Less time making decisions, space to think, and ability to handle things quicker.

3. Reduced Anxiety:
A simple daily schedule and workout routine can help reduce anxiety. Knowing what to expect each day and sticking to a routine can provide a sense of stability and control.

Here are some practical tips I use to embracing simplicity in my everyday life:

1. Declutter Regularly:
Make it a habit to regularly go through your belongings and get rid of anything you don’t need or use. This can apply to your wardrobe, kitchen, office, and living spaces. I give myself an hour everyday to do a quick house cleaning. That eliminate me having to spend my Saturday all day cleaning. While sorting clothes I will throw away an article of clothing that I should have long ago.

2. Prioritize Essentials:
Focus on keeping only what is essential and brings you joy. Whether it’s clothes, makeup, or household items, choose quality over quantity. If I find my cabinets are over flowing, I’ll pull some cups, plates, or pans thats not in use and either give away, trash, or donate.

3. Create a Simple Routine:
Develop a daily routine that is simple and easy to follow. This can include a set time for waking up, exercising, working, and relaxing. Each day I outline of must do’s and want to do. This gives me the ability to adjust if need be but also get some me time in. Simple Saturday Self-Care Agenda: Refresh and Rejuvenate

National Simplicity Day is a reminder of the profound benefits of living a simple life. By embracing Thoreau’s “less is more” philosophy, we can reduce stress, increase productivity, and find greater fulfillment. Simplifying your wardrobe, makeup kit, household items, and daily routines can lead to a more peaceful and enjoyable life. Remember, you don’t have to wait for special occasions to find joy—embrace simplicity every day and discover the freedom it brings.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Quick Mental Health Tip: Stop Making Life Complicated

From work responsibilities and personal goals to social obligations and everyday tasks, we often find ourselves overthinking and making situations more complicated than they need to be. This habit of overthinking can lead to increased stress and anxiety, negatively impacting our mental health. Here’s a quick mental health tip: stop making life complicated. Embrace simplicity and watch your stress levels decrease and your overall well-being improve.

The Problem with Overthinking

Overthinking is a common issue that affects many people. It involves analyzing and re-analyzing situations, worrying about potential outcomes, and getting stuck in a loop of thoughts. This habit can make even simple tasks seem daunting and overwhelming. The best decision I made was to stop going around the mulberry bush to make decisions and choices. Here’s how overthinking can impact your mental health:

**1. Increases Stress and Anxiety: When you overthink, you create scenarios in your mind that may never happen, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety. This mental burden can affect your mood, sleep, and overall quality of life.

**2. Hinders Decision-Making: Overthinking can paralyze your ability to make decisions. You become so caught up in analyzing every detail that you struggle to take action, leading to missed opportunities and increased frustration. I used to frustrate my husband like crazy because I couldn’t make up my mind on what I wanted for dinner.

**3. Reduces Productivity: Spending too much time thinking about tasks instead of doing them reduces your productivity. It wastes mental energy that could be better spent on taking concrete steps toward your goals.

Embrace Simplicity: Tips to Stop Overthinking

To improve your mental health and simplify your life, consider these practical tips to stop overthinking and embrace a more straightforward approach:

**1. Focus on the Present Moment: One of the best ways to combat overthinking is to focus on the present moment. Practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or simply paying attention to your surroundings. This helps you stay grounded and reduces the tendency to dwell on past events or worry about the future.

**2. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your tasks and goals into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a large project, focus on completing one small task at a time. This approach makes it easier to take action and prevents you from getting stuck in analysis paralysis.

**3. Limit Information Intake: In the age of information overload, it’s easy to get bogged down by too much data. Be selective about the information you consume. Limit your exposure to news, social media, and other sources that can contribute to overthinking. Focus on what’s essential and relevant to your life. I have no problem telling anyone I’m not ready to digest all that right now.

**4. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that it’s okay to make mistakes. Perfectionism often fuels overthinking. Accept that you’re doing your best and that it’s alright to have imperfections. Self-compassion helps reduce the pressure you put on yourself and promotes a healthier mindset.

**5. Make Quick Decisions: Practice making decisions more quickly. Set a time limit for yourself to decide on something, whether it’s what to wear, what to eat, or how to approach a task. The more you practice making decisions swiftly, the more confident and less anxious you’ll become about the outcomes.

**6. Create a Routine: Establishing a daily routine can simplify your life and reduce the need for constant decision-making. When you have a structured plan, you spend less time thinking about what to do next and more time actually doing it. This can significantly reduce stress and enhance your productivity.

**7. Seek Support: If you find that overthinking is significantly impacting your life, don’t hesitate to seek support. Talk to a trusted friend or family member about your concerns. Sometimes, an outside perspective can help you see things more clearly. Professional help from a therapist can also provide strategies to manage overthinking and improve your mental health.

Life doesn’t have to be complicated. By stopping overthinking and embracing simplicity, you can significantly reduce your stress and anxiety. SIMPLE DAYS ARE THE BEST DAYSFocus on the present moment, set realistic goals, limit information intake, practice self-compassion, make quick decisions, create a routine, and seek support when needed. These strategies can help you lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. Remember, the key to mental well-being is often found in simplicity. Take the first step today and start enjoying a more straightforward, less stressful life.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

FINDING JOY IN THE LITTLE THINGS

I saw this video where this girl discussed her pleasure and joy in having a Starbucks drink. How do you find joy in the little things. This young woman explained after having less than $2 in her bank account for a week, she decided on payday to get her a drink at Starbucks. Her Caption: “After surviving a week with $1.23 in my bank I decided to treat myself to a starbies drink.” As she took big gulps you can see the exhale and relief the drink was providing. As she sat in her car, gazing out the window, you can feel her joy and pleasure with the zen moment she was having.

shallow focus photo of coffee in a starbucks cup

5 Little Things I Enjoy

-Sheet Mask
-Going For A Walk
-Watching Football with my husband
-Listening to music
-Having a good cup of coffee

She had a mixed response. Some went the route of saying purchasing that coffee is the reason why she only had a dollar and change. She’s keeping herself broke while buying those kind of drinks. They have lots of calories anyway. While others understood her point, finding joy in the most simple things in life can bring you peace and comfort. It wasn’t about the money. After having an intense emotional rollercoaster of a week, she needed something to pickup herself up. She found it in a drink. It could have been found in something else worse.

But isn’t that what self care is about. When tough times approach you, how do you self soothe. What is the one thing you can do that gives you that instant boost of energy, courage, and motivation to tackle on the next week. The truth is we all have our vices. 10 DAILY SIMPLE SELF CARE ACTIVITIES THAT WORK

So often we look for the big house, Paris vacation, nice car, large diamonds, large closets, and more stuff to bring us joy and peace. When, if we paused for a moment it’s the most simple pleasures in life that brings the greatest amount joy. Finding joy in the smallest things will give you meaning, purpose, encouragement, inspiration, joy, happiness, confidence, and self worth.

Finding joy in the simple things allows you to experience the happiness guilt free. It doesn’t have any attachments. We’re in the month of November. Gratitude is the attitude. What are some simple things in life that brings you joy and happiness?

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

MENTAL NOTE OF THE DAY

”Enjoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.-Robert Brault

I’ve always enjoyed the most simple things and the simple life. In recent years, I just became comfortable with that and admitting it. Especially coming from a large family who likes to do things on a grand scale. Going to get a cup of coffee, having a clean home that smells good, me indulging in body wash, lotions, perfume, doing my nails and hair, and binging on RuPaul Drag Race is everything to me. Some may say it’s simple and boring, but I relish in it. Also I’d rather take several 3-4 day vacations in small towns enjoying the food, country side, and attractions better than a 7 day vacation somewhere. SIMPLE DAYS ARE THE BEST DAYS

person showing white mug in focus photography

No matter what kind of lifestyle you enjoy, take in the simple small things. The joy, peace, and calm the smallest things can bring will last longer than any large thing you can imagine. I always think of this story I read:

Two couples, one makes over six figures a year, and the other couple makes less than 30k combined. Now the couple that makes over six figures, has a large amazingly beautiful house, 3 luxury cars, jewelry, and all the latest fashions. They take a grand vacation every year. But they are in an insane amount of debt. The marriage is very rocky, the kids are rebellious, and they both admitted they thought all the “stuff” and money will erase it. On the other hand, the couple that makes 30k has an insane amount of savings, they are very charitable, doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, live a modest life, yes they gone on a vacation, and have a quaint small single family home compared to the other. Living happy and joyfully.

All that to say, it doesn’t matter what you have, how much you have, if it’s shinier, bigger, better, single or married, it won’t matter. You can have “it all” but it won’t fix the sadness, problems, or unhappiness. Make sure to enjoy the small simple things in life. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.