Most people want to “scale down” – especially after overspending during the holiday season and looking towards a new year filled with new challenges, deadlines and opportunities. While you can’t always just commit to fewer responsibilities, there are ways to make sure you don’t hit the ground running and get caught up in a whirlwind of unnecessary tasks and obligations in 2012.
Less gadgets
We know – tech is cool. But it’s not cool to constantly check your mails, be on your knees looking for power outlets to recharge your smartphone or to ignore table conversations because you’re too busy stroking and prodding your new tablet. While all these things can make you more efficient – only buy things that actually make your life easier. Commit to only buying gadgets that simplify your life.
Be thankful
Dr. Michael McCollough of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and Dr. Robert Emmons, of the University of California, have conducted years of research to prove that people who feel grateful are more likely to feel loved. According to their research, daily gratitude resulted in improved alertness, increased energy, better sleep, increased enthusiasm, increased determination and more motivation. Their advice is to list what you are grateful for each day to reap the benefits.
Instead of focusing on what you don’t have – or what you want – be thankful for what you’ve already got.
Make cleaning easier
Household chores, like washing, vacuuming and wiping bread crumbs off the counter can take over your life (especially if you work a nine to five job and only have a few hours at home every evening). Everyone has daily, weekly and monthly household things they have to take care of in and around the house. If you can’t afford a domestic worker, set time aside to take care of these things (don’t try to do it in drips and drabs before you rush to work or while you’re busy cooking dinner). Let a few dishes pile up and don’t fret over the little things. Set aside specific times for different chores and refuse to think of them outside of these times.
On a side note – if you often struggle to get things fixed in and around the house – invest in a handyman maintenance contract. Quite a few companies are offering household maintenance contracts where they’ll come and replace your light bulb, fix your electronic gate (and basically take care of whatever needs to be repaired) on a monthly basis, which is a good way to avoid handing over your Saturdays to handyman duties.
Spend smart
Two years ago, Readers Digest launched an international poll which revealed that money is the main source of stress in most countries. A total of 150 participants from each country were asked to choose between money, family, health and state of the world as their main causes of stress and the money came out as the top contributing factor to stress.
According to a report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and health firm Simply Health released in October 2011, stress has also become the number one cause of long-term absence from work. Trying to stress less isn’t possible – but committing yourself to relaxing activities, like a half hour stroll after you get home from work or going to a Zumba class twice a week, is. Sign up for stress blasting activities this year.
Avoid toxic people
We’ve all got to deal with them at one point or another. Toxic co-workers, friends, family members and acquaintances that make you feel tired and irritable. While it’s not always easy to avoid them altogether (you can’t change jobs every time you work with someone that gives you attitude), you can detach yourself from the situation. Lead a simpler life by refusing to take part in gossip; listen to complaints or get drawn into other people’s complicated lives. When you lend your ear to someone who needs help, make sure you’re doing it out of love and compassion and that you’re not being drawn into more toxic relationships that bring you down.
Do more things for you
It’s easy to get caught up in pleasing others. Even if you’re not a people pleaser, you probably spend a significant amount of time planning and organising to make sure everything runs smoothly. Make time for you – even it means going to bed an hour early so that you can wake up and do some yoga before or work, or putting in more leave days to spend the day in bed and read, try to devote more time to yourself this year.
Become a “Big Picture” person
If you’re stressed out about work, friendships, finances or anything that keeps you awake at night – ask yourself: Will this really matter in three months’ time? Over-analysing problems won’t help, but it’s hard to detach yourself from situations that are affecting you right now. When you’re experiencing problems that will have long-term repercussions, start brainstorming by writing down exactly what you think needs to happen. Putting plans on paper usually helps people develop a concrete action plan.
Go vegetarian
You don’t have to permanently change your diet, but there are compelling reasons to at least try to go vegetarian for a period of time. According to a study by Nutrition Journal published in June 2010, eating a vegetarian diet (excluding fish) may reduce risk of depression, anxiety and stress.
The Live Eco team
