24th April 2012, Nha Trang, Vietnam. Stress is one of the deadliest curses
of the modern age. The most dreaded diseases that afflict man like chronic
nervous tension, heart trouble, and cancer have been found to be
stress-related. Stress is caused by leading a fast, complicated, and
nerve-wracking lifestyle. We constantly find that there is neither enough time
nor resources to do the things we want or need to do, leaving us feeling
agitated, harassed, frantic, and continually on edge. To be able to cope with
the growing complexity and pressures of life that confront us daily, we need to
de-stress by slowing down and simplifying our lives. Life
simplification is about
knowing your true values, goals, and priorities so you can focus on them, and
discard all the other matters that just add tension and confusion to your
existence.
Don’t let stress wear you down. Discover through thoughtful analysis
of your values, lifestyle, and goals what is “enough” or just “perfectly right”
for you. With life simplification, you can save your health and
sanity, and maximize your capacity to savor and enjoy life.
Take a pen and a sheet of paper and write down the things that complicate, harass, and bring tension into your life. Come up with creative ideas to counter these for a less stressful and more meaningful life. As a guide, I would like to suggest that you consider the following.
1. Slow down. If you constantly find
yourself racing against the clock, take a deep breath and calm down. You must
learn to simplify your day-to-day schedule and live a more balanced,
deliberate, and purposeful life. Most important of all, learn to say no to
people and activities that you can do well without.
2. De-clutter.
Most of us have an excessive preoccupation with “things” and having or collecting them. Control your compulsive consumer habits or shopping/buying
addiction and minimize your material possessions. Life will be so much easier
when you travel light.
3. Detoxify. As a result of watching too
many commercials coupled with our excessive obsession to stay young, beautiful,
and healthy, most of us take too much vitamins, use too much shampoos and
detergents, apply too much makeup and beauty products, etc. Detoxify your body
inside out; let it breathe freely, and nurture itself naturally.
3. De-tech. Technological advancements
sometimes prove to complicate our lives rather than bring convenience. No, you
don’t have to ditch your cell phone, e-mail or voice mail; stay connected but
not too connected that you end up stressed and harassed. Turn off your cell
phone once in a while (and have refreshing, momentary peace), and watch less TV
(it is a time thief!).
5. Practice time management. We all have
the same 24 hours in one day yet some people are more productive with their
time than others. Their secret? They know how to manage and use their time
wisely. Make a daily to-do list of your activities, prioritize them, and stick
to your schedule.
6. Downsize
your career ambitions. If your career seems to endanger your physical,
emotional, and mental sanity, re-plan and downsize it. Our obsession to be
ahead in the rat race often leads to disturbing anxieties, frustrations and,
ultimately, diseases. Be realistic about your career and business goals, and
save your life.
7. Delegate. Face it, you cannot do everything yourself; delegate chores at
home and at the office. Ask for help; get a secretary or assistant, employ a
cleaning lady once a week, have your clothes laundered. The time you will save
will be priceless if used to devote to things that mean so much to you like
spending quality time with your kids, or learning life-improvement skills in
schools and seminars.
8. Give up
unnecessary things and activities. By force of habit or what we conveniently
term “sentimental reasons,” we tend to hang on to things and activities that no
longer serve a purpose in our lives. Ask, “Is this thing relevant and does it
serve a purpose at this stage of my life?” If the answer is no, discard it.
9. Get out of debt. People who stay in
debt are faced by the continuous nuisance of receiving and dealing with
threatening collection notices. Being in debt puts you under intense stress;
settle your debts right away or do it gradually but diligently if you cannot
pay upfront. Avoid the temptation of further buying on credit.
10. Spring clean. Spring cleaning doesn't just involve cleaning up your home and work spaces and editing your
accumulation of trinkets and junk. It also entails spiritual cleansing and
renewal. This may mean settling unresolved issues with relatives and loved
ones, and even social and professional associates. Go to a gym for an
energizing workout or a spa once in a while for a relaxing body massage.
11. Live
in the moment. Learn to relax and
take your time, and preoccupy yourself with the present. Don’t agonize over the
past because it’s gone and don’t be anxious over the future because it is still
to come. Learn to relish the now, and take time to pause and feel the fresh
wind. Most of all, try never to worry.
I trust you find the foregoing helpful and practice them for a happy living.
Note: The above article is sourced from the Internet research by this blogger.
.jpg)
