A minimalist lifestyle, where the goal is to do and have less, is still a work in progress for me. My desire to accomplish the most out of my day and life many times leaves me with an unreasonable to-do list and lots of stress trying to complete it. As someone who has maximized every minute in a day, having a successful career, experiencing new things, pleasing others, providing a great life for my kids, I can confirm this desire to accomplish so much has given me a constant level of stress and taken some of the joy out of these experiences. My health has suffered from this consistent stress and now I have to be very mindful to control it. One of the best ways I’ve found to control stress is by incorporating a minimalist lifestyle into my busy life.
Here is how:
Do Less. Focus on the “Hell Yes”. I can easily fill my day with things to do. Chores around the house, grocery shopping and preparing food, getting together with friends, work projects. Many days these things happen right after each other and at the end of the day I’ve checked all the boxes, feel exhausted and stressed out. As a busy mom, I have lots of hats to wear, but I focus on the “Hell Yes”, the things that really matter to me as a woman, mom, wife, friend. My list of “Hell Yes” are a clean and organized home, preparing and eating nutrient-rich meals for family, time with my MVP (most valuable people), good sleep, work that helps people. When I’m able to do less and focus my time, I’m able to concentrate on doing a great job on the things that matter the most to me.
Have Less. Be Less Distracted. When we have less things and less things to do, our day, mind, and life don’t have unnecessary distractions.
Space for Joy. We all want to be happy and live a fulfilled life. My biggest regret being so busy is being too tired, busy, stressed, anxious to enjoy it.
I still have busy days. But I focus my time on the things that matter the most and that means I don’t make every social event, don’t choose to work on every exciting project, don’t have a perfectly styled house. And that’s totally and completely ok.
Chrissy xo