When you work and are raising three little kids, it’s not always easy to find the calm in the storm. Over the years, I have tried many different tactics in search of living a calmer, less stressful life. One day, after reading more tips, I realized that there was a common theme to help destress my daily life. It was simple.
No really, that is the theme—SIMPLE!
I have been making an effort to keep things simple and have had more success and found even more happiness in life. So today, I’m sharing with you specific ways to calm the chaos and simplify!
SIMPLIFY MEALS
I hate grocery shopping and meal planning. In the past, there were weeks where I would plan nice meals and I would find myself completely exhausted after meal prep, cooking and clean up. I decided to simplify my meals and, although the meals are sometimes boring, I feel so much better and even healthier. I will eat the same lunch and snacks all week and change up the meal plan the following week. Our meals aren’t fancy and are very basic, but we are all fed and happy!
SIMPLIFY ROUTINES
I have learned the hard way to not over-schedule myself. The moment our family has something scheduled, I add it to the calendar. I have my work and personal calendar together. I try to keep at least 30% of my time free each day. This helps leave room for unexpected occurrences that may cause us running behind schedule. I’d rather do less and keep everyone happy.
DECLUTTER
I am constantly decluttering my home. Once we start collecting too many things in a room, I start getting rid of the clutter. This means less to clean and more space. How simple! One day when I decluttered our downstairs play area, my 4 year old son said he felt cozy down there and stayed downstairs all day! It feels cleaner and looks a lot less messy.
SIMPLIFY FITNESS
I used to spend hours running miles but now I do quick and more intense workouts. I don’t have the time anymore to run 10+ miles a day, so I do the shorter workouts that I get more out of. It helps if I do this before everyone else wakes up as well.
SIMPLIFY YOUR WARDROBE
My profession and lifestyle requires many different outfits. Between working full time and attending a workout class every morning (plus three children), laundry piles up quickly! We have enough clothes that it is not necessary for me to do laundry everyday (I only do laundry weekly), but I also buy clothes that can be used for many things. I may have a tank top I bought for working out, but I can also put it on with a sweater for work or date night. I keep my wardrobe selections simple and plain by buying solid pieces that are versatile with many outfits. Add a few different sweaters or different accessories to wear with that same top and everyone thinks it’s a new, spectacular outfit!
FOCUS ON QUALITY TIME
When you have three kids, you quickly notice they each fight for their own private attention. My first pregnancy was with my twins, so, they never got the luxury of having all the attention for themselves! All of our children need some alone time with mom or dad for bonding. I make an effort to give each child a little time each day – it usually only takes about 5-10 minutes and they are satisfied. We may read a book or play a quick game—but the time together is always cherished. Sometimes quality time is made when I am cooking or running an errand. I’ll have the kids take turns helping me and they have a blast with it!
Life gets crazy and not every day is perfect, but these simple tips help me have less stress and have made me a happier mom, wife, employee and friend. When I am happy, I find that my whole family is happier and there is SIMPLY nothing better than that!
*Special thanks to our Guest Blogger, Sarah Brown, for sharing her perspective with us!
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