In my last post, I discussed how focusing on experiences instead of things can help reduce stress and increase happiness. Today, I want to take that one step further and focus a little more on getting rid of things – both physical and mental. The idea is to find happiness in simplicity.
One of the reasons vacations are so relaxing is because we are away from most of our stuff and the responsibilities that come with it. You don’t have to worry about all sorts of projects and chores around the house and can just relax and enjoy the space you are in. You’re away from appointments, work, and being reachable. This allows you to focus on the people with you.
While we can’t replicate this feeling of vacation, we can reduce the clutter in our lives and simplify things. This allows us to focus on what’s important and what makes us happy. Here are some simple little ideas to help you start decluttering.
Decluttering Your Home
Let’s start with the simple stuff. There are tons of books, blog posts, articles and even TV shows about decluttering. While it isn’t easy, what it boils down to is to go through your home, one room or one area at a time and finding the things you no longer need or want. These can then be thrown out or given away. The idea is that in the end, you are left with things you appreciate and a lot more clear space that’s more relaxing to live in and easier to keep clean and organized.
Decluttering Your Calendar
Next, take a look at your calendar or the activities and obligations in your life. Being busy makes us feel productive, but often the best use of our time is to cut out all the extra stuff that really isn’t necessary and doesn’t bring us joy. Don’t be afraid to be ruthless and even a little impolite at times. Feeling obligated shouldn’t be a good enough reason why you’re doing something. Get rid of it and then use the gained time to do things that help you relax, get ahead, and most importantly, make you happy.
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Last but not lead it’s time to declutter your brain. It’s incredible how much “junk” we let build up in there. We all have this running list of things we should do, ideas for future projects, what to cook, what to shop for, etc. We don’t realize how much brain power that kind of thinking takes up. The best way to deal with it is to do a “brain dump”. Get out a piece of paper and start writing it all down. Everything you have in your head that you think you need to remember from the book you want to read next and what to cook for dinner tomorrow to the meeting you need to schedule at work. Write it all down. Don’t judge, don’t edit, and don’t try to organize it. All of that can come later. For now, write it down to get it out of your head.
When you’re done, notice how much lighter and happier you feel with each area of your life decluttered. While it isn’t the easiest thing to do, it is well worth it and something you should try to do regularly.
We live in a material society where our main goal seems to be to acquire more stuff. We buy bigger cars, bigger houses, and of course, lots and lots of stuff to fill these houses. The idea is that we can buy happiness by buying more “stuff.” We’ve been living this way in the western world for quite some time. But are we really happier with all those material possessions?
More and more people are starting to feel that all this extra stuff weighs us down and adds to the stress we’re feeling. All these things have to be taken care of and with bigger houses and cars come bigger maintenance issues and repair costs.
There is a new trend of owning less and living simpler, more minimalistic lives in the search for happiness. We see it in the trend towards minimalism, tiny houses, and the success of books like “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” There must be something to this idea of owning less and focusing less on buying and owning things.
Does this mean that we need to give away all our stuff and move into a tiny house or apartment to be happy? Of course not. But what it may indicate is that spending a little time decluttering and getting rid of some things can give us a feeling of breathing room and freedom.
It also means that instead of accumulating more stuff, we should focus on experiences. Instead of buying a fancy car, new furniture, or a new set of golf clubs, take that money and spend it on a fun family trip. Use it to spend quality time with your loved ones and make beautiful memories. Not only will you increase your happiness during the time you’re on vacation, but you’ll also feel joy as you remember this trip and the time spent with your spouse and kids.
You don’t even have to go that far. Vacations are great, but we can’t take them all the time, and they aren’t always practical. Think of spending quality time instead of buying gifts. Instead of buying another shirt or book for your mom or best friend, take her out on her birthday for lunch and some girl time. Instead of picking up another electronic gadget or tool, go hang out with the guys at the ballpark and cheer on your favorite team. Think about experiences and making memories instead of buying more stuff.
We live in a material society where our main goal seems to be to acquire more stuff. We buy bigger cars, bigger houses, and of course, lots and lots of stuff to fill these houses. The idea is that we can buy happiness by buying more “stuff”. We’ve been living this way in the western world for quite some time. But are we really happier with all those material possessions?
More and more people are starting to feel that all this extra stuff weighs us down and adds to the stress we’re feeling. All these things have to be taken care of and with bigger houses and cars come bigger maintenance issues and repair costs.
Found this article but haven’t signed up for the Happiness Challenge yet? Join to get daily actionable tips and strategies that will inspire you to achieve greater happiness leading to a more fulfilled life.
There is a new trend of owning less and living simpler, more minimalistic lives in the search for happiness. We see it in the trend towards minimalism, tiny houses, and in the success of books like “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”. There must be something to this idea of owning less and focusing less on buying and owning things.
Does this mean that we need to give away all our stuff and move into a tiny house or apartment to be happy? Of course not. But what it may indicate is that spending a little time decluttering and getting rid of some things can give us a feeling of breathing room and freedom.
It also means that instead of accumulating more stuff, we should focus on experiences. Instead of buying a fancy car, new furniture, or a new set of golf clubs, take that money and spend it on a fun family trip. Use it to spend quality time with your loved ones and make beautiful memories. Not only will you increase your happiness during the time you’re on vacation, but you’ll also feel joy as you remember this trip and the time spent with your spouse and kids.
You don’t even have to go that far. Vacations are great, but we can’t take them all the time and they aren’t always practical. Think of spending quality time instead of buying gifts. Instead of buying another shirt or book for your mom or best friend, take her out on her birthday for lunch and some girl time. Instead of picking up another electronic gadget or tool, go hang out with the guys at the ballpark and cheer on your favorite team. Think experiences and create memories instead of buying more stuff.
Stress is such a buzzkill. Nothing will bring you down quicker than feeling stressed out. It keeps you from sleeping well, staying productive, and getting in a good mood. It only makes sense that reducing stress increases happiness. One of the best ways to bring your stress levels down and increase your joy is to mediate.
In addition to reducing stress and increasing happiness, meditation is good for your help, helps you practice self-awareness, and strengthens your concentration. If you’re new to meditating, let me give you a quick primer on this ancient technique of clearing the mind.
Meditation is a state of thoughtless awareness. It’s reached by practicing meditating until we can achieve that state of mind easily and effortlessly. Along the way, meditation will help us concentrate, contemplate, and gives us more control over our mind and our thoughts.
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There are all sorts of different ways to practice mediation. Two common methods are to focus on your breathing or on your body. You can practice in complete silence while listening to white noise or soft music, or you can work through guided meditations.
If you’re new to meditating, a simple guided meditation may be your best bet. There are plenty of recordings online, on YouTube, and even on apps. Some of them will be free, while others are paid guided meditations. Listen to a few of them until you find a mediation you’re comfortable with.
If you want to give this a try without downloading or buying any guided meditations, give this basic meditation exercise a try. Start by laying down comfortably on your back. Have your hands on the side and relax. Close your eyes, and breathe naturally. Notice how the breath moves your body and try to focus on mind on each exhalation and inhalation. If your mind starts to wander, bring it back to your breath. Aim for a few minutes of meditation in the beginning. Don’t feel bad if you find yourself nodding off. Meditation can be very relaxing and a great way to help you get to sleep.
With practice, you will be able to meditate for more extended periods of time. Experiment with techniques and lengths of mediation until you find your own routine that reduces stress, increases happiness and is something you can stick with for the long run. Keep meditating to keep up your happiness levels.
When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait for Christmas. It was all about the presents I would get. I’d spend days and weeks anticipating and trying to guess what Mom and Dad would get me this year. I’d make wish lists and circle things in toy catalogs. It was all about receiving material things.
As I’ve grown older, that has changed a bit. Don’t get me wrong, I still appreciate a thoughtful gift, but to be honest, most of the fun at Christmas for me now is giving gifts. I find joy in the process of finding just the right gift, putting it in a pretty wrapper, and then seeing the eyes of the recipient light up when they open their present. And, of course, there is nothing more fun than watching the little ones squeal with delight on Christmas morning as they open the gifts under the tree.
There’s an important lesson to be learned here: giving makes us happier. It isn’t just about physical gifts. Anytime we can give something, be it our time, a kind word, sound advice, or a hug, it makes us feel good to give back. Giving increases our own happiness.
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It only makes sense to focus on giving back more to help lead happier and more fulfilled lives. Think about the various things you can do to start giving back more. Volunteering is a great place to start and there are so many opportunities to do just that. You can help out at your child’s school or the local church. Homeless shelters and soup kitchens are always grateful for an extra pair of hands. If you’re good with animals, help your local humane society to walk dogs and socialize kittens. Reading to patients at the hospital or people in a senior living facility is another wonderful way to give up.
If you’re not able to get out of the house much to volunteer, there are still plenty of opportunities to give back. If you’re crafty, knit some preemie caps for your local hospital or sew up some pet blanket for a local no-kill shelter. Help organize online events or virtually tutor kids who need homework help.
Start volunteering and giving back and notice how good it makes you feel. It instills a sense of pride and purpose in you, which will help increase your overall happiness. Giving back to your community and family is a wonderful feeling that I hope you get to experience more.
Some people are great about seeing the positive in any situation and telling you about it. They are the types of bosses, coworkers, teachers, and friends who will give you some constructive criticism while pointing out everything you’ve done right, even if the project or situation turns out to be a total mess. They are the people that build you up and give you the confidence boost you need to go back and fix things or start from scratch.
Then there are people who can’t give a compliment without also pointing out your shortcomings. They tend to focus on the negative in any situation and are quick to share that with you. These people can be hard to live and work with. The big question is what type of person you are and how you think and communicate about your life and your surroundings.
If increased happiness is your goal, I suggest you work on making sure you think and communicate positively. Why is thinking important? Because it is how we communicate with ourselves. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather spend my time becoming my biggest cheerleader than my worst critic.
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Here’s the good news. How you think and how you communicate can be learned and unlearned. That means if you’re a bit of a pessimist right now, you can learn to think, be, and talk more positively. Of course, learned behaviors and habits aren’t always easy to change. Step one is that you have to want to change. Step two is to learn to recognize your behavior as it happens. Listen to the thoughts in your head and stop and make yourself think before you speak. Step three is to practice the new habit and behavior. And that’s really all there is to it.
Take a few minutes to reflect on how you have been thinking today. Think back on conversations you’ve had with others and get a feel for how you communicate with yourself and others. Are you as positive as you’d like to be, or is there room for improvement? If so, start implementing the simple three-step process I shared with you and keep practicing until this more positive way of thinking and communicating has become a solid new habit. It will have a big impact on your happiness and those around you.
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