Simplicity Tip #364 – Take a Shower… Please!

So, in addition to helping you smell refreshed in the morning, showers can really help you with getting your day started!  Not only are they essential for good hygiene and helpful for your health…

I know if I am starting to feel ill, oftentimes, a hot shower can make me feel better!  If you’re having a hard time getting going in the morning, a shower can be that cue for you to wake up and put on your happy face for the rest of the world!  It can also help you kick into productivity gear!

Tip #364 

Tale a shower!  For a multitude of reasons…it’s good for you!

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Simplicity Tip #344 – Driving is Cool! Consider a Carpool!

I have loved driving since far before I was old enough to drive!  Actually, let me rephrase…I have loved the independence driving allows one to feel!  Driving really just makes me tired, but the freedom it has allowed me to have throughout the years has been energizing and downright fun!

 

Tip #344

As cool and independent as driving feels, if we are able to make it a shared experience with someone, it will save us money, help us be more social and even help our environment!  Is there anyone you could carpool with?  To work, to events, to school?  Just a thought…

 

Another thoughts with today’s tip…  As we are getting older, I know giving up the car or the driver’s license can be really difficult.  I’ve seen it so many times with parents, grandparents, friends’ parents, etc…but if we start looking at  it from the carpool angle, it can help with feeling more positive about the changes that sometimes come with aging.

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Simplicity Tip #325 – Know When to Say “No!”

There are so many opportunities to do things — whether it’s volunteering, taking on additional work shifts, helping out a family member or friend, making treats for your kid’s classmates, buying gifts…and you could probably add another 5 to the list just off the top of your head!

The thing is, we need to know our limits – not over commit!  Commit some, yes!  Commit too much and you risk being over-tired and under-performing!

Some sure signs that you may be over committing include:  turning in assignments late, being cranky or resentful about doing something you’ve agreed to do, feeling like you are always running from place to place and possibly even always feeling exhausted!  Even if you are doing something for a great cause, sometimes, you may need to take a break just to re-energize!

 

Tip #325

Know your limits and remember it’s ok to say “no”!

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Simplicity Tip #318 – Pace Yourself!

Yep…as we have now entered Black Friday Week, one must remember to pace yourself!  Even if you want to stay up 24 hours, spend tons of money and call off of work all week, don’t do it!

 

Tip #318

Sleep, budget, balance!

Pace Yourself as we’re moving into the holidays and new year!

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Simplicity Tip #317 – When Depression Creeps In…

Depression, in its many forms affects millions of people each year and this time of year frequently brings bouts of depression to the surface for lots of folks.

Whether it’s due to losses, bills, health, family, friends, work  or whatever else may be bothering you…reach out for help.  Talk to someone you trust about it (family member, friend, minister, counselor, etc.) then maybe even talk to your dr. if it’s something you’ve been struggling with for awhile.  Sadness is normal under certain circumstances, and even expected, but if your sadness goes deeper…really, take a step to do something about it!

Tip #317

When depression starts creeping in… reach out!  It’s that simple.

Hard, I know, but just take the first step for getting help.

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Simplicity Tip #315 – All Things in Moderation…

This little phrase is one of my favorite mottos in life!  Even if you have awesome things going on and are always busy, doing some retail therapy, working at a job you love, enjoying the most tasty meal ever or hanging out with the coolest people… if you overdo anything, things can go sour in a heartbeat!

If you struggle with addiction to anything, this whole concept of moderation may not be for you.  Know yourself and take care of yourself.  If this applies, awesome, use it!  If not…apply this tip only to the areas in life you don’t have a tendency toward addiction.  Meanwhile…

Balance is key.  Knowing your limits and enforcing them is a good thing.  Generally, I’m talking about life here, but for the moment with thanksgiving just around the corner…let’s focus on the food for just a moment!  You know, if you are lucky, you will be enjoying some dinner with family/friends – turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, candied yams, cranberry sauce (ewww), pie, maybe even cheeseballs and other yummy foods next week.  OMG!  My mouth is watering just a little thinking about all this yummy stuff!

Start making the commitment to yourself now not to overeat!  The turkey (or even tofurkey) may be stuffed that day, but you don’t need to be!

Tip #315

All things in moderation…remember to have balance and boundaries in your life!  You will feel and be much healthier when you do!

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Simplicity Tip #302 – Being in the Moment…

How easy is it for you to stay in the moment?  Are you thinking of things you need to be doing while your friend/partner/ family member is trying to talk with you?  Are you always in the mode of what to do next or do you actually just BE in the moment you are in?

I, for one, have a very hard time being in the moment!  I blame it in part on trying to be productive almost all the time!  …and all the tools that allow me to do 5 things at once!  For example…Windows on the computer, Picture in Picture TV, Phones where you can surf the internet while you’re talking to someone, etc.

Some good friends of mine regularly practice yoga and do meditation…what a good goal!  Slowing down your mind and body so that you are only focusing on the current moment.  Not the past…not the future…only now.

Tip #302

For 10 minutes today, only do one thing (sleep is not included here people!).  To take it even a step further, try to actually enjoy the moment!  :-)

 

Let me know how that works out for you?

It’s a goal of mine and it would be fun to see how you make this a reality for you…  :-)

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Simplicity Tip #301 – Hurricane Force

I’ve been very fortunate and never been in the path of a hurricane of any natural origin.  There have been times for sure though when it feels as though the rest of the world is about to blow by me in a form of great destruction …or worse yet, that I’m somehow taking people down this treacherous  path with me!

 

Tip #301 

No matter the hurricane that surrounds you, do these few things and they will help…I swear!

• Get prepared!  Backpack full of food wouldn’t hurt, water charged phone, extra clothes, etc.
• Get to higher ground (don’t stay on the lower levels…move up!)
• Help rescue family, friends and animals nearby (help those around you, hurricane or no hurricane!)
• Be thankful for what you have

Definitely not an exhaustive list, but should help…

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Simplicity Tip #300 – Halloween Candy? or is there another option?

As we’re getting ready for all the wee little trick-or-treaters to be running around tomorrow in their costumes, whether scary or inspirational or just downright creative, maybe we should consider some candy alternatives to start passing out!

Since most candy isn’t really good for our health, our weight, our teeth… consider some options…

  Tip #301

  Instead of giving out candy this year, load up your candy bowl with some glow sticks, kid rings,  temporary tattoos, stickers, crayons or maybe even some unopened toys from McDonald’s Happy Meals!      :-)    Give the kids some choices and help make Halloween a little healthier!

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Simplicity Tip #296 – Sleep In! You Deserve It!

Every now and then, give yourself a break and let yourself rest a little longer in the morning!

I know, I know…some of you are saying, “but I have kids and there’s no sleeping in when you have kids!”  Well, I think there are always some options to consider…like…have your partner/spouse get up with the kids in the morning!  If you are braving the journey of single parenthood, then check in with a family member or friend to see if you child(ren) could spend the night every now and then – even once every three (3) months is better than none!  Then offer to do the same for them at some point.  Use your resources to help you stay refreshed!

 

Tip #296

Sleep in tomorrow!  Whether that means sleeping in until 8 a.m. or noon…it’s all up to you, but give it a shot.  Oftentimes, our body may need a little rest even when we don’t know it!

Now, if you are struggling a lot with depression, then I would recommend that you keep an eye on how much you’re sleeping.  Sleeping a lot can be a sign/symptom of depression.  I’ve known folks that seem to sleep all the time, so talk with your doctor if the desire to sleep is ever present for you.

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