Here’s how I’m simplifying for 2022. Hopefully, a few (or all!) of these will be helpful for you, too.
In the age of constant stimulation and overscheduling, I’ve realized that I need a break. I think, we all might. Have you, too, noticed that it all seems a little too much right now?
I think much of last year conditioned us into a different way of living. Fewer plans, less going outside, less…everything.
And now, as the world slowly opens back up, it’s like we’re thrust into a different plane. The world is different, we’re different, and it may just be time that we gave ourselves a break.
So, I’m simplifying as much as possible as we head into this new year. I want to enjoy. Simply, enjoy.
I’m typically running through the motions with lots of inner dialogue around what I could or should be doing. And, it’s exhausting. My mind and body are ready to simplify. So, here’s how I’m doing just that.
Learning to Simplify for 2022
1. Less notifications
I started working on this a few weeks ago and it feels amazing. I realized my phone was lighting up every 20-30 seconds with a new notification. Most of them weren’t even necessary to be alerted about! So, why have I left them on all this time? I think it’s my ever-ongoing fear of missing out. Damn that FOMO, I tell you.
Now, I’ve got notifications off for likes on pictures, repins on Pinterest, and more on social media that I don’t need to directly engage with. I check it less often and it feels good. It allows me to enjoy my time when I’m scrolling and engaging with friends there.
How can you simplify your notifications to give yourself a break?
2. Creating a routine and sticking to it
This has been a game-changer for my mental health, well-being, and my business. And, all I did was condense the days that I take on in-person client work. I now offer photoshoots in Atlanta on 3 specific days per week, which allows me to get to the rest of my work on the other days.
It feels so good to have those days “blocked” on my calendar for specific tasks. With how many different things I do – the book club, my podcast, my small business, @booklanguage, blogging here, etc. – it’s easy to feel lost in all of it. Now, I have dedicated days for specific types of work.
Of course, there are some exceptions, but I stick to it as best as I can.
In which ways can you create a routine or schedule to better organize your days?
3. Clean-up days
Hello, clean-up days! And, I don’t just mean around the house. I mean digital cleaning, life cleaning, the whole nine yards. I make sure that I start my week with a clean slate. I clean up my study, organize my desktop, and make sure that I’m starting the week with a bit of early morning reading.
I also saw a tip from a bookstagram friend about clearing out the photos she takes on a weekly basis. My camera roll is at about 70K photos so I could probably use this advice, oops! I’ve started the grand task of cleaning out the images and videos I no longer need, but gosh that’s going to take me a while.
What do you like to clean up before kicking off your week?
4. Knowing when to let go
This is one I struggle with. I enjoy all that I do, so letting go of what isn’t serving me anymore is really really challenging. I want to be able to do it all. I’m an over-achiever. I want to be the best at everything I do. I’m a straight-up virgo.
Yet, as a friend keeps reminding me, sometimes you need to empty your cup. My cups are so full right now I feel like I’m bursting at the seams. So, I’m putting practices and changes in place to give myself more time and space. More time to just…be.
What can you let go of before 2022?
5. Identify what brings joy
This goes hand in hand with number 4. Identify what brings joy. I know I feel my best when I’m reading regularly, so I am sure to start each morning with reading, regardless of whether I’m able to read 100 pages or 5 pages. I set a timer, ignore my phone, and curl up with my current read. Which, this week is THE FLATSHARE. Have you read it? It’s fantastic and all I want to do is sit and read it!
Another piece that I keep in mind here is that I do not have to monetize everything that brings me joy. I think we’re in this time of how can you monetize, how can you create another business, how can you continue to add revenue streams?
It’s okay to just enjoy. It’s okay to find joy in something and let it be, as-is.
What’s bringing you joy these days?
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