If you feel overwhelmed, adopt these 9 simplicity principles

Graeme Richards by Graeme Richards | May 24, 2024, 8:41 am

Feeling overwhelmed is a state we all find ourselves in from time to time. It’s like facing a mountain when you’re only equipped with a tiny spade.

That’s where the beauty of simplicity comes in. Adopting a few simplicity principles can turn that mountain into manageable molehills.

Simplicity isn’t about minimalism or deprivation. It’s about making space for what truly matters in your life.

In this article, I’m going to share with you 9 simplicity principles that can help you declutter your mind and life when things get overwhelming. Trust me, they’re game-changers!

1) Embrace the power of ‘No’

Overwhelm often comes from an overloaded schedule or to-do list. Suddenly, you’re juggling too many balls, and it feels like they’re all about to drop.

That’s where the power of ‘No’ comes in.

Saying ‘No’ is one of the most effective simplicity principles you can adopt. It’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing what truly matters to you.

Let’s be honest, we often say ‘Yes’ when we want to say ‘No’. We fear letting people down, missing out or facing conflict. But in doing so, we end up letting ourselves down by taking on more than we can handle.

Start embracing the power of ‘No’. It’ll feel uncomfortable at first, but with time, you’ll see how it helps reduce overwhelm.

Remember, every time you say ‘Yes’ to something unimportant, you’re saying ‘No’ to something that truly matters. Turn that around and see your life simplify.

2) One thing at a time

I used to be a serial multitasker. I believed that juggling multiple tasks at once made me productive. Boy, was I wrong!

Over time, I realized that multitasking was a major contributor to my feelings of overwhelm. I’d be knee-deep in one task, only to be distracted by another task, then another, and so on. At the end of the day, I’d have a bunch of half-finished projects and a heap of frustration.

That’s when I decided to adopt the principle of doing one thing at a time.

Now, instead of flitting between tasks, I focus on one thing, finish it, and then move on to the next. This approach has transformed my productivity and significantly reduced my feelings of overwhelm.

By focusing on one thing at a time, I am giving my full attention and energy to that task. Not only does this increase the quality of my work, but it also allows me to complete tasks more efficiently.

This principle isn’t just about work; it applies to all areas of life. Whether you’re cleaning your house, spending time with your family or working on a hobby – give it your undivided attention. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can achieve – and enjoy – when you’re fully present.

3) Declutter your space

Chaos outside often leads to chaos inside. A cluttered environment can significantly contribute to feelings of overwhelm, while a clean, organized space can promote calmness and focus.

Interestingly, a study conducted by Princeton University found that physical clutter in your surroundings competes for your attention, leading to decreased performance and increased stress.

So, make it a habit to regularly declutter your living and working spaces. Create a system for things like mail, dishes, and laundry so they don’t pile up. Dedicate a few minutes each day to tidying up.

Remember, your environment is a reflection of your mind. By maintaining a clutter-free space, you’re also fostering a clutter-free mind. This simple principle can go a long way in helping you regain control when feeling overwhelmed.

4) Practice mindfulness

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, constantly worrying about the past or future. This can significantly contribute to feelings of overwhelm.

One of the most effective ways to combat this is by practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment, focusing on what you’re doing right now.

By practicing mindfulness, you can reduce anxiety, improve focus and create a sense of calm. Even a few minutes of mindful breathing or meditation can make a significant difference.

So, take some time each day to be present. Whether it’s during your morning coffee, on a walk or while doing chores – fully immerse yourself in the moment. You’ll be surprised at how this small change can simplify your life and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

5) Prioritize self-care

When life gets busy, self-care is often the first thing we sacrifice. We believe that we’ll catch up on sleep later, eat healthier tomorrow, or exercise when we have more time. But this neglect of self-care only adds to the overwhelm.

Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s about taking care of your physical and mental health to ensure you have the energy and capacity to handle life’s challenges.

So, make it a point to prioritize self-care. Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, engage in physical activity, and take time to relax and do things you enjoy.

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. By taking care of yourself, you’re better equipped to handle whatever life throws at you without feeling overwhelmed.

6) Express gratitude

Life can throw some pretty tough curveballs our way, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated. In those moments, it can be beneficial to take a step back and focus on gratitude.

Gratitude is more than just saying ‘thank you’. It’s about recognizing the good in your life, the small joys and blessings that often go unnoticed when we’re caught up in the chaos.

Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It could be something as simple as a hot cup of coffee, a loved one’s smile, or the roof over your head.

Focusing on gratitude helps shift your perspective from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. This simple act of appreciation can bring a sense of peace and simplicity to your life, helping alleviate feelings of overwhelm.

7) Disconnect to reconnect

I once found myself in a state of constant overwhelm, feeling like I was always on, always reachable, and increasingly stressed. It was like being in a room with a thousand voices, all demanding my attention.

That’s when I decided to disconnect. I started limiting my screen time, logging off social media, and silencing my phone notifications.

The effect was almost immediate. I found more time for myself and my loved ones. I was able to focus more on the present, rather than being constantly distracted by the digital world.

So, try disconnecting once in a while. Even if it’s just for an hour each day or a full day each week. Use that time to reconnect with yourself, with nature, with loved ones.

Disconnecting from the digital world allows you to reconnect with your real world, offering a sense of simplicity and calm amidst the overwhelm.

8) Slow down

In our fast-paced society, we’re often encouraged to do more, achieve more, and be more. But this constant race can leave us feeling overwhelmed and burnt out.

One of the most effective ways to combat this is by slowing down. It’s about taking the time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, to breathe, to simply be.

Slowing down doesn’t mean being lazy or unproductive. It means intentionally choosing to live at a pace that allows you to enjoy life, rather than rushing through it.

So, take time to savor your meals, have meaningful conversations, watch the sunset or read a good book. By slowing down, you can simplify your life and create space for what truly matters, reducing feelings of overwhelm.

9) Accept imperfection

The pursuit of perfection can be a major source of overwhelm. We strive for the perfect home, the perfect job, the perfect life. But perfection is an illusion.

Accepting imperfection doesn’t mean settling for less. It means acknowledging that life is messy, unpredictable and beautifully imperfect.

By accepting imperfection, you free yourself from unrealistic expectations and self-imposed stress. You learn to appreciate life as it is, with all its ups and downs.

So, let go of the idea of perfection. Embrace your imperfections, as well as those of others and the world around you. This acceptance can bring a sense of simplicity and peace, helping alleviate feelings of overwhelm.

Final thoughts: Simplicity is a journey

The beauty of simplicity lies in its transformative power. It is not just about decluttering your physical surroundings or minimizing your to-do list. It’s a deeper, more intentional approach to living.

Adopting these simplicity principles can help combat feelings of overwhelm and bring greater clarity, peace, and joy into your daily life. But remember, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Just like fingerprints, our experiences of overwhelm and our journeys towards simplicity are unique. What works for me may not work for you, and vice versa.

Embrace this journey with patience and kindness towards yourself. Try different strategies, see what resonates with you, and most importantly, give yourself grace through the process.

The journey towards simplicity isn’t about arriving at a destination; it’s about continuously learning, growing, and making space for what truly matters in your life.

Remember, in the grand tapestry of life, it’s the simple threads that often hold everything together. Embrace them, cherish them, allow them to guide you towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.