Youth Column: How to Simplify Your Life?

A simple life has a different meaning and a different value for every person. However, in general, it means getting rid of many of the things you do, so that you can spend time with people you love and do the things that are really important to you. However, simplification isn't always an easy and simple process. It's a journey, not a destination.

Many experts have given valuable tips for simplification. The following are a few commonly advised steps that may help simplify your life.

1. Figure Out What's Really Important

Figuring out what's really important to you, what makes you happy and what are the goals for your life is the first step towards the simplification you aim to achieve. It's only when you know what's really important that you can prioritize your tasks accordingly and get things done without being stressed.

2. Analyze Your Present Routine

Spend a day analyzing how you have been spending your days. What is your daily routine like? Does it give you satisfaction in your work? Has it helped your health? Are you able to take time out for family and friends? Have you been prioritizing tasks according to what's really important? If any of these are out of whack, it's time to change the routine.

3. Get Rid of Things You Don't Use

Take a look at that old bookshelf that has piles of books gathering dust. You never read any of them twice. Don't you think you are better off distributing them to someone who could benefit from reading them? The same can be applied to your DVDs, CDs, gadgets et al. Either sell them or give them away. Simplify.

4. Don't Buy Things You Might Not Use

The reason you had that enormous collection of books or DVDs in the first place was because you bought them thinking they'd be of great help. So, from now on, only buy things you are likely to use — and use often. When it comes to books and movies, you can borrow or rent them instead of buying each new thing that comes out.

5. De-clutter and Organize Your Home & Workplace

De-clutter your desk, de-clutter your desktop, de-clutter your workspace. Just get started on cleaning up the mess that's surrounding you. Make things look clean and simple around you. This is an important step in simplifying your life.

6. Delegate and Get Help

No matter how organized you are, if your work grows, you are bound to get overwhelmed if you are doing it all alone. Delegating tasks to others who can do it better than you, collaborating with friends in various aspects of life, seeking help from someone who knows it better — all this helps to keep you sane and carry on with life without getting stressed and frustrated.

7. Take "Time for Self" Every Day

If you let the batteries in your camera die, it doesn't work. Don't neglect your own personal batteries. Take what sociologists call "time for self" every day. Figure out what replenishes you — a daily walk, yoga, practicing guitar or a warm bath before bed — then incorporate it into your routine.

In conclusion, in order to simplify life:

Identify what's most important to you.
Eliminate everything else.

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"Permanent, meaningful and real success is achieved through virtues only. For example, hard work, courage, patience, perseverance and focused efforts can lead to glorious achievements and progress." — Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

"Mother Nature has made available in her treasure, all the essential items required to sustain life. More the thing is needed, equally easy is its availability." — Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

"Ananda-param-anandah, Sah Bodhah Tvam Sukham Chara — You are that Supreme-Consciousness-Bliss. With this in mind, live happily." — Ashtavakra to Janaka