Did you know that July 12^th is National Simplicity Day? It’s celebrated in honor of poet and philosopher Henry David Thoreau who advocated living a simple life. As someone who has spent years trying to achieve work-life harmony, I can attest to the fact that simplifying your life can help you unlock the path to joy.

Here are some tips to simplify your life and cultivate joy:

• Declutter your home. Physical clutter can cause a lot of stress. Decluttering and simplifying your home can lift a heavy burden off your shoulders, creating a joyful home with fewer distractions. Spend 10 to 15 minutes a day decluttering, tackling one section of your home at a time. If you haven’t used something in over 6 months, consider giving it away to someone who could use it.

• Create curated news feeds. In this age of smartphones and the 24 hour news cycle, many people suffer from headline stress disorder. When you’re constantly bombarded with negative news from all directions, it’s only natural to feel anxious and overwhelmed. Creating a curated news feed with selected sources that you trust is one way to simplify your life and ease your anxiety.

• Say goodbye to toxic people. Toxic people can drain your precious time and energy, leaving you feeling depleted. Identify the people in your life who make you feel this way. Try talking to them about how they make you feel. If they continue to be a source of toxic energy in your life, consider keeping a healthy distance from them. Simplify your life and stay away from the drama.

• Define your goals. Sometimes it’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way, but taking on too much can lead to overwhelm and burnout. In order to be more intentional with your time, get clear on your goals and values, and only take on projects that align with them.

• Make time for simple pleasures. Create pockets of time in your schedule to enjoy simple pleasures like having breakfast with your family, reading a good book, or going for a walk in the park. This helps you to slow down and live in the moment instead of mindlessly jumping from one task to the next.

In the spirit of National Simplicity Day, use one of these tips to simplify your life today!

For more tips to lead a joyful life, check out my book, The Elevation Approach, available in stores now.

In harmony,

TW