8 ways to simplify your life

Brought to you by Uncle Tobys Quick Oats.simple

In the world we live where everything is so noisy, and busy, and demanding… it can feel like you’re just treading water to keep up. We’re juggling so many things, and trying to do so much, that we often leave the basics behind. It’s easy to forget what’s really important. Here’s 8 ways to make life a little less complicated.

1. Start your day simply

This wasn’t always easy to do when Luella didn’t sleep well at night, but now my body clock wakes me every morning at 4:56am. Always. I steal an hour to myself before all the chaos starts. I eat breakfast alone. During winter it’s often porridge, on Sundays it’s eggs. The Uncle Tobys Quick Oats take just 90 seconds to cook {important when you’ve only got an hour of solitude}, and are filling and warming. And good for you. Starting the day simply sets up my mood and mind-frame for the rest of the day.

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2. Clear your mind

So you know you’ve got things you need to do, and those things keep swirling around in your head: Pick up Lacey from school, take Bronte to the vet, buy Sarah a birthday gift, call Stuart at 10am… and they just keep swirling around in your mind. I like to do a brain fart, where I just get out every possible thing that’s on my mind onto paper. Then I sort what I can do today, and what needs doing later. It goes into a to-do list, or into my diary.

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3. Accept help or get help

You truly don’t have to do things alone. This week I decided that I’m going to invest in a cleaner to come fortnightly and do the bathrooms, and the floors thoroughly. Everyone I know who has a cleaner never regrets spending that money, and I hope I’m the same.

4. Go back to basics

Every Saturday I got the markets with my granny trolley {totally cool am I!} and fill it with fresh produce from the local markets. I get all the fruit and vegetables I need for a week for $39 {it’s always my challenge to get it under $40}. I also get really good red meat {we try and eat it just once a week} and fresh fillets of salmon from the local fish guy. Saturday lunch is often fresh sourdough bread, awesome avocado and fresh tomato that has never been in the fridge {don’t put your tomatoes in the fridge people!}.

5. Accept that sometimes done is better than perfect

Something I inherited from my Ma is that I like things to be perfect. So over the years I’ve accepted that done is better than perfect. I’ve mastered the speed clean {or how to fake a clean home}, and although I’ve still got a washing basket of junk in my wardrobe… my lounge room is tidy and my mind is calm.

6. Find some direction

This is a fun one. Grab a huge piece of white cardboard and a whole heap of magazines and spend a couple of hours creating a vision board. Get your dreams out onto the paper. If your mind isn’t so caught up in the busy of everyday life, and has some head in the cloud-type thinking you’ve got something to strive for. Trust me, it sounds like you’re complicating life by having lofty goals and dreams, but it’s quite the opposite. You’ve create a process of sorts and you’re working towards something wonderful {a holiday is a great goal!}.

7. Get with your senses

This is a great one I learnt from speaking to author and life coach Shannah Kennedy. Get back to your five senses. If you’re doing something as basic as washing your hands, focus on it. Feel it. Feel the water over your hands. Smell the soap. OK, I know you’re laughing at me, aren’t you? But seriously try it. It’s like eating amazing chocolate mousse. You can just inhale that baby, or you can really taste, feel and enjoy every mouthful.

8. Be grateful

Grab yourself a journal and just be grateful. I use this Kikki-K 365 journal. Spend a minute or two just before bed and write what you’re grateful for each day. Be grateful for the big things, the complicated things. The small things, and the simple things.

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To celebrate the simple things in life, I’ve got a beautiful bundle of goodies thanks to Uncle Toby’s Quick Oats. One lucky person will get a huge hamper of Quick Oats {and traditional oats for days when you can move a little slower}, $200 to spend on a session with a nutritionist, a 365 journal from Kikki-K to practice daily gratitude and Simplify, Structure, Succeed by Shannah Kennedy. Simply comment below and share which of the above tips you use in your life or would like to use in your life, and why.

win-simple
{boring bits}
One entry per person.
Open to Australian residents only.
Competition closes 6th July 2014.

The winner of this competition is Bettina R.

98 thoughts on “8 ways to simplify your life”

  1. I am a morning exerciser and work a fairly intense job. I now set my alarm 10 minutes early, so even though I’m up and at it before 6, I can have that 10 minutes lying in bed, thinking about the day and getting calm. I find then I’m less tired than with that extra ten minutes of snoozing, and it’s when I have some of my best ideas!

  2. I’ve been using No. 8 – Grateful. My husband and I try to each night while eating dinner tell each other one or two good things that happened during day no matter how small. It makes dinner much nicer and helps us focus on something good even when the day was been a shocker.

  3. This post couldn’t have come at a better time. I am a first time mum, my little girl has just turned 2mnths old & although having a baby feels like the single greatest thing I have ever done!!!! It can be tricky! Like eating breakfast when bbau just wants to koala on my chest all day long, the same with cleaning the house. Getting with the senses & being grateful would help clear the mind aswell! Might need to print this!

  4. I am going to leave this blog open on my iPad! It’s so true….the hamper would be great to win but these ideas are something I’m going to try! I love it!

  5. No. 5 Accept sometimes done is better than perfect, speaks very loudly to me, in fact it SCREAMS! I’ve struggled with myself over ‘perfection’ for all of my adult life, it’s taken me years to compromise with myself, it’s still a daily struggle, and the tragic thing is its not even over important things! But I’ve learnt to weigh up the importance of done and moving on with what’s important, and that’s living well, or to the best of your ability, My cutlery draw still has to be neat, but I’ve hidden the folding in the spare room!

  6. Oh, Chantelle this is perfect! I have been thinking of getting a cleaner and I might just do that!! It’s hard to not feel guilty about it, but it frees up time to find some direction, set some goals!

  7. Its #1 for me, sometimes its more rushed than I would like, but my morning simple gets me off on the right foot for the day.

  8. I am a big fan of daily reminders of the good things that happen each day. A lot of peace and happiness can come for being grateful for the good, no matter how big or small. I also start every day with breakfast and time on my own to get geared for the day ahead!

  9. I try to put my oats in to soak overnight, so that I ‘set myself up for success’ for the next day by having a nutritious brekkie! I often try to do step 2 aswell- what you call a ‘brain fart’, I call ‘having too many tabs open in my brain.’ Love spewing it forth onto paper! Xxx

  10. For me it would be number 6. Finding some clarity in direction would certainly make life easier to enjoy and less complicated. A vision board will be my goal this weekend! Thanks for the great reminders.

  11. I feel like I often focus on the negatives in my life and it ends up weighing me down. Truly though I do have so much to be thankful for, if I started writing down one thing I was grateful for everyday, it would make finding the positives so much simpler! I love all these tips (and porridge haha!) , good to remember!

  12. Some awesome ideas. I too have had to learn that done is better than perfect for some things thanks to an inherited need for getting things just so. I have just started 6 weeks holidays with no set plans and have decided that creating a vision board is just what I need to get the most out of my free time.

  13. I also love the farmers market. Every Saturday morning I head to the farmers market and pick up our fruit, veggies and meat as well as a pretty bunch of flowers (they make me smile!). My husband doesn’t like the market so he stays home and does some housework and plays the PS4 til I get home and then we go out for brunch at the same place we always go to. It’s a lovely little routine.
    I am a perfectionist so I need to get better at letting go and just getting things done. Also at being more grateful!
    Great tips Chantelle.

  14. I have been implementing No. 7 – and trying to do this with most facets of my life, and boy does it make a difference, you are not crazy at all lol! And I would really like to implement No.s 5 & 8. I struggle with being able to get things done due to wanting them to be perfect, but really in todays times and time restrictions, done will have to do, I need to let that go for sure. And being grateful is something I really want to focus on, I think it will help on my get healthy journey too, it all goes hand in hand to be able to change the inside with the outside 🙂

  15. some great ideas to work into day to day life I just wish I could slow down for a moment hours seem to rush by and before I know it time has gotten away with itself and another day/week/month has come and gone without me stopping to smell the roses

  16. Totally agree with Number 3 … asking for help doesn’t mean you’ve failed and if getting a cleaner means you can spend more time with hubby or the kids or just get some time for yourself then it will be worth every cent it costs!

  17. Number 2…clear your mind, it’s much easier said than done, that one! But, I’m a huge fan of lists! There is no better feeling (for me,anyway) than striking one of those jobs off your list! have a little notebook beside me in bed so, that if I wake through the night I can jot it down, clear the mind, and, hopefully slip back to sleep.

  18. I love a list. There is something immensely satisfying about crossing things off. I gave been known to write things after they are done so they are crossed off immediately. 🙂

  19. Accept that done is better than perfect! I need to do this; I am such a perfectionist! As a child, I was always told “it’s not good enough”. Now, I’m an adult- and I should know by now, yes, yes it is good enough. My email is kpbara24@gmail.com 🙂

  20. I too have just asked for help and now have a cleaner come every 3 weeks to make my bathroom sparkle and mop the floors. I felt guilty about it for so long but it is the best feeling and money well spent to have that one less task to worry about. Now I can focus on work, renovating, hanging with my partner and playing with my furbaby!

  21. I love number two. I’m currently the type of person who wakes in the middle of the night remembering things I need to do (or more usually, things I have already forgotten). Getting this out at the start of the day is such a simple (wish I’d thought of it) idea!

  22. It’s all about Number One for me – Breakfast is the cornerstone to me getting it right for the rest of the day!! When I’m making good choice (aka Oats) I think better, my attitude is better and eat better, but when I’m made bad choice (aka, eating my fiance’s chocolate stash) I just know that a bad start = a bad day. I’m learning to take the extra 90 second and cook myself a good start!

  23. I was doing so well with my early mornings but then I over committed to life again so back to my working until 1am freelancing stuff. Must get back to my early mornings, I love them.

  24. We also start the day simply, no 1, and have become addicted to these uncle Toby’s oat sachets! I would like to follow number 5 more- done is better than perfect. So often I get tied up in the having to do things to a certain standard that they may not get done at all- it all becomes too difficult. And finally, I love the idea of a gratitude journal, and have been thinking about this for some time so I can really reflect upon the small and beautiful things, particularly with a toddler, time really flys.

  25. No. 1 Simplicity and No. 4 Getting back to basics – bot help to keep this Mumma of two sane and grounded most days

  26. You’ve inspired me to appreciate my oats in the morning ( I thought I was just being boring) My inspiration board is a blackboard filled with goals. I love the little goals to set yourself, get all the fruit and vegies for under $40 – perfect! To do list.. mine are all over the house, and I know its time to get the diary back out as I used to do this when younger all the time. This should help me to let it all go.

  27. I have a cleaner once a fortnight and it’s a game changer. I set myself the 101 things in 1001 days challenge because everyone needs a purpose, right? I want to make a vision board too. It’s on my list of things to do. I start every morning with gratitude, because I woke up and that’s a great start! I definitely need to get better at number 2 (my brain is always so busy) and I love the idea of number 7. Top tips, Chantelle, thanks for sharing!

  28. Definitely No.1 Start my day simply – my kids are early birds so instead of cursing it every single day I should embrace it and enjoy what is usually the most beautiful time of day…….and also be grateful for the 2 loads of washing I get done before most people are even out of bed 😉

  29. Lists are my must do! Once everything is out of my head and on a post-it note or five I feel like I can start the day…. saying this I tend to do this whilst I eat my chocolate oats with strawberries/banana and indulge in my morning cup of brew.

  30. Chantelle!

    This post could not have come at a more perfect time! At a true cross road in my life and struggling
    daily with a million thoughts in my head, every point you have covered I cannot
    wait to take on. I am a little please with myself that Point 1 and 4 I am
    already trying to do at the moment. I love the peaceful moment in the morning –
    when the day is full of opportunity (and I have a fresh coffee in front of
    me!). And Point 4 I have started a Saturday routine of shops and markets also. Having
    recently moved into a cute little apartment after travelling for 2 years, it is
    nice to have a place to do routine things again, like cooking and basically
    enjoying home life!

    I look forward to taking on the other 6 steps!!

  31. I think I’m already following most of your tips in my quest to Simplify. But I think I need direction before it all stalls. I’m trying to engage my husband in the process so we can grow as a family to live simply and happy. Perhaps I should journal my gratitude of how far I’ve come on my journey to simplify 🙂

  32. Oh what an amazing opportunity to simplify… just what is needed in this household! Thanks so much for the opportunity.

  33. #7 – appreciating and using my senses more is what i aim to do, because children engage in sensory exploration and their lives are full of wonder,adventure and joy. I use #8 (currently listed in my kikki k cute diary).

  34. I’ve just had my second baby 3 weeks ago and am trying to also run our family business.
    Today in the shower I decided to get help.. Pay to have my bathrooms floors and windows done fortnightly lol! I hate doing it, I know I will never regret it, and the day I usually spend cleaning can now be put towards the business.
    $50 it so well spent I think!!
    “Done is better than perfect”
    “Done by someone else is perfect” I say!!

  35. Hi. Thanks for a great post. I won’t enter the comp because we already have a gratitude diary and have worked really hard on our diets recently. (Hopefully some wonderful person in need of these things will win!!) But I wanted to say great post and very timely for our family. We are struggling to get direction as our life has taken an unexpected rh turn. But we are ready and waiting with the butchers paper and it won’t be long til we are off and racing again I hope!!

  36. Number 2 is where id like to be, i over think and over analyze then suffer paralysis by analysis, so to just stop and think would give me time to breathe and then i could jot those thoughts done in my wonderful little diary. Thank you so much for the chance to win. Oh and i LOVE oats, any which way, sometimes even for tea works for us 🙂

  37. The oats. I’m totally down with the 90 seconds it takes for me to make a healthy easy and filling breakfast for myself and my daughter every weekday morning (I’m an egg girl on the weekends too, when the morning rush should be more leisurely) x

  38. Breakfast – and Being Grateful. Essentials of life, you are so right Chantelle!. Breakfast in my opinion (and those of nutritional qualifications agree) platforms the day – I feel weak and unenergised when I don’t have breakfast. My tips are I either soak oats overnight and add some rhubarb or peaches and a large dob of yummy yoghurt – or doing the ‘oats so cheat’ plan – starts by boiling your kettle and skull a great glass of water to kick start that metabolism. Pour boiling water over (any kind of) oats. I love Australian Oats with some dried fruit. Shower or dress or pack ready to go. Add yoghurt to the oats. Grab coffee. Sit in my morning nook and enjoy. Best start.
    And coming from a positive person, Being Grateful can actually be really hard to do in a world full of angry drivers, power hungry authoritive figures, and people with mean agendas. But look beyond those moments and see the sunrises, have a laugh over coffee in the tea room and be kind to those who are being mean because maybe they are actually craving some kindness in their lives. Or maybe not. But you’ll feel better for being kind and not lowering yourself to being mean in return.
    My final tip – when you pass someone in a hall or a quiet street – smile and say Hello! Where has the neighbourly friendliness and classic Australian charm gone? Bring it back I say!

  39. I totally agree with accepting that sometimes done is better than perfect!

    My worst household chores are a toss-up between the garbage bin and ironing! The first makes me want to throw up the latter is so dull and boring I would rather listen to a radio talk back show (in a language I don’t even speak) while plucking my armpit hair, than press metal to cloth! Nevertheless these chores have to be done!

    To combat the bin stench I sprinkle bicarbonate of soda in the bottom in a bid to deodorise the bin just a little. A few quarter slices of lemon or lime in the bins help with the pong too, which gives me an excuse to indulge in a few Gin & Tonics or Lemon, Lime and Bitters just so I can throw the leftover citrusy slices in the bin.

    When it comes to ironing I can only manage it in small bursts or I lose the will to live! Ha, ha! I set up the ironing board in the lounge and plonk the basket of clothes next to it. I then settle down on the couch to watch my weekly dose of “Bold and the Beautiful” which I have recorded. I iron one or two things every ad break and then settle back on the couch in between ads for my next installment of what my husband calls “brothel TV”! This makes ironing just bearable!

    Adding a little spark to the things you dislike doing can make them just that little bit more enjoyable!

  40. I try to be grateful, even for the smallest things in life. If I can’t fall asleep – instead of worrying and letting my mind go everywhere, I start thinking of all the things for which I’m grateful. It’s a great way to drift off to dreamland!!

  41. Hi everyone, I use a gratitude jar not a journal, I also start my day by making a list which helps clear my head and clarifies what I want or need to do, and I have made big break-throughs with myself and now enjoying the fact that I’m not perfect and that’s okay and if something is not done or not finished there is always a new day tomorrow.

  42. I am about to have my second baby and I am commencing maternity leave this afternoon! These tips are fabulous and have come just at the right time for me to evaluate things right before things get batsh!t crazy around our place.
    I am hopeless at doing things for myself, I am going to get me some white paper, washi tape and create me a vision board.
    I absolutely love “ME” time before everyone gets up. Everyone starts the day better when you have time to wake up without chaos in your face.
    Thanks for your post. LOVE IT!!

  43. Trying really hard to stay in tune with #8 right now… finding something to be grateful for instead of the frustration at the disappearance of my eloquently worded reply as I ‘logged in with facebook’ to post it.

    I am grateful I have access to great technology… Really I am. It’s just easy to forget in the moments of frustration that arise in using said technology!
    Yep, practising #8 will sure help stoke my satisfaction fire and realign an all too easily skewed perspective.

  44. 5. Accept that sometimes done is better than perfect. Something I struggle with on a DAILY basis!

  45. accept help or get help- I think this is the most important one for me!!! Have a cleaner now an feels wonderful that I can focus on so many other things whilst the house is always clean!!!

  46. I live with three messy people, (husband and two kids). I am naturally neat, not a match made in heaven. I like your sometimes done is better than perfect. My husband will never clean or tidy up the way I it done. But if I accecpt that done can be better than perfect, it means I get a cleanish/neatish-kind-of house and I’m not stresssed and no one is cranky. So it ends up being a win win situation! Like your tips, will have to try and do a few more of them!

    Kim. galwayst@hotmail.com

  47. I totally agree with number 5. If I don’t get something finished perfectly I always say close enough is good enough.

  48. I read an article about a lady who had a stroke when she was 35. She talked about living in the moment. I never full understood this concept. It seems like such a simple statement. Am I right in thinking your “Get with your senses” completely fits with living in the moment? With my own son having had a stroke when he was three, I always feel like my head is full. I’m going to give “get with your senses a try”

    • That’s exactly what it’s about. I struggle with being present too, but this makes you stop and focus on what you’re doing… training for you to be more present in life.

      At first you get distracted and your mind tries to take you else where, to things you need to do… but you have to keep bringing it back to what you’re doing. x

  49. Hi !! This was a great article to read … Just
    the tomatoes .. Only the not so ripe ones are kept outside … the rest go inside the fridge …

  50. Journaling is one of the ways I return to keeping things simple. It is nice to get in touch with myself and take a break from being connected online.

  51. First of all, I love this post! I need to take on board a couple of these tips – so much so I have printed this out!!!

    I really need to accept done is better than perfect. I started the 365 challenge but fell off the wagon and I always talk about imaging things and believing, so a vision board is the top of my list! Doing things on my own is a big challenge and habit I need to work on, I mean, It isn’t failing asking for help right??

    Thank for this post Chantelle! I love it and it came at just the right time with a new job, 2 kiddos and a busy 2nd half of the year! x

  52. I agree with doing a mind dump- with so many thoughts rushing through my head, I find getting them out and onto paper allows me to see what needs to be done, rather than having anxious thoughts about there being “so much to do”.

  53. I love this post! I am always trying to simplify my life, it makes me feel better! I’m going to have to get Shannah’s book.

  54. I need to get better at the “done is better than perfect” philosophy, I’m trying! But it’s the grateful-every-day practice I’d like to get on board with. I’ve been meaning to buy a journal for that very reason, I think when you commit to putting it on paper, it makes it easier to pinpoint the little things you should be grateful for.

  55. Hello Chantelle – love this post as it has been a big mantra of mine lately. I am trying to keep things simple and life is so much better for it. I now need to work on getting that help I have been talking about and really do need to accept that done is better than perfect! Great prize (love my oats on these winter mornings)! Leanne

  56. 8. Be grateful
    I have started doing this, this year! It is nice to reflect on your day and realise that there is something good in every day. It’s nice to look back when you’re having a bad day and read all the good things that happen to you.

  57. Every night before I go to sleep, I mentally run through the things that I am grateful for. It’s a personal list. It doesn’t need to be advertised with others. But it needs to be said, even if only in my own head.

  58. I’ve had to get help by hiring a guy to mow the lawns. It has made a huge difference in my life and takes a big job off the to-do list for me.

  59. I am definitely of the close enough is good enough school so done is better than perfect. The other thing I do to simplify things is to stop (over) thinking and just do! I would so love to see a nutritionist as I’m really trying to focus on my health after years of neglecting myself!

  60. Clearing my mind has been a big one for me & exercise has been my answer. I stated a year ago basically putting my exercise first & as an appointment in my diary (we’ve all heard it over & over again, but it really works). A bonus was I made some good friends with the girls at the gym & now I feel like I’m letting them down if I don’t go. A year on, I’m feeling clearer in my mind, stronger & ready to take on anything.

  61. No 8 Be grateful. I need to realise how wonderful my life is, and be grateful for all the joy I see everyday. I am blessed.

  62. Accept help or get help – for 3 years I have said yes, I’ll get a cleaner in. It never happened – I am going to phone tomorrow and make that happen!!! I have two boys a wonderful husband and a very stressful and difficult job – every hint is something I need to make happen – simplify and untangle my world 🙂

  63. 7. Get with your senses – I have to remember this one, the days are so busy with work, family ,
    Friends so I think getting back to the basics is a great idea.

  64. I love these tips 🙂 Being a teacher of little ones, I really need long lasting energy. The Uncle Toby’s quick oats sachets are my lifesource! My day is always so much better when I’ve gotten a proper brekky. Never really thought of it as therapeutic, but I love the ritual (in a non-OCD way

  65. This year is all about finding direction. I have rediscovered the joy of writing and am working at simplifying and working into my life the other tips so I can spend ”me’ time doing what I love.

  66. Definitely clear your mind. If I don’t have a calendar, schedule and to do list I get overwhelmed and all over the place!

  67. I have learned and need to keep learning to get with my senses. I really struggled to make a smooth transition from on-the-go, fast-paced career woman to full-time Mum a few years ago. I had no idea of the patience and flexibility required to look after a child! Or that I would have zero time for myself. But then I discovered PAD… The simple task of taking my photo each day grounded me, by making me take a snippet of the day for myself to focus on the texture or smell or colour of something in my surroundings. So now I try to make sure that I spend a little time each day being mindful and living in the moment.

  68. I think I need to do all of them, so I’m going to set one task a week to focus on and build on them each week. I particularly liked the tomatoes comment – that is one thing I do! They never go in the fridge. The difference is amazing. At least I can tick a small thing off 🙂

  69. I could do with implementing points 5 & 6 above into my life, but am happy to know that I do do some of those listed! Number one makes the biggest difference to my day. On the days I get up at 5.30am, before everyone else in the house, and get to the gym for the 6am class, my day flows most smoothly. It gives me my ‘me time’, gets the endorphins going, and sets me up for the day. My exercise is done, and it sets me up for healthier eating (bizarrely!). I find it easier to get to work on time, have a productive day, and get everyone out the door for school. Everyone benefits 🙂

  70. I am trying to be more grateful, have been thinking about getting one of the kikki k 365 journals. Being grateful for things helps to put life in perspective

  71. Going back to basics 🙂 We now cook everything from scratch at our house. Cutting out all the processed nasties has done wonders for our health and bodies 🙂

  72. I would love to create the habit of keeping a gratitude journal. I tried once but it only lasted about two weeks before it fell by the wayside. It really does change your way of thinking and living though, being so much more appreciative of what you have.

  73. Wow time to be grateful so often we are filled with the I can’t and failures rather than celebrating successes and the things we are grateful for

  74. Absolutely the first! I too wake early, to get a good head start on the day before my 3 beautiful (with boundless energy) boys rise to attack their day. It grants me focus, even if it is only for an hour-it’s amazing how organised you can be without distractions!

  75. I practise gratitude each night using a fantastic gratitude app and I am trying to be more mindful each day for each of my senses. The big one I need to do more of is accepting that done is better than perfect. In fact, in trying to be perfect, far less actually gets done which defeats the whole point!

  76. I have used vision boards for years – great tool for focus! And gratitude is huge for me as a cancer survivor. Well, so is clean eating for that matter. Great tips!

  77. ‘Something is better than perfect’. Five toys picked up off the floor is better than five toys left on the floor, even if there are still a million others there. It works!

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