Book review: How to simplify your life

I picked up the book called How to simplify your life by Tiki Kustenmacher and I found it to be quite insightful. I often have a terrible time dealing with stress and anxiety and so I anticipated that this book could relieve some agony.

The book is divided into seven parts: 1. Things. 2. Finances  3. Time
4. Health   5. Relationships  6. Partnerships     7. Yourself

Here are a few things I learnt about how to simplify your belongings/finances and time:

1. The book suggests that the biggest stress factor in our mind is multiple tasks and not knowing where to start. The writer states that tasks can only be accomplished one at a time and that the best place to start is to get yourself organised. 

2. Clutter can sometimes be linked to obesity (study by Karen Kingston), procrastination, fear and financial problems

3. clutter sorting ideas: 4 stacks: throw, important, forward, immediate       

log things on a calendar, consistent use, use front of file, identify build up early on, keep files in good condition, 

At home: Clear everything, make it shine, sort it out (place like with like and group items together- wonderful items or trashcan items) Have a clear floor

4. Simplifying your Finances: change your thinking and start your sentences with words such as "I can, I'll learn how to, I will have.."

Avoid ‘what if’ worries and aim to achieve "financial independence  or the ability to not let money stop you from achieving your goals.

Some other financial tips: pay in cash, trim down your lifestyle, look for a new job every year, reduce your possessions and replace the word money with reality. I.e. “I am doing this for the reality” rather than “I am doing this for the money”

 Always be fair with financial transactions, set up own company by: setting high goals, getting a mentor, selling benefits not products, standing by your own name and setting reasonable prices 

5. Simplifying your time:

#Feel accomplished by remembering 14 things you do each day

#Look at small more manageable steps in order to reduce fear

 # enjoy your time now-spend more time looking, belly breathing, relax in a garden

 # Do tasks one at a time

6. Relationships:

# Think of the emotional bank account

7. Health:

#Dinner is not a necessity-eat less in the evening

# practice isometric exercises

# drink more water, avoid tea and coffee

# if you cannot sleep remember that it may also be effective to have 3  25 min rest periods and one 90 minute rest period-This can help in the short term (proven for sailors)

8. Yourself and your life

#Identify your strengths

My favorite quotes: 

 " My mistakes make me unique and valuable"