As a new year begins, many people make resolutions and pledges in hopes to living a happier and healthier lifestyle. That usually means making changes to the way you currently live.
“Most doctors will be quick to tell you the benefit to simplifying your life, is a decrease in stress,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, one of Florida’s leading healthcare insurance providers. “Reducing stress levels can save your health and sanity.”
Streamlining your life is not a new idea. The simplicity movement is taking hold and has many followers who believe you can be more with less.
Writer and Minimalist, Joshua Becker has a website, becomingminimalist.com, where he shares 10 tips on how to simplify your life and the benefits it offers.
- Possessions – We love our belongings, but sometimes they can begin to take over and complicate our lives. Becker recommends removing the non-essentials. Salvation Army or Goodwill are reliable charities that will accept your donations. Some stores such as H&M and Ann Taylor will offer a discount on your purchases in exchange for your used clothing.
- Time Commitments – Extracurricular activities are great, but they can become a drain on your time. “Remove activities that are not in line with your greatest values,” recommends Becker.
- Goals – Setting goals for your life will no doubt help you create purpose, but too many goals can be overwhelming and cause you to lose focus. Put your efforts toward one achievement at a time. Once that is accomplished you can focus on your next goal.
- Negative Thoughts – Negative thoughts are useless. They consume your mind and cause depressing emotions. “If you are positive, you’ll see opportunities not obstacles,” Activist Dr. Widad Akrawi. “Positive thoughts and positive self-talk can help with stress and improve your outlook on life, improving your mental health,” says Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top health insurance agency.
- Debt – Financial debt will control you. Even if you can only do a little, start working toward getting from under its power.
- Your Words – Proverbs says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Becker urges people to communicate clearly and honestly with people, “mean what you say and avoid gossip.”
- Artificial Ingredients – It doesn’t take a doctor to know, natural is good for your body. Natural rather than artificial ingredients can boost your energy and help you feel better. Take the time to read the labels of your most often purchased foods. Check for partially hydrogenated oil, artificial sweeteners, MSG and BHA- butylated hydroxyanisole. Men’s Fitness reports, BHA is considered a carcinogen by the Department of Health and Human Services but allowed by the FDA.
- Screen Time – The amount of time you spend in front of the computer, TV or a mobile device can affect your physical and psychological health. Your attitude can be greatly influenced by the media.
- Connections to the World – Relationships with people are good but, a constant stream of distractions from social media is not healthy. Becker points out, “A steady flow of distractions from other people make us feel important needed and wanted, but feeling important and accomplishing importance are completely different things.”
- Multitasking – Multitasking deceives us into thinking we are extra productive. Research from Stanford University actually found that multitasking is less productive than performing one task at a time. Their study found it can lower your IQ and even cause brain damage. Focus on accomplishing one task at a time and doing it well, before moving on to the next thing.
Simplifying your life can help you live a healthier and happier life by reducing stress, promoting healthy behaviors, all while being “present” and living in the moment.
If you are looking for top notch health insurance in Florida, contact GreatFlorida Insurance today.
