My Alcohol Detox Update

Hi there! As I mentioned in a recent blog post, I'm currently on a 30 day alcohol detox which I started last Tuesday 6th April (the day after Easter Monday in the UK.)

After a week off the booze I feel brighter, more upbeat and I have started to have some better nights sleep. For motivation, I've been listening to the alcohol free podcasts, Alcohol-Free Life by Janey Lee Grace and Over the Influence, as well as rereading The 10-day Alcohol Detox Plan by Lewis David. According to David, it can take up to 10 days for alcohol to leave your system depending on your previous drinking. I know, that's quite alarming isn't it? After, my 3 month no alcohol stint in 2019 I know that I can do 30 days. 

Alcohol is a very addictive substance and like any bad habit that we may fall into, the initial period of abstinence can leave us with diminished dopamine. But if we hold tight and stay alcohol free, those levels of dopamine can normalise and other benefits begin to happen. 

I'm going to hold onto that promise as well as my alcohol free drink of choice.  With the wine witch ever watchful (she loves 6pm) I'm following Janey Lee Grace's mantra of, "Keep the ritual, change the ingredients." Wish me luck and I'll keep you posted xo

Short Hair and a List

No it's not new year but I wanted to get going with blogging again and it kind of feels like a new start as we've just had Easter and the clocks went forward just over a week ago.

I definitely have the most energy at this time of year and so I thought I'd make my first post of 2021 a list of what I'm hoping to achieve this year. A few have already been started.

1. Be gentle with myself and others. Expect to not complete everything on this list and accept this as being normal. I would like to work on some self-improvement or self-care though. I love a challenge!

2. Commit to at least 30 days without alcohol. In 2019 I did both dry January and had 3 months without alcohol. I feel ready to give it another go. 

3. Make an inventory of my current clothes and accessories. I've been donating and selling some items over the last year and I'm working on making my wardrobe more versatile, practical and sustainable as well as smaller. 

4. Grow some veg for my community garden plot. The last couple of years I've mainly concentrated on growing flowers for cutting.

5. Clear some space in our tiny garden for a bench. This will involve removing part of a border and putting slate there instead. 

6. Walk every day for at least 20 minutes. I usually walk every day with Tim before lunch and often have a longer walk once a week with a friend. I've also become a litter legend which gives me an excuse for an extra walk most weeks.

7.  Stop going to the hairdressers. The last time I had my hair cut professionally was December 2020 and I cut it short just over a week ago. I cut my Mum's hair before she went into a care home and have cut Tim's for several years now so I think I know what I'm doing. This is the shortest I've ever had my hair and it's so liberating.

8. Read every day for at least 20 minutes. I have plenty of books on my 'to be read' pile.

9. Try some new vegan recipes. We had a subscription to 'Vegan Food & Living' magazine as a surprise Christmas present from my brother-in-law and so I shouldn't be short of inspiration.

10. Update my blog more regularly. There's so much I want to write about and I enjoy both writing and photography so what's holding me back?

I hope you're well and keeping safe wherever you're living. I would love to hear from you. 

Claire xo

Tiny garden tour 2020

Hello there. I hope you're well and configuring your way around coronavirus. To be honest, I think my coping mechanisms are all over the place and my ability to cope changes hourly with my moods. Today I offer you an antidote, an escape, a little peep into another life - it's not a makeover perfect project just a space, a moment in history to be shared, a time when the hum of bees and the twitter of birds were more inspiring than social media, daily government briefings and the dos and don'ts of lockdown. At times lockdown has been exhausting, overwhelming and frustrating but just occasionally don't you think you're being gifted a wonderful opportunity to take stock, be authentic, still and slow down. Isn't this the way to live? Just add in your extras (mines's a takeaway soya caramel latte).

We did a 'makeover' of our tiny garden in 2014 - see it here. It's now a much more 'lived-in' space but it's giving us so much pleasure and purpose in these turbulent times. It provides us with invaluable outside space and a chance to be still, creative, nurturing and productive.

We all need escapism right now and probably will do for the foreseeable future. Whatever it takes: quiz nights, family zooming or the voyeurism of Marianne and Connell from 'Normal People' - a BBC Three series which I'm eeking out as long as I can.

I hope you enjoy my tiny garden tour and it gives you that feeling of being somewhere else.

Sending you my best wishes and love xo

Half-term Plans

I love this time of year when the leaves are at their most vibrant but I also feel a little bit sad that British Summer Time (BST) is about to end (reminder: clocks turn back next weekend). So, these last days of longer daylight hours are precious. I've decided I need a list and I need to be accountable. Here goes... a list of things that I'd like to achieve, as well as jobs that need to be done and I've also thrown in a few fun ideas too.

• Get going with a new community garden initiative that we're involved in, to revive a disused allotment site (more posts on this to follow). I've got 200 leaflets to distribute around our neighbourhood to publicise an open afternoon next weekend. We should be proud allotment owners soon.
• Visit our youngest son in Reading for the first time since we dropped him off. I can't wait to see him. We're taking Mum and also dropping in on my brother-in-law and partner who live in nearby Wokingham. I'm looking forward to some quality family time.
• Do some more painting in our hall; the walls are very marked, painted magnolia and are screaming out for some fresh white paint.
• Tidy our tiny garden, empty some summer pots and plant a few more bulbs (I've already planted some tete-a-tete bulbs).
• Hang some fairy lights in the kitchen for some winter hygge. 
• Resist the urge to have my haircut. I'm finding my pixie crop too expensive to maintain. 
• Finish reading Inside Vogue: My Diary of Vogue's 100th Year by Alexandra Shulman. I've really enjoyed this book so far.
• Visit Lyme Regis. We've got a two night stay in an airbnb.
• Read Persuasion - it's partly set in Lyme Regis.
• Choose, carve and light a pumpkin, then find a feel good film to watch for an early Halloween movie night.
• Get outside more: walk rather than drive; go for a short run; walk through the woods; listen to the sea; kick some leaves; sit on a bench with a beautiful view; watch squirrels scrabble about; do some digging in the garden; and throw some leaves into the air. 

Have a great week xo

All in Good Time

Well, here I am post half-marathon. I didn't break any records in the race but getting back to this level of fitness is a great achievement for me. Now a shorter run like a 5K is a pleasure rather than a chore. Although a rather enthusiastic run on Saturday has left me with a torn calf muscle and an enforced rest. 

Just to let you know all is well here even though I have taken an unplanned blogging break, as you may have noticed. Work has been all-consuming, but in a good way, as I'm enjoying covering a class due to a colleague's sickness. This is likely to continue until the end of this academic year but I don't mind as I'm enjoying the role of class teacher again. I'm teaching the best class I've ever taught, so I feel blessed.

Many things have had to fall by the wayside - such as reading, blogging, photography, decluttering and compiling my Friday links. I have been focusing on staying well though and my running has certainly helped with this. I gave up alcohol for April and this also gave me lots more energy and zest for life. May is all about moderation. We've been cutting down on sugar and carbohydrate too as Tim was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in February but has now got his blood glucose levels down to normal with a very careful diet and increased exercise. Michael Mosley's blood sugar diet book was instrumental in this - thank you to my friend who recommended it.

While I've been very disciplined with my work and health I have relaxed on my spending and have made a few clothing purchases. My love of clothes has not waned but my spending habits are much more considered than they once were. My year of less spending has fizzled out too but a new change is that I'm no longer managing the food planning on my own and our spending is more consistent. 

Since January I've been in the process of resetting many areas of my life. Finding a new balance between work and relaxation, minimalism and materialism and contentment and drive. I have found new focus but some areas are still a muddle. 

So, here's an unexpected blog post. Probably not the one you expected to read or I expected to write. 

A new balance is emerging and hopefully some new blog posts will too. All in good time.

Be happy xo

Minimalist Monday: A New Start

Almost 5 years ago I had an epiphany. I discovered minimalism and started reducing my possessions, my workload and my commitments. You can read how it started here.

Since 2012 I've been writing about my minimalist journey here at Just a little less and sharing it with you. I do this because I'm passionate about simplifying and also because I love writing, photography and the interaction I get from readers. I've learnt so much from you it's amazing. 

This weekend I've had another epiphany of sorts. Taking time away from routine, familiar surroundings and spending less time online has led me to realise that I need to start working on fresh ideas that I have for this blog. Now. 

My plans include a thorough (once and for all) declutter of my home (before the school summer holidays in 10 weeks time) and writing about different aspects of well-being. As I approach 50 this is becoming more important to me. 

It's a personal project but one I hope you can follow and join in with too. All will be revealed soon.

I need to be accountable and also to remain true to the original intention I had for this blog which was to inspire others. 

Many things about Just a little less will remain the same, don't worry, but I just wanted to let you know where I'm coming from in case you notice a slight shift. If you have any questions please ask!

Have a great week. Be happy xo

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How to Maintain Healthy Habits

It's been a while since I've written a health related post here but that's not to say I haven't been focusing on nurturing my health. In fact, quite the opposite. I've learnt this year that looking after my health needs to remain a priority, just as it was 4 years ago when my life was a lot more stressful. Healthy eating, moderate drinking, exercise and relaxation are as vital today as they were back then when I was at my most stressed. 

The problem is that although we can simplify the structure of our lives we can't completely remove everyday stress or our reactions to it. When my schedule becomes busy, or my sons have new things going on or someone in the family has a health crisis that's when my new healthy habits drop off one by one and I seek comfort in old, not so healthy habits. My exercise routine, my fruit and vegetable intake and my number of alcohol free days drop off. I also tend to spend more money at the supermarket when I'm busier. And don't finish my book for book club. I could go on...

I've been researching how habits are formed in the hope that I can understand and improve how I react when life gets busy and stressful. 

So, how can we maintain healthy habits when the going gets tough?

1. The first step is to be aware of your habits and how often you repeat them. Developing an awareness of how you react to different situations can be enlightening. You may want to keep a diary of what triggers a habit and what the outcome is.
2. The next step is to decide which habit you'd like to improve. Leo Babauta suggests working on one new habit a month and starting with small goals to ensure success. Even tiny improvements like one more glass of water a day are a step in the right direction.
3. Visual cues are important in forming new habits. Write a reminder of your new habit and display it where you'll see it every day. Display healthy items prominently in your home and remove or limit the unhealthy options. Put your running shoes by the front door as a visual clue for your morning run the next day. Verbal cues are important too. Try dancing or exercising to a favourite song when it comes on the radio. Isn't that Beyoncé's secret?  
4. Focus on the reward. How does more exercise, a healthier diet or more time for relaxation affect your mood and sense of well-being? Remind yourself of how great you feel when you take better care of yourself. Build on this.
5. Talk positively to yourself. Stop those negative thoughts in their tracks. Big up your ability to improve your behaviour and you will be more likely to succeed. Your conscious mind instructs your subconscious mind. Positive talk builds positive action.
6. Plan how you will react to difficult situations and moments of weak resolve. Decide what you will eat before you go out for a meal, how much you'll drink at a party before you get there or how you'll fit in some exercise if you are about to travel away from home
7. Share your healthy habits with friends and family. When your resolve weakens they may support you and help rekindle your motivation to make healthy choices. 
8. Know that temptation will pass. Deal with temptation by substituting healthy alternatives. Swap the biscuits for a small piece of dark chocolate, a glass of wine for a soak in bubble bath, internet browsing for an early night. 
9. Willpower varies so embrace balance. Allow for setbacks. Allow yourself treats but learn to limit them. A day off from exercise, the occasional sweet treat, or a glass of wine can lift your mood when done in moderation. Yes you will need willpower at the start to overcome a negative habit but eventually the new (positive) response will become automatic. Master that willpower that lurks within you.
10. Be a mindful shopper. If over buying is a habit limit the amount of times you shop. Making a purchase that you have researched, saved up for and planned will make you happier than when you buy items on impulse, out of boredom, unhappiness or feelings of inadequacy. Know that what goes in our shopping baskets is often an unconscious decision, even down to the brands we buy. Beware, most of the healthiest items come without fancy packaging. 

Believe in yourself. Don't worry how long it takes to develop new habits, just make healthy choices today. 

And repeat. 

Minimalist Monday: My Word for 2014

2013 was a monumental year for me as it ended with me leaving my permanent job of twenty-plus years with the determination to seek a more balanced life. Choosing focus as my word/theme for 2013 helped me to realise that my job had become overwhelming and was never going to give me the work life balance that I so desperately crave.

This year I find myself starting the year with increased energy, greater resolve to carve out a life built upon my dreams and values and increased levels of self-acceptance. 2014 has started positively for me but I know it's going to be challenging along the way as I work out my new direction.

After much dilly-dallying I have chosen the word purpose for 2014. I hope it will guide me in the direction of a simpler and more meaningful life.

Purpose is defined as:
1. the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. 
2. a person's sense of resolve or determination 
3. one's intention or objective 

In 2014 I am hoping to

- find purpose in new work that I take on
- have more time to offer for voluntary work that I believe has purpose
- downsize my possessions and wardrobe further considering the purpose of all that I own - what do I really need?
- give more of myself to relationships and realise the purpose of my interactions with others
- use my time purposefully so that I can 'be' as well as 'do'
- live purposefully on less and reduce unnecessary spending

Over to you

Can a simpler less materialistic life be purposeful and happy? 

Care to share your word/theme for 2014 ? How's it going so far?

Minimalist Monday: Begin the Dream

I can't believe we're nearly half way through 2013, can you? Last year I chose focus as my word for the new year.

Back in December this is what I wrote. It's interesting to see how things have turned out:

The word focus will be my theme for 2013 in all aspects of my life. I feel I need to work smarter in my job and develop more routine and structure in my domestic life. On a personal level I hope to focus on

• my writing by doing some freelance work - yes, I am in the middle of doing some writing for a website (holiday properties)
• trying new creative pursuits (I'm not sure which yet) - yes, singing in a choir is new for me
• reading more for pleasure - not really, I would still like to fit in more reading
• home cooking - yes, we're cooking more from scratch and have tried new recipes
• photography - yes my new camera has given me a lot more scope and I feel more confident
• spending money on experiences rather than stuff - yes, we've been to see Hamlet, Tom O'Dell, Educating Rita (theatre), had a holiday in Cornwall and we're hoping to go to Moseley Folk Festival in August
• making a home that is simple but stylish - not much home improvement yet, hopefully I will get more done in the next six months
• creating a capsule wardrobe - yes, I keep editing my clothes (I just need to post about it!)
• developing my blog but keeping it honest and informative - I'm still enjoying my blog and the way it's progressing. Posting five times a week on average is a lot more manageable than daily posts (how did I keep that up for six months?)
• having fun - yes seeing friends and trying new things is fun
• finding new ways to relax - we're doing lots more walking in the local area and I find being outside really changes my outlook and mood

I felt unsure about developing my writing and photography back then and was hesitant about publishing my dreams but I'm glad I did.

It reminds me of the Thoreau quote: 

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. 

Sometimes you have to stop dreaming and get on with making changes. Simply saying to others that you're going to do something can be the first step to realising your dreams. 

Rediscover, Renew, Refresh

I've rediscovered the joys of running.

Early this morning I pulled on my forgotten running gear and my sadly ignored of late running shoes and stepped out the front door. I ran, I cleared my head, I frightened the little wild rabbits and I arrived home renewed and refreshed. OK, so I can feel a general ache just about e v e r y w h e r e but that's better than feeling sluggish and out of shape.

I was in a fairly regular running routine before I started blogging in September and for various reasons I stopped. I have found it so, so difficult to get started again. I'm not blaming blogging, but sometimes it can be hard to balance everything and adjust to new commitments. 

Can I incorporate a little running into my life? I think I can... now I've started again.

Happy weekend everyone xo

Minimalist Monday: Putting Off Healthy Habits

In April I posted my spring health goals. I've had some limited success.

• Get moving – ideally regular running again but at least several walks a week. Yes walking, no running. 

• No more diet coke – have given this up since Lent and can hopefully live without it now. Yes
• Less alcohol – more drink free days needed. Yes.
• Healthier desserts – I'm looking to buy and use more fruit. No.
• Eat more yoghurt – good for weight control and protecting the immune system. No.
• Less caffeine – this is something which in excess negatively affects my sleep and mood. Yes.
• Switch off laptop at least an hour before bedtime – not easy as I write many of my posts in the evening , but I will try. Hit and miss. 
• Floss teeth – a perpetual promise to my dentist. No! Floss still sitting unopened in the bathroom. 
• Pace rather than race – plan my days better and focus on the main tasks required so that I am not always chasing deadlines. Still working on this.
• Eat more vegetarian meals – for nutrition and to save money. No, if I'm honest.
• Take a multvitamin supplement and cod liver oil capsules – we have had too many coughs and colds this winter and my Mum swears by this combination. Yes! And I'm also taking evening primrose oil.

So what have I learnt from this? Here's my thoughts.

With busy lives it can often feel like there's no time left to do anything other than the essentials and sometimes not even enough time to do these. Life can seem one endless round of work, domestic tasks and helping out others. Yet we know that over working, not taking breaks and not looking after our own physical and emotional health can have a negative impact on our lives. 

Minimalism has taught me to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life but I still sometimes lack motivation to make changes. Quite often I'm fearful of starting something new in case I fail.

There are many things I know I should do but which I put off because I don't make time for them or prioritise them. I put them off until that mythical day when I think I'll have more time and motivation. Here's my list:

• Taking breaks when working 
• Making healthy eating choices
• Exercise
• Phoning or meeting up with friends
• A date with my husband
• Turning off my laptop/phone
• Spending time alone
• Spending more time with my family
• Just being

They're all positive things to do yet I often find it hard to practise these good habits. 

It can be difficult to adopt healthy habits when we're set in our ways or to re-start them once we've let them slip. Instead of looking back at past failed attempts maybe we should forgive ourselves and make a decision to try one or two small healthy changes over the next month. We need to make these as important as our work to-do list or our list of chores. Sometimes we can be over enthusiastic in our attempts to overhaul our lives and commit to too many changes at once. 

Leo Babauta in The Power of Less suggests concentrating on developing just one habit each month. Practising one new habit at a time allows you to be more focused and mindful of that new habit. And by focusing on one change daily for a month it will become established and will make you motivated to make further healthy changes month by month.

Leo also suggests going public with your goal. So here's my one healthy habit that I'm going to develop in June. 

Regular exercise – more daily walks, and some running. I've run regularly in the past but have let it slip recently for various reasons. I'm going to be gentle with myself and start slowly. But I will let you know how I get on, honestly.

How about you? Do you think you could make one small change this month?

Minimalist Monday: That Treadmill Feeling

Just a quick post this week for Minimalist Monday. You've got to watch this clip and laugh - no matter how organised you are and how much you try and simplify your life we all experience this feeling sometimes, don't we?

I wonder ... Do I need perfection in all areas of my life? Are my expectations set too high? Do I take enough time to care for myself? Would I achieve more if I slowed down? Do I take on too much? Could I ask for more help? Do I take myself too seriously?

The answer is probably yes to all of these questions and this clip makes me recognise myself and laugh at myself and that's no bad thing. How about you?

Have a great week and I hope you get time to take a break, just for you xo

To be...

We're very lucky to be going to see the play Hamlet at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon this weekend. This has led me to think up a to be list. Here goes.

To be

• happy with what I have
• helpful
• resourceful with less
• present
• grateful
• forgiving
• non-judgemental
• generous with my time
• understanding
• joyful

I think that's enough for starters.

What's on your to be list?

image via pinterest

Beginning Meditation

After unsuccessful attempts in the past I've recently returned to meditation. Looking back, my weekly meditation classes - relaxing with a group of strangers, in a room that I didn't feel totally comfortable in - were not the ideal circumstances in which to slow down my mind. 

At the time I thought I had to go somewhere to be taught meditation, and I did learn a lot, but I realise now that it can be self-taught and it can be easily practised at home. 

The problem is that although we know that meditation is beneficial for both our mental and physical health it is not that easy to find the motivation or the time to practise it. Also to the non-practising, meditation can seem only accessible to an elite who possess special techniques, super-strength concentration and spiritual awareness. 

Wanting to develop the daily habit of meditation I set about trying to understand and demystify meditation and to find easy, enjoyable ways to get started with it again. Here are some of the answers to the questions that I had. Please note I am no meditation guru and these are just my findings.

What is meditation?
Simply defined meditation means to focus the mind in order to relax your body, calm your thoughts and enable greater self-awareness. You don't have to follow any religious beliefs to practise it although its origins are deeply rooted in various religions and cultures.

Where can I do it?
I found the main thing is to be comfortable (you don't have to sit on the floor) and to find a quiet room without potential distractions. Many advise meditation should be done sitting down with a straight back and with your head up, so as to stay alert, but there is no reason why you can't try it lying down. You may find lighting a candle will add to the experience and atmosphere.

What do I do? 
I try and get as comfortable as I can whilst sitting upright (a sofa is fine) and sit with the palms of my hands open and facing upwards. Try and relax your whole body. Close your eyes and be aware of the natural rhythm of your breathing - there is no need to change it, just let it happen. To stay focused on your breathing you might want to count each breath to a count of 1-10 and then repeat. An easy way to begin meditation is to just meditate for the length of 100 breaths and then stop. 

What do I think about?
As you meditate it is natural for thoughts to pop into your mind like a game of ping-pong so try and acknowledge your thoughts and emotions but view them from a distance without pursuing them. This is the skill you are trying to develop through meditation: the art of letting thoughts pass without you dwelling on them. I find my mind is always busy at the start of a session but can be slowed down gradually. Keep returning your focus to your breath. Relaxation music may help you if you are uncomfortable with silence whilst meditating. Other ways to keep your mind still are to visualise a beautiful natural scene or to repeat a word (mantra) like 'peace' to yourself. 

How long do I need to meditate for?
When you are starting out it is easier to start with short sessions of about 5 or 10 minutes. You may want to set a timer or simply meditate for as long as you feel comfortable with. I have found that 10 minutes is quite a long time when your body and mind are still. Hopefully, the peace and energy that you will get from even a few minutes of meditating should motivate you to do it again. Feeling restless during meditation is normal and varies from day to day so stick with it. At the moment I am meditating for no longer than 10 minutes at a time as this is a manageable amount of time and I can fit it into my day.

How do I find time for meditation?
Like any other form of self-improvement meditation requires commitment. I don't practise it every day but each time I do it I feel renewed motivation to stick with it. The key is working out when is a good time/day for you and trying to make it a regular habit.

If you find the stillness of meditation doesn't work for you practising mindfulness in your daily life can have similar benefits: focus on your breathing when you feel stressed by counting your breaths or try and clear your mind when you are doing repetitive household tasks like ironing by being aware of your thoughts.

What are the benefits of meditation?
Mediation is believed to have many health benefits for both the body and mind. For example it can lower blood pressure, help with irritable bowel syndrome and improve immunity. After I meditate I feel calmer, less anxious, re-energised and more mentally alert. Meditation has been proven to alter our brainwaves with the beneficial effect of promoting relaxation, positive emotions and problem solving abilities in our subconscious mind. The discipline of controlling our thoughts that is practised in meditation can also be useful in everyday life when we need to focus on one thing and avoid distraction.

So what I have I learnt?
I have discovered that meditation is really quite simple and a useful tool I can use to help me feel physically relaxed and mentally well balanced. I think the key to making meditation work is finding an approach that suits you and not to be put off by the 'rules' or myths that surround it. 

Need further help with meditation?
This entertaining clip from Ted Talks features Andi Puddicombe, a mindfulness expert, who explains how just 10 minutes of meditation a day can help bring focus, calm and clarity to your life. 

Also see : Minimalist Monday: A Clear Mind

Do you have any experience of meditation or interest in trying it? 
I would love to hear from you.

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Minimalist Monday: Ways to Boost Your Mood

Today - 'Blue Monday' - is believed by many to be the most depressing day of the year for many reasons:

• Christmas is over and forgotten.
• We are back to work and the next holiday seems a long way off.
• There is media pressure to loose weight and look fabulous.
• Exams are under way.
• Money can be short after the excesses of Christmas.
• Pay day still seems a long way off.
• Daylight hours are short.
• The weather can be at its most disruptive.

It can be a real challenge to be happy in the depths of January. Spending money, even if it is an option, is not a solution to long lasting happiness. There are many simple things you can do to boost your mood without spending money or accumulating more stuff. Here are some suggestions to find a little happiness every day.

1. Start a gratitude diary - be grateful for what you have rather than what you don't have.
2. Plan something to look forward to.
3. Think positive thoughts - display a positive affirmation in a prominent position.
4. Do a random act of kindness.   
5. Enjoy a daily task or activity - a morning coffee, a chat with a colleague or make your journey to/from work more pleasurable.
6. Don't expect perfection from yourself or others.
7. Force yourself to smile (it works!)
8. Do something that makes you laugh.
9. Get out for a walk in the fresh air.
10. If you've got a big dream start taking taking steps today, (no matter how tiny), towards that goal.
11. Contact a friend.
12. Eat healthily but allow yourself a small indulgence.
13. Cook a meal from scratch.
14. Cook for others.
15. Write down your worries if they seem out of control.

Choosing a simpler life over a materialistic life does take time, discipline and a steely determination to resist the persuasive powers of media and advertising. I need to remind myself regularly to practise these actions. 

However, slowly but surely they are becoming more habitual. The happiness I get from spending time with a friend or cooking a meal is more long lasting than the quick rush of happiness I used to get from buying new clothes or things for the house.

I guess I am making progress on my minimalistic and simple living journey and that is something to be grateful for and happy about alone.

Minimalist Monday: A Clear Mind

You know that horrible stage of decluttering, when you've emptied the kitchen cupboards and there's piles of stuff everywhere you look? As you assess the chaos of your clutter you feel overwhelmed by your possessions and you maybe even regret buying the stuff in the first place. Yet slowly but surely you sort the myriad items into categories - throw, donate, sell or consider - and after a few hours of hard work they are ready to leave your house. 

The bagged up items sit waiting in your hallway or car boot ready to leave your life. You can see how much unnecessary stuff you have eliminated from your clear out and feeling lighter and freer you can enjoy your more spacious home. This is physical clutter and is fairly easy to deal with if you take it one step at a time. 

But what about your mental clutter - could you go about clearing your mind in the same way? The human brain is complex and not so easily unravelled as a drawer of clutter. Giving your head a good declutter isn't so easy, but it can be done. Here's how to start.

Baby steps to clearing your mind

• Write a list. Thoughts and worries can go round and round in our heads. Write them down and you'll be able to see things more clearly and begin to act upon them sooner.
• Focus and prioritise. Are you always late for deadlines or constantly running out of time? Maybe you get distracted easily. Consider the most important items on your to do list and focus on these first. Breakdown a big project into smaller tasks with specified time limits to make it more manageable. Take your time, ditch the multi-tasking approach and concentrate on getting something important done well.
• Motivation. If you are a procrastinator try to develop discipline to get through those difficult jobs. Do the hardest/worst jobs on your to do list first. Dream up a list of small treats to reward yourself once you've got through some dreaded tasks: a nice bath, a coffee, or seeing a friend.
• Tell your mind to STOP. Try and be aware of the internal negative chatter in your head. If negative thoughts keep creeping in tell them to STOP. This is hard but it does work. Repeat a positive mantra to yourself instead.
• Get into flow. If your mind is buzzing, stop over thinking and get physical instead. Attack a pile of ironing, clear out a cupboard or conquer that overgrown bush in the garden. You'll be so absorbed in the physical task your mind will switch off from your worries and you'll feel more refreshed afterwards.
• Accept you're not perfect. Think through all the negative situations of the last few months: angry words, negative feelings, hurt, regrets and mistakes you've made. Accept that they're in the past, throw them out and make space in your life for positive situations. Think about your recent achievements as well as your mistakes and try and build upon them. Sometimes good enough is a healthier approach to getting things done than perfection.
• Switch off.  There are different ways of relaxing but try to find an activity that will soothe your stressed mind rather than overloading it. Get outside and notice the beauty of nature, take some gentle exercise, try being still and concentrating on your breathing, listen to some peaceful music, get an early night or or find someone to give you a massage.
• Make new goals. To move forward to becoming a better you set yourself some mini goals. Reward yourself when you achieve them.
• Connect. Talk through your problems with someone you trust. Be honest about your problems with others - people admire those who've overcome problems in the past. Read a self-help book or a good biography of someone you admire. 
• Sleep on it. Sometimes you just need to put your problems on hold for a while. What seemed problematic the night before can seem less difficult the morning after. Give yourself time out occasionally.
• Be your own best friend. We judge ourselves more critically than others. Treat yourself with kindness just as you treat your friends.
• Laugh. Sometimes the best solution to problems is not to take everything so seriously. Watch a funny film or spend time with someone who makes you laugh. This can help to lift your mood and strengthen your ability to deal with obstacles.

These are just a few ways to get you started with clearing your mind. Focusing on your inner self can leave you feeling energised and freer in just the same way as a good wardrobe clear out. 

How do you deal with a cluttered mind?

Have a good week.

Image source here

Just Chill

YESTERYEAR WHEN I WAS finding life tough, my husband kindly wrote me a list of quick stress busters. They were all simple things but his list was a useful reference and each one helped me to feel better. 

Sometimes you just need to perform a simple action to change your mood and perspective on things. You can't always change the situation you find yourself in but you can change how you react to it. And sometimes it helps just knowing that someone cares. Here's the list:

Quick stress busters

1. Take some deep breaths.
2. Take some gentle exercise.
3. Have a bath.
4. Count back from 20.
5. Relax your muscles.
6. Check your posture.
7. Cut your to-do list.
8. Make yourself a nice drink.
9. Take a break or walk away.
10. Plan something rewarding for the end of your day.
11. Chat to a friend.
12. Laugh.
13. Play some favourite music.
14. Think positively.
15. Hug someone or something.
16. Imagine a relaxing place.

My favourite is the last one. In my head I like to return to Ibiza and chill out. Just a wannabe hippy at heart!

Which relaxing place do you like to visit in your head? Do you have any favourite ways to rewind?

Start a Gratitude Journal

SOMETHING I'VE BEEN MEANING to begin for months.
A gratitude journal. A simple way to feel good about your life and beat the blues. Each day I shall write about five things that I am grateful for .

It will be ...

◊ handwritten
◊ a simple diary
◊ personal 
◊ a way of keeping things in perspective
◊ a discipline
◊ a study of what constitutes happiness
◊ a record of happy times spent with family and friends
◊ a record of special days
◊ a way of finding optimism on difficult days
◊ an appreciation of simple pleasures

My gratitude diary will be private but I will let you know how I get on.

What about you? Have you ever kept a handwritten diary or gratitude journal?