There never seem to be enough hours in a day. Sometimes you can’t even remember the last time you laughed or simply enjoyed a moment of doing nothing at all.

    Ever in your car at a stoplight and glance over at the car next to you and everyone in the car looks so happy? You know that feeling of heartache when you wonder how you got to the point you’re at — tired, overwhelmed and frustrated? Perhaps you want to slow things down so you can find your center again. Maybe you want to feel energized or as if you matter in some personally fulfilling and validating way. Is your life lacking purpose, authenticity and balance? You can rediscover your anchor and get off the fast track to nowhere. Simplifying your life doesn’t require kickboxing, feng shui, moving off the grid or quitting your job.

    It’s inevitable that life is going to happen. There are going to be circumstances beyond your control, but you do have control over many aspects of your life. It’s all about identifying, prioritizing and making choices. You can eliminate the excess to find some time for what matters to you. Many of these choices and decisions take little effort.

    SHED A COMMITMENT: Are you buried in obligations that you dread? Take a hard look at your commitments and let go of a single activity that isn’t necessary. Consider whether there are more activities you can limit or relinquish, and decide what obligations are past their useful purpose in your life.

    PURGE CLUTTER: Scale down and get rid of what you don’t need. How much time and energy is your “stuff” robbing from you? You don’t have to purge your entire home in a day. Start out with a decluttering project, such as clearing drawers or closets, first. Then set up a plan to remove clutter room by room. Ask yourself which items have true value.

    SAY NO MORE OFTEN: Create boundaries for yourself. It’s OK to say no. People are going to take however much you’re willing to give. Don’t apologize for it. Send out a strong message to others that you know your priorities and your time is important.

    SAY YES MORE OFTEN:Be spontaneous and remain open to new experiences. Stretch outside your comfort zone.

    CONNECT: Make time for friends and family. How long have you been simply too busy? Whether it’s a handwritten note, phone call or lunch, reach out because you need your tribe. Ask for help when you need it, too.

    DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE: Learn a new skill, or simply spend time doing activities you enjoy or are passionate about. Simplifying isn’t merely about getting rid of things. It’s about prioritizing your values.

    DEVELOP ROUTINES: Routines can help you streamline your day. Managing your time wisely gives you free time for what you value most. Evaluate your current system of doing common tasks. See how you can improve your systems.

    LIMIT YOUR PLUGGED-IN TIME: Turn it off. Limit television, cell phones and computers. You don’t have to be plugged in 24/7. You’ll be amazed how much pressure stems from these sources.

    BE MINDFUL AND GRATEFUL: Take some time to savor your food, enjoy your own backyard, read a book or just take everything in. Do whatever it takes to be in the moment. Give yourself the luxury of time alone. Appreciate and be thankful for what you have.

    我们总觉得每天时间不够花。有时你甚至记不住自己最后一次笑或是沉在无所事事之中是什么时候。

    你可曾在车里等红绿灯的时候瞥见旁边车辆里的每个人都很开心？当你疑惑着自己为何会处于现在这种疲乏、不知所措、沮丧的状态时，你是否会感觉到心痛？也许你想要放慢脚步，因为那样你可以找到原点。也许你想让自己充满活力或者看上去是在实实在在地工作。你的生活是否缺乏目标、真实性与平衡？你可以重新找到起航点，离开那条快速却又没有终点的轨迹。使生活变简单并不要求你会跆拳道、懂风水或是辞职。

    生活总是要继续。你不免会遇到自己掌控不了的状况，但你不得不克服。这就要靠你去辨别、区分事物优先次序并且作出选择。你可以通过剔除额外事省下时间做对自己重要的事。而你只需花一点点功夫就能做出这些选择和决定。

    抛弃一项承诺：你是否被埋没在你所恐惧的义务之中？回顾下你所许下的承诺，抛下一件对你而言并不重要的事。想一想，你是否可以限制、抛弃更多的事，再决定有哪些责任对你的人生至关重要。

    清除混乱：按比例缩小甚至放弃对你而言无疑义的事。你的工作剥夺了你多少时间与精力？你不需要在一天内整理完整个房屋。首先，你的目标就是把房间理理整齐；所以你可以先整理抽屉或是壁橱；然后，计划一个个房间挨个地整理。试问自己哪件事是实实在在有价值的。

    多说“不”：要为自己划分界线。说“不”是没问题的。人永远不会嫌自己拿得多。别为此抱歉。你得言辞激烈地告诉别人你的时间很宝贵，你有重要事要忙。

    多说“是”：要主动接受新的经历，对此保持欢迎的态度。扩大自己的舒适区。

    联系：为朋友、家庭留下时间。你忙了多久了？不论是手写留言、电话还是午餐，你都应该通过这些方式与别人多联系，因为你需要有自己的部落。需要帮助的时候，你也可以寻求援助。

    做自己喜欢做的事：学一项新技能，抑或花点时间做自己喜欢做的事。简单生活并不代表你要一味地抛弃，而是学会处理最具价值的事务。

    养成惯例：惯例可以使你的每日生活变得流畅。理智地支配时间能够帮助你腾出时间做有意义的事。自己评价一下现在处理平常事务的方式，观察一下那里可以改进。

    限制紧张状态：关掉电视、手机和电脑。你没必要一星期每天24小时地处于紧张状态。你会很惊异地发现，这些东西给你带来了多大的压力。

    多留心、多感激：品味你吃的菜，在自家后院享受自然，看书等等。做一切你觉得享受的事。让自己体味时间的华丽。感激自己所拥有的。