Busy-ness culture is (finally) coming to an end. For many of us, the allure of an overly packed schedule just isn’t there anymore. We’re tired and we want to do less so we have time for more — more rest, more fun, more family and friends, more life. But how do you actually do that without destroying the stability in your life that you’ve spent so long building? Here are some suggestions that might help.
1. Choose quality over quantity when it comes to social commitments.
Instead of trying to attend every social event, choose the ones that truly matter and that you’ll enjoy. You don’t need to be at every party or get-together to maintain your social life. Instead of saying yes to everything just to show your face, reserve your RSVPs for stuff you actually want to attend. This approach not only saves time but also makes your social life so much more fulfilling. A full social calendar means nothing if you’re not actually having fun.
2. Simplify your decision-making process.
Cut down the time and energy you spend on making decisions, especially if you’re some who often feels crippled by too many choices. For everyday things like what to wear or what to eat, pare down your options. Maybe develop a work “uniform” or have a set menu for the week by meal-prepping on Sundays. This frees up mental space for more important choices. You’re not trying to limit yourself, you’re trying to reduce your exhaustion.
3. Implement a “one in, one out” rule.
To avoid clutter – both physical and mental – don’t bring more crap into your house than you take out of it. For every new item or commitment you take on, let go of an old one. This is seriously helpful when it comes to achieving and maintaining balance in your life and helps to keep you from being overwhelmed.
4. Use technology wisely.
Technology can be a double-edged sword, so you need to make sure you’re using it to make your life easier rather than more complicated. Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails (goodbye, mailing list for that company you bought a random t-shirt from in 2016!), use apps to organize your tasks, or set digital reminders for important things. Also, be careful not to get sucked into the endless scroll on social media. We all get reeled in sometimes, but develop the ability to pull yourself away. (BTW, you can also use this in your dating life — our sister site, Sweetn, can help. They have some game-changing advice you’ll want to read. Check them out here.)
5. Prioritize the tasks in your day.
Start by figuring out what’s 100% necessary and what’s not. Look at your to-do list and ask yourself, “Do I really need to do this?'” or “What happens if I don’t do it?” Focus on the stuff that has the biggest impact and ditch the stuff that doesn’t add much value to your life. This way, you’re not just doing less, but you’re also doing what matters. That’s being smart with your time and energy, so you don’t burn out while still getting the important stuff done.
6. Learn to say no.
Saying no can be a game-changer. You don’t have to agree to every single request, invitation, or demand that comes your way. If something doesn’t work with your priorities or just doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to politely decline. That’s not being rude — it’s called respecting your time and boundaries. Remember, every time you say yes to something you don’t really want to do, you’re saying no to things that might be more important to you.
7. Delegate and outsource wherever possible.
You don’t have to do everything yourself. If there are things that other people can (and in many cases, should) handle, hand them off. That might mean asking a colleague for help at work or getting a family member to pitch in with household chores. Even doing your grocery shopping online and having it delivered can free up a bunch of time.
8. Embrace more downtime.
Hustle culture is pervasive, and that means doing less might feel weird, at least for a while. But newsflash: it’s okay to enjoy downtime. Not every moment needs to be productive in the traditional sense. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just relax, take a walk, or enjoy a hobby (even if that hobby is vegging out on the couch and watching the whole last season of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”). This is how you recharge your batteries, which actually makes you more productive in the long run.
9. Automate the repetitive stuff in your life.
Thanks to technology, there’s a lot you can automate. From bill payments to email sorting, look for ways to make this stuff as hands-off as possible. This reduces the mental load and frees up time for more important or enjoyable activities. It’s about working smarter, not harder. They require very little effort beyond the initial setup and you’ll never have to worry about missing a bill payment or going over your email storage space again.
10. Set realistic goals.
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Be realistic about what you can achieve in a day. Setting too many goals or overly ambitious ones will just lead to disappointment and burnout. Break down big tasks into smaller, manageable ones and celebrate when you complete them because they really do add up. This also really helps when it comes to avoiding overcommitment and burnout, which is the whole point.
11. Embrace the beauty of imperfection.
Let go of the need for everything to be perfect. Perfectionism can lead to overcommitting and stress, and it’s also a fool’s errand since perfection doesn’t actually exist. Sometimes you just need to embrace a “good enough” approach and let that be okay. This doesn’t mean lowering your standards, but rather recognizing when the extra effort is genuinely worthwhile and when it’s not. Sometimes, “done” is better than “perfect.”
12. Be mindful about what you consume.
Whether it’s physical goods, information, or media, ask yourself if what you’re consuming adds value to your life or just adds to the noise. Mindful consumption helps in focusing on what’s truly beneficial and enjoyable in life and reduces if not eliminates the urge to keep up with trends or hoard stuff. This will make your life a lot more peaceful.
13. Establish a “no work” time zone.
Set aside a specific time each day when you don’t do any work-related tasks — and I do mean any. This could be in the evening or during weekends (or both!). Stick to this rule religiously. It’s about creating a clear boundary between your work life and personal time, which helps you unwind and recharge. Plus, it makes you more efficient during your actual work hours. It’s a reminder that your personal life deserves as much attention as your professional one.
14. Create a relaxing evening routine.
iStock/GaudiLab
What you do at night can set the tone for the following day, so keep that in mind and spend this time accordingly. Your evening routine might include stuff like reading, taking a long bath, or doing some gentle stretches. This sends the message to your brain that the day is winding down, making it easier to let go of stress and slip into a peaceful night’s sleep (fingers crossed, anyway). It’s a simple way to ensure you’re recharged and ready for the challenges of the next day.
15. Cut down on digital clutter.
Just like physical clutter, digital clutter can be overwhelming. Spend some time decluttering your digital spaces — the cloud may seem endless, but it can become a junkyard, too. Organize your files, delete unnecessary apps, and clear your inbox. A clean and organized digital space can reduce anxiety and make it easier to find things when you need them. (I’m looking at you, random Google Sheet I made three years ago but suddenly need.) Who needs more stress?
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