Category: simplicity this year

Embracing Simplicity in a Chaotic World

Life can often resemble a whirlwind in our fast-paced society. As young adults, navigating through the maze of responsibilities, relationships, and personal growth, it’s understandable to desire simplicity to finding peace and stability amidst the chaos, especially if you’re starting a new college semester this week.

Simplicity serves as an anchor to us, offering a sense of calm and balance. It’s about finding clarity amid the noise and allowing ourselves to prioritize what truly matters. So, how do we begin? I’m here to help get you started.

Assessing Your Desired Life: Reflective Questions for Clarity

Have you wondered if you’re living the life you want, the one that you envisioned long ago? Maybe it is, maybe it’s not at all, or maybe it’s in the middle, just needing adjustment. No matter where you are, there’s room for growth and change, as long as you want it and make effort. Here’s some starter questions for you in a simple (get it?) list.

• What does an ideal life look like for you this year and beyond?
• Now what’s realistic and towards that ideal?
• How do you envision simplicity contributing to your peace and stability?
• What activities or elements in your life currently cause stress or overwhelm?

Of course, you can brainstorm many more jumping off questions, but hopefully your wheels are turning…so let’s keep going.

Checking Alignment: Does Your Life Reflect Your Aspirations?

Reflect on your present life a little more now. Does it align with vision? Consider your relationships, career/major, personal growth, and hobbies. Do they resonate with your values and aspirations? How are your physical and mental health presently? Ah, that’s really important. Let’s look further into those aspects of your life.

Physical and Mental Well-being: Assessing Now and Setting Goals

Where do you stand in terms of physical and mental health today? Think of your energy level and feeling good vs weight for physical health.

• Do you wake up feeling rested?
• Are you able to sleep through the night?
• Are you satisfied with your food choices throughout the day?
• Do you have enough energy to be social? Do your hobby? Get through your list of responsibilities?

OK, so are you nurturing your well-being adequately? Envision it, with the addition of mental health now. Hey, we’re one whole person so we need to look at both (and can look at even more if we really wanted to dive in!). Here’s some mental health questions to ask yourself:

• Are you spending time for yourself?
• What’s your stress level?
• Check on your mood- sadness, satisfaction, etc.
• Is there a sense of burnout?

After taking these questions into consideration, what do you think? Are you on track for how you want your life to be? If not, how can you bridge the gap between your current status and your desired state? Read on!

Starting Small: Practical Steps Toward Simplicity

Simplicity thrives on small, achievable changes. Maybe you want to begin by decluttering your physical space (a tidy environment can foster mental clarity). Establish a daily routine that promotes balance, incorporating activities that bring joy and relaxation. How about making sure you do a morning skin care routine or take a short walk? Anything that works for you is what works. Try not to follow another person’s style. Be you.

You can also end your day with certain small activities. Maybe it’s integrating in mindfulness practices like meditation or a brief gratitude journaling session. Or embrace minimalism by consciously purchasing only what you need, reducing unnecessary clutter and stress. The possibilities and ideas are endless. But what you want to do most of all is be consistent.

Examples of Sustaining Simplicity: Making it Stick

Maintaining simplicity requires consistency. Identify habits or practices that support your quest for simplicity. Here’s some ideas:

• Make a schedule- develop rewards when you stick to it
• Set days for a digital detox- only allow yourself socials on 4 days a week, for example
• Set boundaries in relationships- stay on track for no phone communication before 9 AM, for example (that can be YOUR time)
• Have an accountability partner who’s also creating a simple life- check in every few days and talk about how you can better stay on track if needed

Creating a support system can also help. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who value simplicity, sharing experiences and encouraging one another’s journey towards a more balanced lifestyle.

Why Telehealth is an Ideal Support System

You may want a little extra help to achieve the life of your dreams. Sometimes that means help from a mental health professional, like me. I offer telehealth, individual sessions online for Florida residents (even if you go to college in Florida but are from another state- you just have to live here/be here for sessions).

Telehealth offers a convenient solution to prioritize your mental health. Access therapy from the comfort of your space, eliminating commuting stress and allowing flexibility in scheduling sessions. You can squeeze in therapy between classes and other demands.

Remember, simplicity isn’t about drastic change; it’s about intentional living aligned with your values. If you seek support in this journey, I invite you to explore my psychotherapy services or any in your state. If you aren’t ready for therapy, maybe try something less anxiety-provoking, like a workshop. I offer online workshops to people who live anywhere, including ones for ADHD and well-being.

Finding simplicity this year involves introspection, small adjustments, and prioritizing mental health. Here’s to a year filled with clarity, balance, and contentment. Let’s go!

Contact Me in 4 Easy Ways (for therapy):

• Click the yellow “Book Online” button above for your free 15 minute phone consultation 
• If you have insurance, schedule the call through Headway
• Fill out the form below for your call (I’ll contact you by secure voice and/or text to schedule our consultation time) 
• Call me at 321-415-0832 

***Must be living in Florida to receive my therapy services. It’s OK if your permanent address is in another state and you attend college in Florida!

If you need immediate assistance, please call 911 or call/text with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. For LGBTQIA+ specific support, visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org/.

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