Vrint - All You Need is Less: Minimalist Living for Maximum Happiness

ALL YOU NEED IS LESS

Copyright Summersdale Publishers Ltd, 2019

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced by any means, nor transmitted, nor translated into a machine language, without the written permission of the publishers.

Vicki Vrint has asserted her moral right to be identified as the author of this work in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

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INTRODUCTION: THE POWER OF LESS

There are many things we would like more of in our lives: more free time; more space; a more healthy lifestyle; more positive relationships but when our days are packed full of commitments, it can be tricky to work out how to achieve these things, let alone how to fit them into our busy schedules.

The answer is simple: all you need is less. Every area of our lives can benefit from streamlining; when you cut out the things you dont need, you leave room for the positive and beneficial things that you want to focus on. Declutter your home, for example, and youll have space to find the things you need and store the things you love.

The same principle can help you to strip away the unhealthy elements of your diet and replace them with nutritious alternatives, or to identify the niggles in your relationships and put them behind you. By learning to prioritize and pare things down youll feel the benefits across all areas of your life youll feel less stressed and more fulfilled. And its easy to do, too, if you take it one step at a time. This book shows you how to do just that, so read on and tune in to the power of less.

WORRY OFTEN GIVES A SMALL THING A BIG SHADOW.

Swedish proverb

Less Worry

Its natural for us to worry about things now and then, but if these worries spiral out of control, they can lead to stress and depression, as well as raised blood pressure and poor sleep. The good news is that you neednt be at the mercy of your worries. While all the tips in this book will help you to lead a simpler, less stressful life, this chapter includes specific ways to overcome your worries and relax. Whether youre losing sleep over an upcoming job interview or fretting over a tricky decision, take action now to send your worries packing.

I NEVER WORRY ABOUT ACTION,
BUT ONLY ABOUT INACTION.

WINSTON CHURCHILL

TARGET YOUR WORRIES

The first step in tackling your worries is working out what they are. Keep a notebook handy and jot down the things that prey on your mind throughout the week. Now, take action wherever possible!

If youre worrying about a specific situation like an exam plan, prepare and then relax knowing that youre doing all you can. If your commute to work stresses you out, look at ways to change it. If its a tricky relationship thats worrying you, take steps to improve matters or cut your ties (see Fewer Stressful Relationships). To tackle more general anxiety, see page 28.

MEDITATION

When were feeling stressed its all too easy to go into fight-or-flight mode our heart starts pumping and our thoughts start racing. Meditation is the best way to stop worries in their tracks and still your mind. Its a skill that can be developed easily there are countless online tutorials to get you started but you can benefit straight away by simply finding a quiet space, sitting with your eyes closed and focusing on your breathing. Try the following exercise for a gentle introduction to the relaxing world of meditation and include it in your daily routine whenever you can.

Triangle meditation

1. Sit comfortably, close your eyes and relax.
2. Breathe in slowly to a count of three, hold your breath for another three counts, then exhale for three counts before starting again. (This is known as triangle breathing.)
3. Clear your mind and focus only on your breathing. (You can picture a triangle as you do this, if you like, mentally moving your focus along each side as you breathe.)
4. If your thoughts intrude, set them aside and refocus on your breathing. With practice this will get easier.
5. When youre ready to stop, gradually return your awareness to the world around you.

A safe haven

Meditation gives you a safe space to enter whenever you wish. Guided meditations audio recordings that take your imagination on a journey are a lovely way of unwinding. Alternatively, create your own imaginary safe haven when meditating by picturing a cosy location that appeals to you, such as a cottage fireside or a quiet corner in a library. Imagine yourself entering your haven and observe the textures, colours and smells as you look around, adding details each time you visit. Engaging your senses in this way will immediately help you de-stress, and you can return whenever you like.

LIGHTEN THE LOAD

A chat with a friend can be enough to lay your worries to rest; your pal may be able to offer an alternative point of view or help you to see the funny side of a situation. Writing down your worries can be very cathartic too. Start a journal and write in it daily but dont forget to also write down the positives about your day. Make a note of three things youre grateful for, for example, or describe an incident that made you smile. It can really put things in perspective.

Some people go to priests, others to poetry, I to my friends.

VIRGINIA WOOLF

GET ACTIVE

Physical exercise is an effective way to de-stress quickly as it releases endorphins (feel-good chemicals that naturally leave you feeling calmer). Even better, youll improve your fitness level at the same time. There are so many options to choose from: a group activity is a fun way to work out and meet new people, but if youd rather go it alone, try running, swimming or hitting the gym. As long as you get your heart pumping your worries will soon fade. (Its hard to stress about your job when youre trying to remember the right moves in karate or Zumba!)