Simplify Your Life Without Quitting Your Job and Moving to the Woods

Way back in the 1960's when some of us were growing up, our vision of the future was idealistic. Labor saving devices, new machinery and technology would surely give Americans many hours per week of leisure time. It was predicted, even, that the work week would shrink to four, or even three, days. There were plans to add leisure studies to college curriculums because surely Americans would need to be educated on how to use their newly added free time.

Well, now we all know it didn't quite work out that way. Along with the addition of the fax machine, cell phones, wireless internet, PDAs and Blackberrys, Americans are now working over 50 hours a week, according to recent surveys. In the 1970s the average work week was 37 hours long, so somewhere life got busier.

And a lot of people are finding out that busier isn't always better. If you are one of the Americans looking to simplify your life, and yet the idea of quitting your job and living in a log cabin somewhere isn't appealing, here are some easier to apply solutions that will help restore balance.

Take a positive approach. Simply rephrasing things that happen to you can calm you and help you to cope. When you pass a traffic accident, take a moment to be thankful for your good fortune, instead of being angry that traffic is delayed.

Pass up Starbucks once in awhile. Caffeine might give you a much needed boost, especially if you are overworked and not getting enough sleep like the rest of us. But too much caffeine can increase stress by causing shakiness, irritability and restlessness.

Stop buying. Or at least stop making impulse buys. Buying things that you aren't likely to use just makes your home feel cluttered and makes you feel guilty. We all know the exercise equipment being used as clothes hangers. But what about all the kitchen gadgets, fondue pots, knitting needles and other items you will probably never use?