The Simple Life isn’t about Paris Hilton or Nicole Richie’s reality show. It’s also not about selling everything you own and going off the grid. The simple life that we all dream of is being free from the stress of the rat race – nonstop emails, meetings, workouts, social events, and anything else that weighs us down.

I struggle with over-scheduling and running on overdrive as much as the next person, but I’ve learned there are several practical tips we can all adapt to live simpler, more connected lives no matter what we’re juggling.

1. Reconnect with your food: We’ve all got to eat, right? How often do we swap nutritious home-cooked meals for a quick protein bar or snack on the go? Food is meant to feed and sustain our bodies, but it should be a source of deeper nourishment and connection, too. It would be great if we all had time to cook our meals from scratch – but while that might not be a possibility – we can make choices. Before ordering something or buying something – we can ask: Is this going to be amazing and nutritious for my body? If the answer is no – ask what will be better and get that instead.
2. Walk whenever possible. It might not be possible to walk to work, but if we can park a little further from the store entrance, take a sunset stroll around the neighbourhood each evening, or go for a brisk morning walk to the nearest coffee shop, the extra steps are worth it. Aside from boosting mood and improving heart health, walking allows our senses to wander and frees the mind to revel in the magic of slow, thoughtful musings on life —which keep us grounded in our purpose and true to our passions.
3. Create space for silence: Even in the rare moments when we find ourselves in a quiet setting, most of our minds refuse to silence themselves because we’re so used to doing, working and planning all the time. But spending time in solitude from time to time, once the kids are in bed or while we sip our coffee,  is a needed chance to rest and engage in self-reflection, allowing us to hear our inner voice and strengthen our intentions.
4. Start Single Tasking:  We’re able to pack more into our lives than ever before with all the tech at our fingertips. There’s an almost collective obsession with being as productive as possible. But at what cost? There’s a zen proverb that goes, “When eating, eat. When walking, walk.” It sounds simplistic and obvious, but sometimes we need that reminder to bring mindful awareness to whatever we’re doing—whether that be catching up with a friend, throwing a load in the wash or washing the dishes.
5. Survey your immediate surroundings and see what can be neatened. By doing this every morning or evening, or when you sit at your desk – it will minimize pile ups. Have a look at your desk right now – are there empty coffee mugs to take to the kitchen? Papers that you don’t need anymore that you can pop in the recycle bin?  Is your computer screen dusty? If you’re in your car now – have a look – have you got empty water bottles and rubbish to chuck out? Do it at your next stop. These small things will simplify our lives and our clutter.