"Simple Living" as a Source of Stress Relief

If asked, many of us would say that our lives are filled with stress. With busy schedules packed to the brink, we wonder what we can do to bring our families and ourselves some stress relief. Simple Living America, a nonprofit group that "fosters balance and fulfillment in a complex world," may be able to help you in your stress relief search. The group argues that by adopting an approach of simple living, you can make your life easier, thus bringing much-needed stress relief.

Sounds too easy, right? After all, what is "simple living?" Simple Living America has defined the simple living concept as "a self-endorsed pattern of activities, possessions and values that is substantially free of detractions from fulfillment and sufficiency, fostered by conducive social policies." This may not sound very simple at first, but the basic concepts are that you only use and purchase what you need, not what you want, and that you center your life around your family and people close to you instead of focusing on consumption. The thought is that too many material things and distractions take away from simple living, in turn creating an imbalance in your life which can lead to added stress.

You can start your quest for simple living (and stress relief) by completing the survey on Simple Living America's website to determine your "Simplicity Score." After answering the 30 survey questions range which range from "I don't need more things to be satisfied" to "My core values are at the forefront of my actions," you'll receive a score which tells you where you place on the Simplicity Score scale. Although the results do not provide you with key areas to focus on in your stress relief search, the questions themselves will help you to start thinking about areas of your life in which you can begin to apply simple living concepts. For example, when you answer the question, "I am mindful about the activities that I bring to my life" you may start thinking of all of the random activities or events that you have committed to that have taken up your time and added additional stress to your life and may vow to be more choiceful about which events you attend in the future.

Simple Living America does not claim that starting a pattern of simple living will provide instant stress relief in all aspects of your life, only that simple living can help you to maintain balance in your life. With that said, simple living can be your first step in trying to make your life more enjoyable and stress-free.