Clearing the clutter - 6 ways to help minimize distractions everyday

I know firsthand that the quest to simplify can be really hard — but it’s important. Why?

Because many of us are on the brink of losing who we are and forgetting what we want thanks to television, social media, shopping, and clutter. These distractions buzz around us constantly and make it difficult to stop, focus, reflect and just be. I have to constantly bring myself back to reality and make a conscious effort to reacquaint myself with my inner zen. It shouldn’t be that hard.

I can’t change those outside influences, but I know they will always be there. I can only change me and how I want to filter all those things. Here are a few things I've started to do every day to help me with this:

• Limit my time on websites that distract me, like Facebook, using this.

• Always make the bed in the morning — it just makes everything feel better.

• Keep my desk clear, except when I am working on it.

• Make a to-do list everyday and follow it.

• Turn off the television and instead, play music. (This is helpful for my daughter too, those screens just suck her in).

• Go out and walk as much as possible, even in the winter. It doesn't happen every day, but when I can get out, the fresh air and change of scenery always makes me feel better.

If we can all develop a strategy to minimize the clutter and distractions every day, we can make way for a brighter, more focused, more effective life.