A simple life is a balanced life by

A lot of my readers liked my article about how to simplify one’s life. They were amazed at how simple things can make such a difference.

Here are more tips on simplifying your life and I hope they will again be helpful to you.

• Take time out to renew your energy and creativity.

Both work and leisure are necessary for fulfillment and satisfaction in life. We can get thrown off balance if we neglect either one. Work makes us feel needed and productive, and is essential to health and happiness. But overwork may be counterproductive and dehumanizing. Our bodies and mind need time and rest.

There is time for work and time to relax. A simple life is a balanced life.

• Refuse to spend what you don’t have. Overextending your credit limits or making purchases you can’t afford are practices with big price tags attached.

Establishing a budget may seem like hard work but in reality, it frees you. It simplifies financial management and gives you peace of mind.

Once you’ve calculated your budget, set aside money needed to pay bills. If there is extra, then save it.

• Keep a well-stocked sewing kit and tool box. A well-stocked sewing kit can make a number of small, practical tasks possible without long delays.

A well-stocked tool box is also helpful and offers immediate help if you need to hang a picture or replace the faucet in the bathroom.

Having what you need when you need it minimizes delays and allows you to solve the problem immediately. That makes for less stress!

• Buy clothes you can mix and match. Do you sometimes feel as if you have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear? They say the best idea is to build your wardrobe around classic clothing that can be mixed and matched. For a woman, invest in blazers, skirts and pants (colors like beige, blue, brown, black and white). These colors are easy to match.

Men should invest in a suit, sports coat and slacks.

Then add coordinated accessories and two pairs of shoes, one for casual wear and the other for formal occasions.

Why fill your closets with faddish, "stand-alone" outfits?

For me, it’s more exciting to create outfits from what you can mix together. The possibilities are endless. It will teach you to be more creative and more economical, too.

The two best fashion accessories are always these: a bright smile and inner beauty.

• Make lists. Writing down what I needed to do the next day is something I have been doing since I was in high school – assignments I needed to do, subjects I had to study, even my chores at home.

Doing so helped me organize my days. As I crossed out each item on my list, it gave me a sense of freedom. I accomplished what had to be done that day.

• Install a family message board. I have a blackboard at home and I’ve divided it into three columns with the names of my children, with one column for each of them. I have my own column, too.

I use this blackboard to leave messages for the children or for reminders especially when I’m not home. They also use it to communicate with me. Sometimes they write "I love you" or draw something for me. Aside from being a means to communicate, it also encourages them to express themselves.

Keeping in touch with one another is common courtesy that acknowledges the care and concern we feel for the safety and well-being of those we live with. It promotes a sense of belonging and discourages misunderstandings. (Di pa nasayang ang blackboard ng mga anak ko nung maliliit pa sila.)

We sometimes think we need monumental ways or changes to make our lives simpler, but this is not so. Start with small, simple and yet practical ways and changes. Make them habits and your everyday life will be simpler and less stressful.