In part 1, we looked at how you can declutter your home and your mind and why these steps are so important for reducing stress. And hopefully, you’ve already come across a few useful suggestions. But now we’d like to take it further and help you to declutter even more aspects of your busy parent life!

So, which aspects of parental life are we hoping to de-clutter in part 2?

A busy schedule. Too many obligations, errands, extracurricular activities, and so on, will absolutely cause stress. Chronic busyness is bad for your health and that of your kids, after all, we all need some time to relax and rejuvenate.

Taking in too much information. In today’s modern world, we have access to heaps and heaps of information, but it’s not always helpful. Oftentimes it’s contradictory and upsetting, and so only distracts and confuses us.

Too many thoughts. Unhelpful and unnecessary thoughts can crop up out of nowhere and cause all sorts of difficult emotions, as well as stress. And while this is normal and common, and there’s not a whole lot we can do about it, we can work on how we respond.

If we can de-clutter these aspects of our lives, as well as those discussed in part 1, things should become a whole lot less stressful.

So, how can I simplify and declutter these aspects of my life?

Clear your busy schedule.

Don’t say yes just because you can. It’s absolutely fine to decline an invite to a party or parent’s social and not offer up a reason why. Offer to schedule a playdate another time, or don’t. It’s up to you.

Consider the wider picture. Keep a calendar on your phone or on the kitchen wall, and take a look at what the week or month will bring before adding something else to the mix.

Go easy on the kids’ extracurricular activities. A good compromise is two activities a week, one chosen by you, and one chosen by them.

Don’t feel you need to be at every single event. Speak to other parents and try to set up carpools that allow you a bit of extra time when you have a busy week. And take turns with family members to attend events.

Let things go. Remember you might not be able to attend each event or get everything on your list done, but as the kids get older, your time should free up a little.

Managing your information consumption.

Choose one or two news sources. If you like to keep up with the news, try not to use more than two sources and check in more than twice a day. Listening on the radio as you drive to work or on the way back from school drop-off is a great option.

Take some time to think about social media. Social media is a big part of most of our lives, but it doesn’t always bring up the best feelings in us. Next time you’re scrolling through your feed, consider whether what you’re seeing makes you feel good and connected, or triggered and upset. We’re not saying you need to give it up entirely, but consider whether there’s a time and a place that you enjoy it more.

Don’t expose yourself to things you don’t enjoy. Reading or watching stuff that you don’t want in your brain doesn’t guarantee zero anxious or upsetting thoughts, but it’s a good place to start.

Be aware of your thoughts.

Notice when your mind misbehaves. Do unpleasant thoughts come knocking when you’re thinking about a certain memory from childhood, or when you’re judging yourself or perhaps your child? Try to recognise what triggered the negative or painful thought because this might give you some perspective and help you to realise where it’s come from.

Remind yourself that they are thoughts and not reality. Once you’ve established what may have caused it, or even if you haven’t, try to remind yourself that thoughts are thoughts. They are not always reality. This is a helpful mantra to repeat to yourself.

Redirect your thoughts. A good way to redirect thought is by singing your favourite song, counting to 60, taking some deep breaths, reciting a favourite joke or line from a film, meditating, or finding something to be grateful for.

How can I make my life easier through minimalism?

Keep things pure and simple with Unii.