Accumulated sleep loss, quiet strolls, and a list of 63 items to discard for tidiness
As the new year approaches, author Anne Lamott offers wisdom on how to navigate the year ahead with intention and mindfulness. In her latest newsletter, Weekend Favorites, Lamott suggests creating a "more/less" list to focus on what truly matters and reduce stress.
The "more/less" list is a simple yet effective tool that encourages intentional living by identifying what to increase ("more") and what to reduce ("less") in your life to support well-being and clarity.
Start by reflecting on what brings peace and joy. This could be habits, activities, or possessions that positively impact your mental, emotional, and physical health. Next, list what you want more of. Examples include more mindful moments, less screen time, more quality sleep, more gratitude practices, more physical activity, and more meaningful connections.
On the flip side, list what you want less of. Examples include less clutter, fewer distractions, less negativity, less multitasking, less overcommitment, and less social media consumption. Keep it practical and specific, focusing on manageable changes such as "more daily intention setting" and "less checking phone first thing in the morning."
Write it down in two columns titled "More" and "Less." Keep it visible to remind yourself daily. Review and adjust regularly, as intentional living is a process, and update your list as priorities and circumstances change to stay aligned with a peaceful, less stressful lifestyle.
In addition to the "more/less" list, Lamott recommends focusing on energy management instead of time management. She also suggests considering New Year, Same You, New Year, Real You, or New Year, Favorite You. For those seeking entertainment, Lamott recommends a playlist for dinner parties or fun afternoons, and an audio series made by the author will be available starting next week.
Lamott also shares a link to an article about the beauty of a silent walk and encourages readers to slow down during the new year. For those looking to cut back on drinking, Lamott suggests the birthday cake method. Lastly, a new Simplicity Space plan is available for those seeking guidance on decluttering and organising their living spaces.
By adopting this approach, readers can consciously build a life focused on what truly matters, reducing stress and enhancing peace throughout the new year.
- To support well-being and clarity, consider increasing mindful moments, quality sleep, physical activity, meaningful connections, and gratitude practices, while decreasing screen time, negativity, and social media consumption.
- In the spirit of intentional living, make a "more/less" list, consisting of two columns titled "More" and "Less," focusing on manageable changes to foster a peaceful, less stressful lifestyle.
- Embrace energy management instead of time management, and choose a thoughtful mantra like New Year, Same You, New Year, Real You, or New Year, Favorite You to guide you through the year.
- For those seeking entertainment, a playlist for dinner parties or fun afternoons, as well as an audio series from the author, will be available soon.
- To slow down during the new year, take a silent walk, practice the birthday cake method if you're looking to cut back on drinking, and discover the new Simplicity Space plan for decluttering and organizing your home.
