| By simplifying these three things, you will free up | | | | and make meals that can easily be turned into |
| some time to spend doing the things you love and | | | | different meals the following night. For example, |
| being with the people you love. Below are easy | | | | you can make several different easy meals out |
| steps you can take to simplify your email, postal | | | | of one rotisserie chicken. |
| mail and meals. | | | | Another option is to plan a freezable meal two |
| #1 - Simplifying Your Email. There are three types | | | | nights a week and simply heat up and serve |
| of emails. | | | | already prepared meals the remaining days of the |
| 1. Junk | | | | week. Just add a fresh salad and side dish. Your |
| 2. Emails that require a response or action | | | | family gets the benefit of delicious and nutritious |
| 3. Emails that you would like to read or use as a | | | | homemade meals and you get the benefit of only |
| reference (these emails do not require a response | | | | cooking two nights a week. |
| or action). | | | | #3 - Simplifying Your Postal Mail |
| First, delete the junk emails immediately. Then | | | | Create a specific place in your home where you |
| respond to the action items. Finally, move the | | | | deal with your postal mail. Keep a recycling bin, |
| emails you want to read or reference in a "To | | | | garbage can and paper shredder in or near that |
| Read" folder. If possible, clear out your inbox at | | | | area. When your mail comes in, take just a few |
| the end of every business day. | | | | minutes to toss, recycle and shred. Shred all |
| More Helpful Tips:o If possible, only check email | | | | documents containing your personal information, |
| 2-3 times a day at specific scheduled times. Start | | | | as well as, credit card applications. Currently 68% |
| by scanning your inbox and deleting the junk.o | | | | of identity theft happens as a result of |
| When possible, do important action items | | | | documents being stolen from recycling and trash |
| immediatelyo Don't feel obligated to read or | | | | bins. Shredding your personal documents is an |
| respond to forwards. If you are interested in a | | | | easy cheap way to protect yourself. |
| particular one, but don't have time at that | | | | Next, set-up an "Active File System" to keep all |
| moment to read it, move it to your "To Read" | | | | of the papers that you need to take action on, |
| folder. Schedule time in your week to clear out | | | | bills to pay, forms to complete, and so on. Your |
| your "To Read" folder by reading and deleting | | | | "Active File System" is different from your |
| what's in there.o Do not put emails that require an | | | | long-term file system where you keep insurance |
| action or response in your "To Read" foldero | | | | policies, investment papers, taxes and those sorts |
| When possible, respond to personalized emails | | | | of papers. Your "Active File System is just for |
| right awayo Stop responding when an interchange | | | | your day-to-day papers that require an action or |
| has served its purpose | | | | response from you. Keep your "Active File |
| #2 - Simplifying Your Meals | | | | System" in a portable desktop sized file box in |
| Each time you make dinner, consider double or | | | | the area that you deal with your mail. This will help |
| tripling the recipe. This typically takes less time | | | | keep you stay on top of your papers, keep them |
| than making 2-3 separate meals on separate | | | | organized and reduce the amount of piles of |
| nights. Divide up the extra portions into containers, | | | | papers on your counter tops and tables. |
| label and freeze. If you were to triple your meals | | | | When simplifying your life, you will free up some |
| everyday for a week, you would have two | | | | of your valuable time and you may even feel |
| weeks worth of frozen meals that just need to | | | | calmer and happier. |
| be heated up and served. Some meals aren't | | | | "How we spend our days is of course, how we |
| good frozen so another option is to plan ahead | | | | spend our lives. |