“Simplicity is not the goal. It is the by-product of a good idea and modest expectations.” – Paul Rand

Stress and fatigue contribute to anxiety. Why make anxiety worse? Here are 5 habits which, if you put them into practice today, can make your life simpler Reduce Anxiety RIGHT NOW.

1. Simplify your workspace. Whatever you do – wherever you work – cluttered surroundings can add to stress. Put everything away except what you’re working on right now. This helps to maintain focus which helps you get things done more quickly and completely. And that reduces stress and anxiety.

2. Eliminate distractions. A confused mind cannot easily make good decisions. Poor decisions lead to more anxiety and second guessing yourself. Fewer distractions make it easier to work and to maintain a clear head.

3. Stop trying to do things perfectly (go for good enough). It’s nearly impossible to do something exactly and completely correct the first time you attempt it. Better to complete something, put it into action, determine how well it works and make course corrections along the way. That’s how NASA sent a rocket to the moon. Perfectionism only delays action and stifles creativity both of which are necessary to maintain high self-esteem. And, by the way, low self-esteem contributes to anxiety.

4. Get things all the way done then move on to the next thing. Too many unfinished projects add to distraction and confusion (see #2 above). A sense of accomplishment actually leads to even more things being finished and keeps your self-esteem at a healthy level.

5. Write shorter emails. Most emails should contain only a few sentences. Emails are notes not letters. When you reduce the time and energy spent on processing emails, you are freed-up to focus on other important tasks (see #4 above).

This is an article I adapted from a post by Henrik Edberg at his Positivity Blog entitled 10 Habits That Will Make Your Life Lighter.