Have you ever noticed how we often complicate even the simplest tasks? I recently caught myself doing just that. I was watering my plants, using a gallon milk jug to fill them up. As I stood at the sink, holding the heavy jug, my wrist started to ache. It suddenly dawned on me—why not set the jug down while it fills? So simple, right? Yet, I had made it unnecessarily difficult.

This small moment got me thinking: Why do we make things so hard?

Our brains love to stay busy. They’re constantly working—solving, deciding, analyzing, and even stressing. Even when a task could be simple, we complicate it, as if seeking stimulation. It’s the same reason we often find ourselves glued to our phones, even with loved ones right in front of us. Our brains crave the fast pace of information, and simplicity sometimes seems…boring.

This tendency is especially common for caregivers, who juggle multiple responsibilities daily. But the good news is we can make life easier for ourselves! Here are a few ways to simplify things and avoid unnecessary stress:

Tips for making life simpler:

• Reduce time spent trying to control people or outcomes.
• Say “no” more often than “yes.”
• Trust your instincts.
• Focus on one task at a time (yes, I know, it’s hard!).
• Make a daily plan and decide ahead of time what you will and won’t do for yourself and your loved ones.

Remember, the simple solution is often the best one. Want to chat about how to simplify your caregiving routine? Reach out for a free 20-minute consultation today!