This is the last issue of simple living tips. Instead I am converting to a new format that encourages audience participation. I will instead be asking and contributing daily through my Twitter Profile on #actsofsimplicity to hopefully envoke some great ideas and share some thoughts with a large audience. I will add comments and info to each twitter post and list them on the website weekly. Read my posting of Green Living Tips – Issue #005 to find out more and .

In our previous issue I talked about decluttering your office. Today I will talk about communication and media. For some of you these media are the tool for your livelihood (I am a perfect example) but the rules of simplifying can be applied – eliminate, group and organize. Rinse and repeat. The world is quite busy now and we fill our lives with email, RSS subscriptions, social media (like Facebook), cellphones, iPhones, text messaging, forums, Skype, land phones, video conferencing, chat…this list goes on and on. Each of these tools can simplify our lives, but also add a great deal of time to our schedule thus offsetting their value. The world was simple before these inventions and certainly quieter. These tools can be costly too, so if you can reduce a few gadgets you can save a lot of money. Choose which conveniences are important or that you deem necessary.

Phones - the first step here is determining how many phones and communication devices you really need. Take a look at how much you are paying and this may give you the little push to eliminate a device or two. I finally eliminated my landline and use a cellphone for messages (I try to rarely talk on it unless it is the weekend or after 7pm). Set a schedule for when you make your calls therefore keeping it simple. I use Skype Out for all phone calls and can reach 48 countries to landlines and computers for just $9.95 a month. All that’s needed is an internet connection, which I deem as mandatory for obvious reasons. My grand total for phones is $40 a month. Don’t text from your phone, use the computer for free. If you need a Blackberry or special device, see if you can improve your package and monitor the usage. Roll all of your devices into one and don’t go for all the extra packages. In the end you won’t use them all and someone else will get rich off of you.

Email - There are three simple ways to eliminate email frustration. Use an open source email management client like Zoho and forward all of your emails to one account. That way when you check your emails they are all in one place. Once set up it becomes an easy solution, is free and a huge timesaver. The next thing to do is determine the times of day that you will pick up your email, usually 2-3 times is appropriate. Delete all the junk files and quickly scan the ones that interest you. If you can reduce this to once a day, you will save hours every month. The final trick is to respond immediately to any emails that require action. This means you only touch the email once and have eliminated the time it takes to read it again. Try to eliminate or unsubscribe from all unecessary lists.

Snail Mail – Apply the same rules as email. Touch the mail once and deal with it. Respond or pay bills immediately if possible. The next trick for mail is to eliminate your junk mail.

Media - The true purpose of social media is to make connections. If it is an activity that is simply fun for you, consider using it during your personal or fun time and avoid it during work. If it is a work tool, treat it like email and schedule a time and time limit for use. This will maintain a routine that you can build productivity into.

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