If you seek tranquillity, do less. Or (more accurately) do what’s essential — what the logos of a social being requires, and in the requisite way. Which brings a double satisfaction: to do less, better.
Because most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you ‘ll have more time, and more tranquillity. Ask yourself at every moment, “Is this necessary?”
But we need to eliminate unnecessary assumptions as well. To eliminate the unnecessary actions that follow.
— Marcus Aurelius, “Meditations”
Is there anything you can do today to remove something non-essential?
Before replying to every email ask yourself: what happens if I don’t reply? Is it really that bad? What happens if I don’t check in on Facebook, Google+, Twitter or Instagram every hour? Or even every day? Is the fear of missing or not being up to date really out worth my time? What happens if I stop watching this or that TV series? Can I honestly say that the TV series is making my life better? What happens if this or that item in my todo list don’t get done? Is it going to severely affect my happiness?
Are any of those tasks worth more than spending more time playing with my kids, my friends or my aging and loving parents? Are those tasks worth more than going on a hike, traveling, mastering a new skill or practicing my favorite hobby?