The idea of simplifying our lives is attractive to most folks. The difficulty often lies in considering how we might simplify and how those changes will impact our day to day living and those we love. If we’re honest, we want less stress but are concerned about what we might have to give up to live with less stress and anxiety.

The marketing efforts of the 1950s and ‘60s promised us less stress and more free time as fast foods, frozen meals and eventually the microwave came to our doorsteps. Free time for family to relax, prepare healthy meals, and simplify our calendars fell to the wayside as the pace of work intensified and extracurricular activities surged into our lives. This shift in American culture seemed to interpret these new conveniences/time savers as an opportunity, an unspoken pressure, to add more to our schedules. Rest, relationships, and healthy living would need to wait till we had more time.

As a nation we are seeing the outcome of “convenient living” with our waistlines expanding and stress levels heightened. The culture shifted towards “do more stuff with more free time” regardless of impact on personal health and has revealed an impact that has been far greater than just the individual. It’s impact on community and national wellness is clearly evident.

The good news is that we can collaborate through small changes to shift culture towards more balance, more intention when it comes to decisions that impact health either directly or indirectly where we live, work, play, pray, and learn. Where to start? Keep wellness and how we can grow more of what promotes health in the conversations we have in our homes, schools, communities, and organizations then consider how together we can cultivate a culture that values health through the decisions we make each day.