Remember the saying we used to (well, I used to, at least) see and hear everywhere? KISS.

In other words, “Keep It Simple, Stupid.” Okay, yeah, I agree – I don’t like the stupid part of that either. But I do like the keep it simple part.

I actually think keeping it simple could be the missing link to being well. Oh, sure, plenty of other things count – nutrition, movement, purpose, connection and so on. But how complicated has your world gotten over the past decade or more? Pretty seriously so, right?

Do you ever have this experience: You see some image from decades ago, breathe a sigh and think: Wow, that looks nice. A simpler time. Freedom to just sit and relax. Less gadgets and lists pulling at my time and attention.

It’s true. You live in an infinitely more complicated, complex time. That has good sides – isn’t it cool to have such instant access to family, friends and information? And bad sides – you’re on call, in effect, 24/7. That inherently creates a vastly more stressful life.

What to do? Throw out your cell phone, computer and live in a cabin in the woods so you can be well? No, extremes aren’t necessary. What is necessary is that you begin to simplify however and wherever you can. Ideas:

Go tech-free here and there.

Shut down each evening at a certain time. Spend a day away from your computer. Even set an hour a day where you are absolutely not accessible or going to check your email, bank account and Facebook status.

Stop buying more stuff that you don’t need.

Is your closet crammed? Your drawers overflowing? Countertops cluttered? Cease and desist. It stresses you out every moment of every day.

Scale down. Way down.

Set a time, and clean out a drawer. Organize your desktop. Clean a section of your closet. Throw away or donate old stuff you never use. Get rid of the junk. When you can find your desk, kitchen counters, clothes you really wear, you’ll find it much easier to navigate your life, and you’ll enjoy it all more.

Say no more often.

Clutter exists in your schedule as well. You don’t have to say yes to every request made of you. If you do, you’re risking your health. It’s that important.

Your reward for being willing to change?

You’ll feel better. You’ll have more energy. Your mind will be clearer. You’ll be protecting your chances of being well. Health symptoms may drop away. You’ll feel less stressed. You’ll be happier. You’ll have more time to actually enjoy your life, not endure it.

All you have to do is be bold enough to start reclaiming your time and space. Give it a try. Make the choice. Stop running with the pack. Many of them are unhealthy and getting worse. You need to take care of yourself instead.