SOMETIMES GETTING AWAY FROM THE RAT RACE AND SIMPLIFYING LIFE CAN DO WONDERS FOR THE SOUL, SAYS KATE JAMES.

'Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience' (Ralph Waldo Emerson).

Now is as good a time as any to consider what matters most to you. Sometimes we forget to make time for the simple things that really enrich our lives. Taking time out, especially in nature, can help put things in perspective and allows us to appreciate the good things in life.

Here are some tips to doing just that:

* Set aside an afternoon during the holidays to write out your vision for the year ahead. Make sure you include the simple things you love to do that you may not currently make time for.
* Let go of one expectation of yourself for good. If you have promised yourself you'll get to the gym for the past year but haven't, find another interest you enjoy that increases your physical activity.
* Say no to an outing you really don't want to attend.
* Let go of a relationship that drains you.
* Make your living environment beautiful without spending a lot of money - throw out things you don't need, give your living room a coat of paint, buy yourself a bunch of flowers or redecorate buying only secondhand items.
* Get out into nature and reconnect with the beauty around you.

Source: Kate James is a work life balance coach, speaker and writer. She works with professionals who want to enhance their quality of life by making the right career and life choices. Kate can be contacted at www.totalbalance.com.au