How to Be the Best You

​May 2020
Edition 5

I’m always looking to share my gift and the life hacks that I use in my daily life that help me to live my best life. I know it can be overwhelming between working a full-time job, managing life, and trying to keep up with the kids. Then throw in the need to actually eat and sleep and things can get lost in the shuffle really fast.
Here are some of my favorite life hacks that help me be a more organized.

1. Have a Informational Central To-do List
​I am just going to start out by saying that I love, love, love making lists. This comes naturally to me, it helps me to brain dump and know what I need to get done. I also get this weird satisfaction from crossing things off my lists when they are complete. I know there are many other ways to keeps your life and to-do's in order. Their are apps, software programs, reminders on your phone. What ever works best for you, just choose ONE and stick with it. You need one place that collects all your thoughts and helps you to make sure things are getting done. ​

---

2. Use a Calendar  & Get the Whole Family on Board
Having a family calendar is super important. I have ours on our fridge and update it every Sunday with everyone's schedule. Having a family calendar is a great way to make sure that everyone is one the same page. The thing that I love the most about having a family calendar is that I am no longer the sole person in charge of remembering everything. It’s all too easy for us busy moms to end up being the information hub of the whole family where everyone relies on us to keep everyone on schedule. Fight that urge to settle into that familiar routine! ​

3. Create a Night Time Routine
I know it is super hard to have a night time routine now that things have changed. Hopefully we will be back to a set schedule soon. I have been trying to stick to my normal night time schedule, even during this pandemic. It will be easier when I get back to my early mornings and longer work days. I have a alarm on my iPhone that reminds me 15 minutes before I need to start getting ready for bed. I wash my face, brush my teeth and put my pj's on. I take a moment to write in my journal the things in my day that I am grateful for. This helps me to stay positive and go to bed on a happy note. For all of you who have a hard time going right to bed. Try to listening to soothing music or nature sounds. I listen to Best Relaxing Spa Music Radio on Pandora. I fall right to sleep. Our night routine makes or breaks the entire following day.  Whether we got enough sleep or end up feeling groggy and unproductive all day. Try to go to bed at the same time each night. You will appreciate it in the A.M.

4. Wake up Early There is nothing like those quiet moments in the morning when no one else is awake. My day always feels like it’s off to a great start when I’ve done my mediation, work out and made my protein shake before 8:00 am. Having some YOU time and self care before you have to give so much of yourself during the day in invaluable. Do not feel guilty about it!!! We can not effectively help anyone else if we can not help ourselves first. ​

5.  Everyone Helps Out!
​The more tasks that you can clear off of your plate, the easier it becomes to be more organized. Several of the items on this list are aimed at lightening your load but this one is the most important and potentially the hardest.
Sometimes it feels a lot easier to just do it yourself the right way than to have to police the kiddos into getting their chores done. But it absolutely is worth giving your children the opportunity to grow into their independence by giving them age appropriate chores as early as possible (like 2-3 years old).
The same holds true for our partners in crime. When each of you have designated tasks that you are responsible for it goes a long way towards avoiding burnout and resentment. And, personally, I find that a man that can cook, do laundry, and wrangle the kids while I handle some other household stuff is hella sexy!

6.  Practice Minimalism
​Over the years we all accumulate a lot of stuff. That stuff takes a lot of time and energy to manage. The fewer things we have the easier it is to stay organized. So from time to time you should set aside an hour to go through a drawer, cabinet, or closet and purge the things that no longer bring you joy. If your family budget can afford it, it is absolutely worth considering hiring a professional organizer to help to create functional, organized spaces in your home. 
I may be a little bias but hiring a professional organizer is life changing. I know this to be true because it has helped me in my own household and I hear it from all of my clients. 
I understand minimalism does not come natural to everyone BUT if it is important to you make a honest effort. Starting with working on being intentional about the items (and people) that you bring into your life and those that you allow to stay there.

​Remember…. Organize to Maximize Space!!