Tag: overwhelm

Abundance, Health, Living Now, Mindfulness

Six Years Later

Lyn Bailey

Title: Six Years Later: A Heart Overflowing with Gratitude (and a Gift for You)

 

Yesterday, a wave of relief washed over me, a feeling so profound it brought tears to my eyes. Six years after my bowel cancer surgery, I received the all-clear once again. I am still cancer-free.

Those two words, “cancer-free,” are more than just a medical term. They represent a second chance, a gift of time, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty and fragility of life.

The journey hasn’t been easy. There were moments of fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion. But through it all, I discovered the incredible power of gratitude. It wasn’t an instant cure for my worries, but it was a steady anchor, a reminder of the good that existed even amidst the challenges.

Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the pain or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about acknowledging the blessings, big and small, that weave through our lives. It’s about recognizing the resilience of the human spirit, the kindness of others, and the simple joys that make life worth living.

In the past six years, I’ve learned that gratitude is a practice, a muscle that strengthens with use. It’s about shifting your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant. It’s about finding beauty in the everyday moments – a warm cup of coffee, a heartfelt conversation, a sunset painted across the sky.

This milestone has inspired me to share the transformative power of gratitude with you. I want to help you cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation for your own life, no matter what challenges you may be facing.

 

Want to dive deeper into the power of gratitude? Download my FREE Gratitude Worksheet! This simple yet powerful tool will help you cultivate more joy, appreciation, and positivity in your everyday life. Click the link HERE to grab your copy and start your gratitude journey today!



Share this by clicking below:
Mental Health, Mindfulness, Working Mums

Easy Ways to Start a Gratitude Journal

Lyn Bailey

 

      4 Easy Ways to Start a Gratitude Journal 

Journaling your thoughts is a proven mood booster. It helps you develop a better sense of yourself, fosters goal achievement, and is a great stress reliever. Start a daily gratitude journaling habit to lower your high blood pressure, sleep better, and experience more happiness and contentment.

Those are just a few of gratitude’s many physical and mental health benefits. Combining gratitude and journaling is a wonderful way to enhance overall well-being, and here is a four-step process for getting started.

  1. Choose a Space and Time

The human brain doesn’t like surprises. It prefers to know what’s going to happen. Scheduling your gratitude journaling practice at the same time each day makes your brain happy. It starts to mentally prepare you before your scheduled journal time.

You will get more out of the process when you set a schedule for journaling and stick to it. The same is true of the environment you choose. Always journal in the same space. If you can dedicate a space to nothing but writing in your gratitude journal, all the better.

Your survival instinct and sensory network will begin to recognize your chosen space and time as a positive experience. Expressing gratitude triggers happiness and other positive emotions. Your brain rewards that positive experience with feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters, and you look forward to your journaling sessions.

2. Choose a Medium

We recommend that you write by hand in a physical journal. Handwriting boosts learning and memory in a way that typing on a keyboard or tapping on a touchscreen can’t. That means you naturally get more out of the process when you take a physical journal and record your reflections.

There are countless journals available online. Your local bookstore may carry gratitude journals. You can also use a simple notebook to record your expressions of gratitude.

Digital gratitude journals provide anytime access if you can’t lay your hands on your physical journal. Current users highly rate the following apps. I haven’t personally used any of these. I prefer to hand write in my journal.

  • 365 Gratitude Journal
  • Gratitude
  • Presently – A Gratitude Journal

 3. Use Gratitude Prompts

Some days, you need help to recognize the goodness in your life. That’s what gratitude prompts do. Here are a few prompts to help you start your gratitude journal.

I am thankful today for _____.

  • What did I do today that made me smile?
  • What can I see in my immediate surroundings that I am thankful for?
  • What do I experience in nature that makes me happy?
  • What memory do I have that fills me with joy?

Most gratitude journals you purchase will come equipped with daily prompts and other features to simplify the process.

4. Take Daily Action

That’s it—it’s that easy. The next step is to take action. Stick to your schedule, and don’t miss a day for the first three or four weeks. By then, you will be so used to the process that it will become a habit. Start a gratitude journal today for more happiness and better overall well-being.

If you want help or support to start your journaling, then I’m offering a FREE Discovery Call to help you get started. Just click HERE to book your call.

Share this by clicking below:
Health, Living Now, Mindfulness

7 Mindfulness Techniques for Daily Life

Lyn Bailey

7 Mindfulness Techniques for Daily Life

Learn how to practice mindfulness with simple techniques and tips for all ages. Enhance your well-being and manage stress effectively. Start today!

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Many of us are juggling demanding schedules, endless to-do lists, and the constant pressure to do more. But there’s a way to find more ease and balance, even amidst the chaos. Mindfulness techniques offer a path to greater self-awareness, helping you manage stress, improve focus, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Ready to discover how a few simple practices can make a world of difference?

Key Takeaways

  • Mindfulness is a practice, not a destination. It’s about bringing awareness to your thoughts and feelings without judgment, not about achieving a perfectly clear mind. Start small, be kind to yourself, and remember that consistency is key.
  • Mindfulness can be tailored to your life stage. Whether you’re a parent looking to help your kids manage big emotions, a teen navigating the ups and downs of adolescence, or an adult seeking more calm and focus, there are mindfulness practices that can help.
  • There are plenty of resources to support your practice. Explore mindfulness apps, books, online courses, local groups, or even just setting daily reminders for yourself. Find what works best for you and enjoy the journey.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a practice that involves focusing on the present moment with an attitude of openness and non-judgment. It encourages you to become aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without getting caught up in them. The Mayo Clinic describes it as “a type of meditation focusing on present moment awareness without judgment,” involving techniques like breathing exercises and guided imagery to relax your body and mind.

Essentially, mindfulness is about shifting from an automatic, fast-paced way of thinking to a more deliberate and conscious approach. Mindful.org explains that it’s about strengthening your ability to be present and make conscious choices, rather than reacting on autopilot.

And mindfulness isn’t just about meditation; you can practice it in everyday activities. Life Insight notes that it’s about paying careful attention to your present experience, whether it’s a sight, a sound, a taste, or even a thought or emotion.

Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life can lead to significant mental health benefits, especially when it comes to managing stress and improving your overall well-being.

How Mindfulness Affects Your Brain

Mindfulness isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s a practice grounded in real science. When you practice mindfulness, you’re actively changing the physical structure and function of your brain. Think of it like strength training for your mind.

One of the key areas where mindfulness makes a difference is strengthening brain circuits related to attention and emotional regulation. This means that mindfulness practices can be particularly helpful for managing symptoms of ADHD, improving focus, and reducing impulsivity.

But the benefits go beyond just concentration. Mindfulness can actually increase your capacity for compassion and empathy. By being present and tuning into your own emotions, you become more attuned to the experiences of others.

And in our always-on world, mindfulness provides a much-needed antidote to stress. Experts suggest that mindfulness helps develop a more flexible nervous system, making you more resilient and adaptable to life’s inevitable challenges.

7 Powerful Mindfulness Techniques to Try Today

Ready to weave mindfulness into your daily life? These seven techniques can be practiced anytime, anywhere, to invite more presence and calm into your day.

Mindful Breathing: Anchor Yourself to the Present

This is where it all begins. Mindful breathing is a foundational practice used to ground yourself in the present moment, especially helpful during times of stress. Mindful breathing exercises are often the foundation of mindfulness practice.

Body Scan Meditation: Take a Journey Through Your Body

A body scan meditation is a wonderful way to connect with your physical self. This practice cultivates body awareness and can help release tension you might be carrying.

Mindful Eating: Savor Every Bite

Instead of rushing through your next meal, transform it into a mindful experience. Put down your phone, turn off the TV, and truly focus on the food in front of you. Mindful eating.

Walking Meditation: Find Zen in Motion

Who says meditation requires you to sit still? Walking meditation brings awareness to the physical act of walking. This practice helps you find a sense of calm and focus amidst the busyness of your day.

Gratitude Journaling: Cultivate Positivity

Shift your focus from what’s lacking to what you appreciate with gratitude journaling. Each day, take a few moments to jot down three to five things you’re grateful for—big or small. This practice helps you cultivate a more positive mindset and appreciate the good in your life.

Loving-Kindness Meditation: Nurture Compassion

This heart-centered practice involves directing feelings of love and kindness towards yourself and others. This practice helps cultivate compassion and acceptance, both for yourself and those around you.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Release Tension

If you often find yourself feeling physically tense, progressive muscle relaxation can provide relief. This technique is a powerful tool for managing stress and promoting physical relaxation.

Experience the Benefits of Mindfulness

Mindfulness isn’t just some abstract idea—it’s a practical tool to improve your well-being. Think of it as a way to hit the reset button on your brain, allowing you to deal with daily stress more effectively. Mindfulness helps us shift away from overthinking and negativity, bringing us back to the present moment.

And the best part? You don’t need to spend hours meditating to see positive changes. Even a few minutes of regular mindfulness practice can make a difference. The Mayo Clinic also highlights how these practices can benefit both your mental and physical health, contributing to a more balanced lifestyle.

Get your FREE Mindfulness Worksheet here!

Share this by clicking below:
Living Now, Mindfulness, Productivity, Time Management, Working Mums

The Value Of Organizing Tomorrow Today

Lyn Bailey

 

The Value Of Organizing Tomorrow Today

If you want to maximize your effectiveness and the amount you get done each day, organize tomorrow, today. The second that you open your eyes you can already be clear and certain about what you have to do that day.

It’s much more effective than trying to plan your day on the fly!

In the evening, you’re much more objective about the next day than you are when you’re in the midst of it. It’s easy to plan a trip to the gym the day before. It’s not as easy to do so on the same day when it’s raining, and you’re just not in the mood.

The best time to plan tomorrow is today!

 

Follow this process:

A. What do you want to accomplish? Depending on your job, health, family, hobbies, and life in general, what you want to accomplish will vary. Make a list of all the things you want to accomplish tomorrow. Include tasks that help you to reach your goals. Your list might have activities like this:

  • Make a nutritious lunch for kids.
  • Be at the office by 7:45.
  • Give a great presentation at work at 2:00pm.
  • Eat a healthy lunch.
  • Work out for 30 minutes.
  • Practice piano for 30 minutes.
  • Speak with an employee about frequent absences.
  • Call my financial planner to schedule a meeting about my portfolio.

 

B. What are the best ways to accomplish those tasks? There are many ways to accomplish something. But there is only one best way. Think of your resource constraints (including time) and determine the optimal way for you to accomplish the tasks you’ve identified as most important.

  • What foods will you include in your child’s lunch?
  • What is the best route to get to work? What time do I have to get up in order to be at work by 7:45?
  • What do I need to do to be prepared for the presentation? Do I need to reserve a room? Who should be present?
  • What will I have for lunch? Will I bring it or go out to eat?
  • What type of workout will I do? Where?
  1. What are the obstacles you’re likely to face? Consider everything that might get in your way and develop a plan that will address those obstacles.  If something goes wrong, how are you going to handle itMake a plan that has the greatest possibility of avoiding the fewest obstacles as possible.
  2. When are you going to do your tasks? Decide when you’re going to do each of the items on your list. Bill Gates plans his day in 6-minute intervals. You might not have to be that precise. Find a method that works for you.
  3. Evaluate your day and try again. At the end of the day, take a look at your day and look for ways to do better. Use what you learned to improve your planning process.
    • What did you accomplish?
    • What did you fail to get done?
    • When are you going to do it?
    • What could you have done better?

Make the most important decisions about your day the night before. The day is for executing, not deciding.

Save your decision-making time for the evening when you can be more objective and thoughtful.

Put your nose to the grindstone during the day and get things accomplished. Living life by the seat of your pants might be exciting, but it’s not the most productive way to live. Make a good plan and then follow it to the best of your ability. The quality of your life will soar.

 

 

Share this by clicking below:
dollars, currency, money-499481.jpg
Budget, Clutter, Organization

Save Money with a Minimalism Mindset

Lyn Bailey

An effective way to save money with a minimalist mindset is to focus on experiences instead of material things. Of course, you don’t need to forgo all your possessions and live a life of austerity. It’s just about making mindful decisions to spend your money on experiences that will bring you lasting joy instead of things that will quickly lose their appeal.

But there are numerous ways to save money with a minimal mindset. Here are a few:

  • Start with your wardrobe — Most of us have clothes we never wear. Go through your clothes and remove anything you haven’t worn in the last year. Donate these items to a local charity.
  • Cut back on eating out — It’s easy to spend $50 or more when you go out to eat. Instead, cook at home more often. You’ll save money and likely eat healthier as well.
  • Cancel unused subscriptions — If you have magazine or newspaper subscriptions, you no longer read, cancel them. The same goes for any streaming services or memberships you’re not using.
  • Give back to your community — Volunteer your time or donate money to a worthy cause. It feels good to help others. You’ll also save money by avoiding costly nights and accumulating more material possessions.
  • Get rid of your car — This one may not be possible for everyone, but if you get rid of your vehicle, you will save on insurance, gas, and maintenance costs.
  • Use coupons and shop sales — Look for coupons and deals when you need to buy something and only shop when you’ve planned.
  • Reduce your energy consumption — This could mean turning off lights when you leave a room, turning down the heat, or investing in energy-efficient appliances.
  • Live in a smaller home — If you own a home, consider downsizing to a smaller one to reduce your mortgage or rent payments and save on energy costs.
  • Make time for the things you love — If you’re passionate about something, find ways to incorporate it into your life without spending a lot of money. For example, look for free trails near you instead of a gym membership if you love hiking.
  • Spend time with loved ones — One of the most precious things in life is time, so make sure to spend it wisely. Instead of buying them material gifts, spend time with them instead. Go on a walk, have a picnic in the park, or stay in and chat. These are the moments they’ll remember and cherish, not the things you bought them.
  • Get rid of your debt — This is an obvious way to save money. Pay it off as quickly as possible if you have high-interest debt, such as credit card debt. I got rid of my credit cards a couple of years ago. It has saved me an enormous amount of money! Now, I have to think twice about spending, as I can only spend what I already have, not my future earnings.
  • Invest in yourself — This could include taking courses to improve your career prospects or investing in a side hustle, but it can also be about experiences. For example, take a cooking class, learn a new language, or pick up a new hobby.
  • Automate your finances — Set up automatic payments for your bills and savings to let go of a bit of mental clutter and make it less likely to miss a payment or forget to save.
  • Make a budget – Review your expenses, make a budget, and stick to it. Budgets keep you on track with your spending and saving goals.
  • Save for retirement — If you don’t have a retirement savings account, start one as soon as possible. It will add up over time, even if you can only save a little each month.
  • Invest in memories, not things — Instead of buying new car or designer clothes, put that money towards a once-in-a-lifetime trip or an unforgettable experience. You’ll be much happier looking back on memories than material possessions.

By focusing on experiences instead of things, you can save money, declutter your life, and live a more fulfilling existence. So next time you’re tempted to spend money on something that will quickly lose its appeal, consider investing in an experience instead.

Share this by clicking below:
baby boy, interior, room-3368017.jpg
Clutter, Living Now, Time Management

Minimalism Habits to Adopt

Lyn Bailey

There are many ways to live a minimalist lifestyle. Some people choose to live with less stuff, while others focus on simplifying their daily routines. Regardless of your approach, there are several key habits that all minimalists should adopt to simplify their lives.

1. Let go of stuff you don’t need

One of the most critical minimalist habits is letting go of items you no longer need or use. It’s easy to accrue a lot of stuff you don’t need. Getting rid of these items can declutter your home and simplify your life.

2. Don’t be afraid to say no

Many people feel like they have to say yes to everything. But this isn’t always necessary and can lead to an overly complicated life. If you don’t want to do something or don’t have the time, it’s okay to say no.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Another essential habit is not being afraid to ask for help when needed. Many try to do everything independently, but this isn’t always possible or necessary. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask a friend, family member, or professional for assistance.

4. Be patient

Patience is hard to come by sometimes. People often want things immediately. But sometimes, good things come to those who wait. So instead of rushing into things, take your time and enjoy the journey.

5. Be organized

Being organized doesn’t mean that you must live in an immaculate home with hotel vibes. But it does mean taking the time to declutter your space and put things in order. In addition, being organized helps you save time and stress because you don’t have to waste time looking for stuff.

6. Don’t sweat the small stuff

Some sound advice for wannabe minimalists is not to sweat the small stuff. In other words, don’t let the little things stress you out. If something minor goes wrong, don’t dwell on it. Just let it go and move on.

7. Live in the present

Instead of focusing on the future or dwelling on the past, focus on the here and now. Living in the present will help you enjoy your life more and reduce stress.

8. Be grateful

Build a habit of gratefulness for what you have instead of worrying about what you don’t have. This will help you appreciate the good things in your life and be more content with what you have, which will possibly help make it easier for you to stop buying more stuff.

9. Simplify your wardrobe

Instead of having a lot of clothes that you never wear, focus on quality over quantity. Keep only the items you love and know you’ll wear. Consider choosing only two or three colors so everything matches or learning about capsule wardrobes.

10. Enjoy the journey

Minimalism is said to be a lifestyle, not a destination. Therefore, focusing on the end goal instead of what you are doing right now is a mistake. Instead, focus on enjoying the process. Appreciate the simplicity of your life and the things you can do because of it.

Adopting these habits will help you simplify your life and live a more minimalist lifestyle. But remember, minimalism requires that you enjoy the entire journey of your life in all areas of your life, not just the part where you accumulate stuff.

Share this by clicking below:
Clutter, Organization, Relationships

Improve Your Relationships by Embracing Minimalism

Lyn Bailey

Improve Your Relationships by Embracing Minimalism

Minimalism is a movement not advocating for doing without and suffering. It’s more about keeping only the things around that you really need to reduce clutter – in your mind and your environment.

Minimalism benefits relationships in many ways. Besides freeing up time to be together because neither of you is chasing more stuff, minimalism and living a decluttered life are many ways to improve your relationships.

If you are ready to take your first step to minimising your life, then click HERE to access your  FREE checklist –Embracing Minimalism for a More Organized Life

Follow it and you will start to see immediate changes in your life and relationships.

1. You’ll have more time for the people you care about.

When you’re not held down by stuff, you can focus on the things that really matter, like your relationships. Spending more time with folks you care about will help to strengthen those bonds and make them even more special. Almost nothing can replace time as a relationship builderImprove Your Relationships by Embracing Minimalism

2.You’ll be less stressed.

Money issues often cause stress. If you have less stuff, you often have fewer money issues. When you’re not constantly worrying about your property, you’ll have more energy and headspace to focus on the essential things in life. This improves your relationships because when you can focus on the relationship, stress is reduced, and you’ll be more present and available for conversations and quality time.

3. You’ll be more mindful.

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, which can be challenging to achieve when you’re bogged down by worrying about stuff. However, minimalism promotes mindfulness, as it encourages you to focus on the things most important to you – typically your relationships. Being more mindful in your relationships leads to more meaningful conversations and connections with the people in your life.

4. You’ll be more grateful.

Gratitude is another crucial aspect of mindfulness, and it’s something that can be difficult to cultivate when you’re surrounded by clutter. However, when you declutter your life and get rid of the things you don’t need, you will start to appreciate the things you do have. This includes the people in your life who are always there for you. Showing gratitude makes your relationships better and makes them even stronger.

5. You’ll be more authentic.

Many people put up walls because they’re afraid of being hurt or rejected. However, these walls can end up hurting your relationships because they’re not authentic. When you’re honest and authentic with the people in your life, you create more profound and meaningful connections with them. Minimalism allows you to be more authentic by freeing you from the things holding you back and homing in on what’s important – people, not things.

6. You’ll have more fun.

When you’re not weighed down by stuff, you’ll be able to enjoy activities and experiences with the people you love. This creates lasting memories with loved ones and deepens the bonds between you and those you care about.

Minimalism is enormously beneficial, but one of the best benefits is that it will improve your relationships. If you want to declutter your life of stuff and start fresh, consider adopting a minimalist lifestyle. You might be surprised by how much embracing a minimalistic lifestyle improves your relationships of all kinds.

If you are ready to take your first step to minimising your life, then click HERE to access your  FREE checklist –Embracing Minimalism for a More Organized Life

 

Share this by clicking below:
Laptop
Clutter, Organization, Productivity

How Minimalism Can Make You a Happier Person

Lyn Bailey

There are many ways in which minimalism makes people happier. For one, it can declutter your life and help you focus on what’s important. A minimalist lifestyle can also simplify your life and help you save money.

Additionally, minimalism can help you appreciate your things and find contentment in a less materialistic way of life. Many people think having more stuff will make them happier, but this is often not the case.

In today’s highly advertised world, people are constantly bombarded with ads and material possessions. It is hard sometimes to differentiate between needs and wants because advertisements rain down on you no matter where you are.

However, despite the ads, more and more people are finding that minimalism – living with less – can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life.

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people with fewer possessions are less likely to experience anxiety and depression.

Minimalism can lead to greater happiness in several ways.

• You’ll have less to worry about — When you have fewer possessions, there’s less to keep track of and less to worry about keeping safe.

• You’ll have more time — With less stuff to take care of, you’ll have more time to focus on the things that are important to you. You can spend more time with family and friends, pursue your hobbies, or relax.

• You’ll save money — When you live minimally, you naturally spend less, and you won’t have the urge to keep up with the latest trends or buy things you don’t really need.

• You’ll be more organized — With fewer things to keep track of, you’ll be more likely to stay organized. You won’t have to search for things as often, and you’ll have more space to keep things tidy.

• You’ll have less clutter — Clutter can be a source of stress for many people. When you live minimally, you’ll have less clutter in your home and your life.

• You’ll be more mindful — Minimalism encourages you to be more conscious of your possessions and how you use them. As a result, you’ll start to appreciate the things you have more.

• You’ll be less stressed — With less to worry about and more time to relax, you’ll likely feel less stressed overall. Minimalism can help you to lead a more peaceful life.

When you declutter your life and live with less, you’ll be surprised at how much happier you are. When you have more time and energy for the things you love, you’ll be less burdened by material possessions.

Plus, there is scientific evidence to support the idea that minimalism makes people happier, so why not embrace minimalism to become happier? You don’t have to do without to be more of a minimalist. Minimalism is not about doing without in any way. It’s about finding and using the right resources and tools and keeping them organized and ready in a clutter-free way.

Share this by clicking below:
Clutter, Mental Health, Productivity

Handy Products for Organizing Your Home

Lyn Bailey

Handy Products for Organizing Your Home

Storage solutions like baskets, bins, and shelves are very handy for keeping your home organized. Baskets are great for corralling smaller items like gloves, scarves, and hats, while bins and shelves can store more oversized items like blankets, towels, and out-of-season clothing. Let’s look at how you can use various products to organize your home.

Baskets

Using baskets is a great way to add additional storage space to your home.

  • For storing blankets, throws, and extra pillows
  • For corralling toys in the living room or playroom
  • For holding laundry that needs to be put away
  • As a catchall for items near the front door

You can designate some baskets to organize various items or use a different basket for each room to gather all the clutter that has escaped its home and return it.

Drawer organizers

If you have drawers to put things, you know that they often become a mess when you look for something. With organizers, you can prevent everything from getting messed up to the point you lose things by adding spacers and organizers.

  • For underwear, socks, and other small items in the bedroom
  • For spices, oils, and other cooking supplies in the kitchen
  • For office supplies in a home office or craft room

You can use drawer organizers to store items such as silverware, dishes, and glasses, so they stay organized and don’t get jumbled up. Use drawer organizers to store cleaning supplies, such as sponges, scrub brushes, and cleaning solutions — keeping supplies organized and within easy reach.

Under-bed storage

You can raise your bed to give yourself some practical storage underneath if you don’t have a bed with space under it. If you create that space, it can be used to store things you don’t use as often.

  • For winter clothes that aren’t being used
  • For extra bedding, towels, and linens
  • For out-of-season clothes

If you aren’t using the items daily, under-bed storage is a great place to keep the things out of the way and ready for use when needed.

Hooks

When you lack space, consider taking things to the wall with hooks. Hooks let you hang up things in sight that need to be handy. Consider putting hooks in any area you need so your stuff is within easy reach.

  • For coats, hats, and scarves near the front door
  • For bags and purses in the bedroom or closet
  • For towels in the bathroom
  • For aprons and oven mitts in the kitchen

If you live in a rental, you can use command hooks, and if you follow the directions, you can create space without messing up the walls.

Nails/tacks

If you live in your own place, you can put nails and tacks on the wall without worrying about your property owner. Nails and tacks are great for hanging things out of the way, not just your artwork.

  • For hanging pictures, artwork, and wall decor
  • For hanging coats, hats, and scarves near the front door
  • For hanging towels in the bathroom
  • For hanging mitts, aprons, and other tools in the kitchen

Consider using double-duty artwork that acts as something beautiful to look at that’s also useful, like shelves, cabinets, and cute places to hang your hats and scarves.

Pegboard

Julia Child used pegboards in her kitchen to organize her pots, pans, and tools for cooking. You can use them for the organization in any zone of your house, which also looks incredible.

  • Organize tools in the garage or shed
  • Can also be used to organize office supplies
  • Great for craft supplies
  • Fabulous for kitchen pots, pans, and utensils

You may be shocked at how awesome peg boards work. The great thing about them is that you can move things around on the pegboard; it doesn’t always have to be the same organization.

Anyone of these organizational products will help you create a space that works for you. Consider writing down all the activities you do in every zone of your home so you can determine what you need to get organized.

Share this by clicking below:
Goals, Productivity, Teenagers

Is Your Child Unproductive

Lyn Bailey

Is Your Child Unproductive?

Watching your child struggle is the worst feeling. Of course, you want them to succeed in everything they do, but sometimes it seems like they can’t get ahead. If you realize your child is having trouble completing tasks, is easily distracted, or doesn’t seem to know how to prioritize, it may be time to talk to them about productivity.

These signs offer signals that your child is unproductive, and if left unchecked, your child may start to feel overwhelmed and stressed. With guidance, your child will learn to be more productive and accomplish their goals.

Pay attention if your child has these issues:

  • Trouble Completing Tasks in a Reasonable Time Fram
  • Easily Distracted and Have Issues Focusing
  • Lack of Goalsetting skills, and They Don’t Know How to Prioritize
  • Don’t Start What They Plan and Don’t Finish What They Start
  • Have Unrealistic Expectations and Suffer from Perfectionism
  • Allow Others to Pressure Them
  • Act Out Emotionally

Helping your child with goalsetting will give them something to work towards and provide a sense of accomplishment when they reach their goals. You can also help them create a plan to achieve those goals. This may involve breaking down tasks into smaller steps or teaching them how to prioritize their time better.

Encourage your child to take small, reasonable steps daily to achieve their goals. With a little effort and support from you when they need it, your child will learn to be more productive and may even surprise themselves with what they can accomplish.

Help them learn how important it is to protect their time, so they avoid overscheduling – a leading cause of overwhelm in the unproductive child. An over-scheduled child is always busy, but everything is just too much, so nothing ever gets done. When nothing gets done, the pressure will overwhelm them because kids typically care a lot about what others think and allow that to pressure them more than they may realize. Children thrive with reasonable schedules more than they do with a lot of clutter and disorganization about how they’ll spend their time.

When you help them get stuff done and mark it off their list, they will learn how it feels to be genuinely productive. In addition, as a parent, you can instill a sense of pride in their success by making it a point to celebrate accomplishments. Too often, children are not given enough credit for their achievements and think their parents are just being nice when they praise them. Instead, children need to understand that their parents are proud of their accomplishments and that they have worked hard to achieve them.

When you help your child learn what true productivity feels like and that it does not require continuously being busy all the time, they will be more likely to enjoy getting stuff done in record time so they can enjoy their downtime more. After all, everyone deserves to have a good life that doesn’t just involve things that are work.

Share this by clicking below: