Get Organized Wizard

Does Working From Home Affect Productivity?

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 00:54:00 GMT

Working from home can make for a more productive environment than the typical office cubicle. For some, work from home situations are ideal for helping them in enhancing their work-life balance.

Since the advent of the global COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus in 2020, more individuals are finding themselves working from home. It’s natural that they’d be wondering how work-from-home situations might affect their productivity.

So, what’s the difference between working from home and from office? It’s safe to say that working from home can improve productivity:

1. No Commute

When your commute used to involve sitting on public transportation or your own vehicle in traffic for perhaps an hour, now you are able to get to the job site in no time at all. The fact that you start the day without having to go through the stress of a commute, surrounded by others who are also tired and feeling stress, can go a long way toward boosting productivity.

2. Less Water Cooler Talk

Think about how much time you fritter away, chatting with coworkers as you hang around the water cooler. While a bit of pleasant conversation is always a plus and makes for higher morale around the office, there is the potential for it becoming a case of too much of a good thing.

Chatty colleagues can keep you from duties such as finishing your report on time or tempt you to skip over some important steps in a process. And if you’re hoping to avoid productivity-sapping office banter, remember to stay out of video conference meetings unless you are specifically invited and need to participate to do your job well. Otherwise, excess talking could wreck your productivity even when working at home.

3. More Exercise

The extra time you enjoy from a work-at-home arrangement means you can use some of that time in exercise. Standing on a treadmill while reading through your emails is one example of how you can become more active at the job. During conference calls, you can do yoga and stretch (as long as it’s not a video call, that is!) without people being aware of the fact that you’re multitasking for good health.

4. Maximum Productivity

Working from home enables you to work more productively than when in the home office. You will feel more comfortable in an environment you decorated yourself. You’ll have easy access to your favorite foods from the kitchen, instead of having to run out for lunch. While working, you can take care of some home tasks too, such as putting up loads of laundry in between editing spreadsheets or updating a contract.

5. Practice Makes Perfect When it Comes to Maintaining Productivity, Working From Home

Whether you already work from home now or are contemplating making the change to a home office, it’s useful to consider how your productivity levels might fluctuate, just based on where you happen to be. Keep in mind that practice makes perfect.

Chances are good that after you’ve been in a work-from-home situation for a while, any issues you have with productivity and how you manage your time will be sorted out.

How to Respond to Procrastination and Start Becoming More Productive

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 22:00:22 GMT

Who doesn’t feel like there’s not enough time in the day to accomplish everything on their to-do list? Procrastination is a big problem and it may be the main reason you’re not getting things done.

Do not put off reading this blog post! Checking out these tips now instead of at some unknown time in the distant future is in your best interest. Here’s how to respond to your tendency toward procrastination and to start becoming more productive in the new year.

1. Remain Calm

It can be counterproductive if you grow anxious and start fumbling around, trying to get your tasks done while fearing each tick of the clock. A calm and cool outlook is what you want to achieve. (Activities such as meditation, yoga and exercise are all good ways to help you achieve a sense of inner peace and calm, so give them a try if they’re not already part of your routine).

The tasks you haven’t attempted yet don’t need to be a source of stress. One of the biggest reasons people procrastinate is because they catastrophize, or make a huge deal out of something that doesn’t warrant such a big response.

To put things in perspective and avoid stress, remember to focus on “Why” you are doing a particular task and what the benefits are of completing it. Many people find this is an excellent way to keep their cool and to stay motivated in finishing their to-do list tasks.

Eliminate the kind of thinking that goes, “I will do it when I have time.” That’s not precise, since you don’t have an actual goal or deadline. Instead, schedule when you are going to work on a project. Block out that time for the task, just as you would for an important meeting at work.

2. Get Started Now

Keep in mind that the best way to get something done is to just begin.

When setting up schedules, be realistic. That’s how you set yourself up for success. Allocate enough time buffer, since projects often take much longer than expected.

3. Eat the Elephant, One Bite at a Time

You may find it helpful to break various big tasks into smaller manageable parts, so a project does not seem overwhelming.

Quit making excuses, and simply begin by doing something.

Remember that perfectionism is an all-or-nothing mentality that will not serve you well. Eliminate this type of thinking and you’ll start to see the benefits.

Reward yourself for successes. At the same time, you should also forgive yourself for procrastinating in the past.

4. Too Much on Your Plate?

Procrastination could be a sign that you simply have too much on your plate. Perhaps there are ways to lighten the load that you haven’t pursued yet. For example, maybe the distribution of family chores need to be updated so you’re less burdened. Or, you might hire people to take care of basic tasks, such as by delivering items when you’re low on time for the day’s chores.

How to Stick to a Decluttering Routine

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 22:00:27 GMT

You’re really serious now about removing unnecessary items from your home. That’s good, because reducing clutter is essential for peace of mind.

A decluttering routine makes life much easier. You don’t need to waste time looking for items when you have a place for everything and actually do have everything in place.

Some people don’t realize that severe clutter can be a hazard, as it provides hiding places for bugs and other vermin. Over-cluttered homes can also make it harder for first responders to help during a fire or medical emergency.

You’ll be able to keep your home looking nicer when you get honest with yourself that it’s time to get rid of items causing clutter.

Here are some tips to help you stick to your decluttering routine. Use the time saved to pamper yourself!

1. Prioritize Decluttering Habits

There’s no need to feel overwhelmed. You can gain control over the situation by making a list of areas of your home that you feel need the most attention. Then prioritize them. If you have started working from home, your home office will probably be number 1 on your to-do list.

Don’t try to do it all at once. People tend to succeed when they begin by targeting a specific area that needs decluttering.

Set goals. That’s the only way you can see later if you are keeping up with decluttering. For example, you might want to vacuum the carpets twice a week on Wednesday and Saturday, but you routinely forget to do it on the weekend because you’re busy with errands. Maybe Mondays and Thursdays are best for this chore.

2. How Do You Feel About Various Items?

Examine all of your possessions and let go of items that you no longer need.

When you focus on joy, you’ll do better at minimizing clutter. Remember that cleaning your home is about keeping things that bring you happiness and joy. It’s no good to be chained to your possessions. Let go of stuff that doesn’t make you happy.

3. Remember to Take Advantage of the Digital World

You can save a great deal of space in your home when you think how easy it is to store entertainment in the form of digital files. Items such as computers and speakers are getting better as they become smaller.

Through digitization, you can store several rooms’ worth of CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray discs and books in a few small hard drives. Many people even give up collecting recordings like this and opt to listen to music and watch videos only through streaming services.

Consider going paperless: One demonstrably easy way to get rid of clutter is to discard old papers and files. Use a scanner to make digital copies of documents that you must keep on hand.

See if your bank offers an online bill pay service. With an electronic method to pay bills, you save time and eliminate the hassle of checks and stamps.

4. Give Yourself a Break

If you stumble occasionally and forget to follow your decluttering routine, don’t beat yourself up about it. Just recognize that it’s human to get off-schedule once in a while. In time, though, you’ll become more accustomed to decluttering and it will turn into a good habit you wished you started earlier.

How to Make New Year Resolutions and Stay Motivated to Keep Them

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 02:41:00 GMT

What a year 2020 has been for all of us! And as this year comes to a close, it’s natural to turn our thoughts to 2021 and to consider what things we can do to change our lives for the better. It’s time to get ready for a new year and a brand new you!

Many busy people like yourself want to make New Years resolutions. The trick is in figuring out ways to stay motivated so you actually keep them. Here are some tips on sticking with the resolutions you make for 2021.

1. Pick One Thing You Want to Change

One problem many individuals run into is that they put too many things on their New Year resolutions list. For better results, look at all of the things you want to accomplish and then pick the one thing you truly want to change the most. Pick that one and stick to it.

2. Plan For Success

If you don’t plan to succeed, there are many who would say you are actually planning to fail. Identify the resources you will need to achieve your goals. For example, this might mean taking a night class to develop or improve skills, or joining a gym to meet a weight loss goal.

3. Anticipate Problems and Limit Your Expectations

When drafting a New Year resolutions list, you can’t expect that you’ll be able to anticipate all of the potential problems you may run into in 2021, but do your best to think of what could go wrong. With more realistic expectations, you are more likely to succeed.

4. Pick a Start Date and Go for It!

One sign that you have a solid plan is that you have an actual starting date. Mark it on your calendar and announce to family and friends what your intentions are. When you say a plan out loud, it grounds your efforts in reality. Everyone knows you said you plan to exercise 4 times a week now, or that you are going to quit smoking on the first Monday of the new year. It will be harder to ignore a resolution if a lot of people know about it.

5. Accept Failures and Treat Them as a Learning Experience

Recognize there are bound to be some setbacks, even when you have the best intentions. Instead of beating yourself up about failures, see what you can learn from them. Then, adjust your behavior accordingly.

6. Plan Rewards for Encouragement

A great way to motivate yourself to keeping New Year resolutions is to give yourself a reward. This could be a weekend getaway after quitting a filthy habit for 3 months, or getting yourself a present after meeting a weight loss target.

We know that things can get to be especially hectic toward the end of the year when there are holiday celebrations to organize while still taking care of work duties and your family. Coming up with realistic New Year resolutions and a plan to actually stick with them will be an excellent way for you to begin 2021!

Time to Reflect on the Year That Has Been, and Look Ahead to Your Goals for the New One

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 22:03:34 GMT

As we think about all that has happened in 2020 and consider just how significant the year’s events have been, it’s useful to keep them in perspective by making some plans for 2021.

The best way to improve yourself and live your best possible life is to think about how 2020 went, with an eye toward doing better as we move forward. It’s time to review the year that was:

1. What Goals Did You Achieve and What Are You Still Working On?

Be honest with yourself about how well you did at working toward goals in 2020. Give yourself a break if you didn’t achieve all that you set out to accomplish. That’s advice worth following after a year of so much turbulence and uncertainty.

Those who write down their goals and then refer to the list periodically have a better chance of improving their situation than people who never organize their plans.

2. What Were Your Biggest Challenges and What Did You Learn From This Year’s Events?

With all of the planet in upheaval with the pandemic and economic downturn, it would be easy for anyone’s carefully made plans to fall short. Examine what posed the largest challenges in 2020. How will you react now based on what you’ve learned?

3. What You Would Like to Leave Behind?

Now is the time to get rid of excess baggage. For any problems you experienced in 2020, do your best to leave the issues behind you. This puts you in a better position to meet your new goals for 2021.

4. What You Appreciate From the Prior Year?

From making a new friend to learning just how powerful the ties are in your community of family, neighbors and work colleagues, there are plenty of things to appreciate. Writing down what you’re most grateful for will reinforce a positive attitude, going forward.

5. What Positive Experiences Did You Love Last Year?

Of all the good experiences you had in 2020, which ones really stood out? Remembering the positives helps reinforce actions that will lead to more positive experiences in 2021.

6. Where Do You See Yourself in the Future?

Reflecting on the past year is essential for comparing what you once were with what you are about to become. This could be plans to advance in your career, or to make a change in your family situation. From going back to school to figuring out ways to improve the ties between family and friends, there are plenty of future things for you to focus on.

7. Make A Plan and Set Goals

Without goals, how can you get yourself on track and improving your situation? It’s difficult to thrive in a career or to maintain a great home life if you don’t have some plans to keep changing things for the better. Write your goals down with a plan about how to achieve them. You’ll be ahead of the people who are only vague about their hopes for the future.

How to Manage Holiday Stress

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Even though we all know that the December holiday season is a joyous time meant for celebrations and to give you some time off from duties at school or work, stress never seems far away.

It’s normal for people to experience some stress because it is a natural reaction to navigating the ordinary pressures of daily life. But stress can increase to an uncomfortable level and make things rough when life gets out of balance.

However, with some planning and organization for the holidays, you can change your mindset as you start to effectively manage any stress that comes up. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Set Expectations

Unrealistic expectations can generate stress, so be careful in what your are hoping to achieve (from buying presents in a set amount of time to how much food you’ll prepare for holiday feasts). The key is to know and respect your limits so you don’t get stretched too thin.

2. If Feeling Overwhelmed, Take Breaks

Taking a break from time to time is necessary regardless of how pressing the tasks might be. Otherwise, you might make mistakes or forget to do something important. A 10-minute period of silent meditation or going for a walk are good ways to relax amid holiday hubbub. This includes taking a break from making holiday-oriented to-do lists!

3. Appreciate Your Blessings and Demonstrate Gratitude

When you have a feeling of being thankful for what you have, from possessions and a roof over your head to the people in your life, it can give you a feeling of peace and serenity. That’s an important factor for managing stress during the holidays as well as throughout the rest of the year.

4. Practice Generosity

Be generous with your time and attention as well as with your pocketbook when you can. It will make others feel great and you’ll reduce stress when you see their mood lift.

5. Start (and End) Each Day With Something Enjoyable

There’s always some time to play and have fun every day. Getting up in time to watch the sun rise, trying a new breakfast recipe, playing board games with your family, sharing a funny movie—the options are endless!

6. Remember That Relationships Matter

Reflect on what it means to you personally, to be able to connect with family and friends (whether virtually through video chat or physically).

Being able to spend time bonding with loved ones this holiday season can provide enormous stress relief. When it’s hard to get together in person because of health concerns, you can still maintain connections online during lockdowns.

You can start to feel your stress melting away when you take a moment for yourself and think about the people in your life that mean the most to you.

7. Have a Stress-Free Holiday Season!

Practicing these various methods to reduce stress will certainly make a big difference in how you experience the holidays this year. Remember to give yourself a break with enough time and space to relax whenever things get to be too much.

Organizing Holidays in the midst of Uncertainty

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Right now, it’s hard to say when the pandemic will be over. It’s easy to feel as though you need to push holiday plans. After all, everyone feels desperate for human connection. But organizing holidays during a period of uncertainty can be more stressful than anything else, especially when you know that plans may need to drastically change. What can you do to make sure that your plans go off without a hitch, even when things seem so chaotic?

1. What Does Uncertainty Mean to You?

Learning to cope means adapting to uncertainty. All uncertainty means is that there are variables outside of your control. You might wonder whether certain family members will be available, whether travel might be restricted, or whether venues will be open. These are things that you can control. Isolate the aspects that you can’t control and the ones that you can. Take it step by step and it will feel less overwhelming.

2. What Can You Control?

Every gathering serves a purpose. You might want to share food and drinks with friends and family. You may want to deliver gifts. Take a look at what a gathering achieves for you and how you can achieve that by other means.

If your gatherings are to catch up with family, consider contingencies. Are there smaller guest lists? Are there more neutral territories? Can events be held outside rather than indoors? Can you potentially take the event virtual if you need to?

By planning contingencies, you can feel less uncertain about where you stand. Always focus on why you’re doing things; after all, if you’re doing things to take care of your family, you won’t want to take any actions to risk them.

3. What Can’t You Control?

There are some things you will always be uncertain of. Uncertainty is part of life. Accept that your plans may not work as you want them to and be kind to yourself. If something has to be canceled, that’s not your fault. That’s just a situation that you’ve found yourself in. Don’t dwell on the things that you can’t control. Just make sure you have a plan B (or C or D).

4. Make Your Plans Now

Or don’t. Sometimes you may find that it’s more prudent not to plan at all. Take the pressure off yourself and recognize that it’s very likely you may be able to celebrate holidays another time. If holidays are a joyous occasion for you, you don’t want to muddle them up with stress.

Everyone is trying to feel their way through drastically new situations now. By getting organized, you’ll be able to figure out whether you can complete your holiday plans, or whether you’d rather put them off for later. You can take your planning step by step and determine what to do if situations get better or worse.

How to Organize Toys Before the Christmas Gifts Arrive?

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 22:00:00 GMT

For some children, there’s an embarrassment of riches when it comes to all the toys they keep in their bedrooms. They might not even realize they have some presents now, because they forgot about opening those gifts three years ago and haven’t looked at them since.

Make things easier on yourself by organizing your children’s bedrooms and their possessions before they unwrap all the new presents this year!

1. Dispose of Broken Toys

Toys that are broken, malfunctioning or missing parts are no fun to play and can also be dangerous if not just downright annoying. Make a point of checking out which toys are obviously damaged so you can get rid of them now.

However, if there are small items from a broken game that would be useful for use in other games, it’s worth hanging on to these individual components. For example, you could always use another pair of dice as a backup for a different chance-oriented game when tossing out something else.

2. Out With the Old and In With the New

One reason that clutter accumulates is that kids have outgrown their toys but are still hanging onto them. A toy sitting in a box unplayed for a year is a shame, especially when so many young people aren’t as fortunate to have something to play themselves. Give away toys that your children no longer care for, so that less fortunate children can get some enjoyment too.

3. Provide Storage Bins and Shelving

You can’t keep a child’s room in order without some way to organize and store things, from school supplies to games and toys. Put some shelves on the walls and add storage bins before the holidays, so the rooms will be ready when new gifts arrive. Your kids might not be accustomed to putting things back on the shelf on a regular basis, so get them used to doing so now.

4. Teach Your Kids to Be Involved in Organizing Stuff

It’s best to start off early involving your kids in keeping things nice and squared away. They should learn how to sort their toys and to put everything back in its proper place when they’re done playing. Making organization a habit from an early age on is ideal for turning kids into responsible adults.

5. Accept the Chaos

Don’t worry about things not being totally perfect. Expect some chaos when children are involved. As long as the kids have managed to hide toys away in a bin when it’s time to clean up the playroom, half the battle is already won.

6. Preparing Kids for an Uncluttered Future

A clean, uncluttered space (or as uncluttered as you can get when kids live in your home) is more fun to play in. Teach your offspring that by keeping things neat, they can enjoy playing with their presents all the more. Hopefully it will be a habit they cultivate into adulthood.

Christmas Planning Checklist

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 23:58:34 GMT

It’s never too soon to begin planning for Christmas. In fact, some people make a point of shopping for gifts and decorations well ahead of the holidays. After all, if you see a Christmas gift for someone you know they’ll like, why not buy it on the spot even if it’s only summertime?

With so much to do in the final months of the year, it’s useful to prepare now, by making a Christmas planning checklist. It will focus your energy and help you have a great holiday season with minimum fuss and stress.

1. Devise A Holiday Budget

Figure out how much you can afford to spend this year (don’t be tempted to run up big credit card bills, which will only give you more anxiety). Brainstorm for gift ideas based on your budget.

2. Create a Holiday Calendar

The first task on the holiday calendar will be to begin ordering online presents. You’ll then want to start planning your Christmas cards (how many to get and what kind of message and look).

3. Check Your Christmas Supplies Inventory

A list will save you time and worry. You probably need wrapping paper, tape, bows, gift tags and decorations, for example. Maybe you require new lights or would like to get a timer to control when the lights turn on and off.

4. Plan your Christmas Holiday Menu

Once you’ve determined what food you’ll be serving, it’s a snap to create cooking timelines. Some items can be cooked or ordered well ahead of time, while others, such as a roast, can take all day to prepare.

5. Put up Holiday Decorations

Some folks start putting up holiday decorations the day after Thanksgiving! While you may not be that ambitious, set aside some time early in the holiday season to put up the Christmas decorations. (Doing so early will prepare you if something is missing or broken and needs replacing).

6. Buy and Decorate Your Christmas Tree

You may already order trees from your favorite Christmas tree farm according to a schedule. Or perhaps you just prefer to wing it and look for available trees in the community when you’re ready to buy.

7. Go Grocery Shopping

Take care of as much food shopping as you can early on. Then cook dishes that can be frozen, such as casseroles and pies.

8. Begin Wrapping Gifts

Before you know it, Christmas will almost be here! Instead of putting this activity off until the last minute, wrap gifts well ahead of the holiday and hide them so your kids can’t find them before Santa’s arrival.

9. Perform Final Inspection

To set your heart at ease, perform a final inspection of your home, checking if all decorations are in place and that you have all of the serving dishes ready and meals are in their final stages of preparation.

Christmas Eve — Display Presents and Take Photos

On Christmas eve, it’s an ideal time to take some photos to preserve memories of the holiday. You’ll want to display all the presents and check that the tree is looking its best before you make a single image.

Christmas Day — Open Presents, Create Thank You Cards and Enjoy the Season!

The easiest part comes next. Have fun opening gifts! Part of the joy of giving and receiving gifts is the opportunity to thank your loved ones for all of their consideration. Then it’s time to relax and settle into enjoying the holiday season.

On this most joyous of occasions, writing out a Christmas planning checklist will help you stay organized, preventing pressure and stress from ruining your good times!

FREE Holiday Planners

Preparing for an Online Black Friday for 2020

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 23:01:00 GMT

Attention keyboard commandos and all aficionados of online shopping! Since Thanksgiving is almost upon us, it’s time to start getting ready for buying holiday gifts over the Internet. The tradition of online Black Friday is designed to get consumers to part with their hard-earned cash in a buying frenzy.

You can get better deals and have a more enjoyable experience buying gifts if you prepare for online Black Friday now instead of waiting until the last minute. Here’s how to get started:

1. Focus on Retailers With a Historical Pattern of Offering Good Online Deals

Some companies will focus on offering good deals online for Black Friday shoppers, so keep track of them from year to year. Other companies have a fairly steady stream of business all year round, giving them little incentive to reduce prices for the holiday shopping season.

2. Sign up to be on the Email Lists of Your Favorite Retailers

To avoid being inundated with spam messages all year, you might want to use a special email address just for holiday shopping. When you sign up for a list, the business will send you special offers, since they know they already have a motivated buyer. This is how you’ll start seeing the best possible deals in your email inbox.

3. Plan Ahead in Anticipation of Shipping and Postal Delays

There could be a reduction in the shipping company’s workforce or in the factory holding your gifts that lead to unforeseen delays. To lower stress, just make your purchases well in advance. That way, you can ride out any delays worry-free. Monitor the tracking information on your orders to see when the package is due to arrive.

Also to note: Very popular and trendy items may sell out fast, so if your heart is set on a particular gift, grab it immediately while you have a chance.

4. Research Items Online to Determine Who Offers the Best Prices

With just a few clicks of the mouse or taps on your smartphone and a bit of time for research, you can do much better at Black Friday online sales. Don’t settle for a seller you’ve bought from before if you can find another entity offering the same item at a better deal.

5. Begin Shopping Early (Like Right Now!)

There’s no need for you to wait until the official Black Friday date to start making purchases. Check which stores are already happy to entice you with a discount ahead of the big sales event.

6. Identify Companies Offering Promotional Codes Plus Free Shipping

It’s really a buyer’s market in post-Thanksgiving day sales to satisfy Christmas gift-giving needs. To that end, find which companies are giving coupons for a discount and whether they offer shipping gratis. The money you save on shipping and handling can go to more gifts or fancier decorations.

Remember that the goal of your Black Friday shopping experience is to find delightful presents that your recipients will love, rather than to simply win at the game of shopping for unexpected bargains. Ideally you will find just what you want to buy at a decent price. Thanks to your planning, the items will arrive well before the holiday, so you can spend more time enjoying time with family.

Things to Be Thankful for Thanksgiving 2020

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 22:06:00 GMT

This Thanksgiving, with so much turmoil going on in the world, it can be easy to lose sight of all of the wonderful things in our lives. As we gather around the Thanksgiving table to enjoy a feast and share time with loved ones, it’s a perfect time to reflect on what we have to be grateful for.

1. Heroes of Healthcare

Let’s all pause and give thanks to the tireless healthcare heroes who put themselves on the line every day to take care of the rest of us. They go without sleep and endure enormous pressures fighting the global pandemic. We owe them everything, not the least being our gratitude for their skills and compassion.

2. A Roof Over Your Head

Having decent shelter and protection from the elements is something you can definitely be thankful for. When you consider that there are so many individuals who face housing insecurity or who are already down and out, it makes you count your blessings.

3. A Slower Pace of Life

Another thing to be grateful for is the opportunity to practice a slower pace of life. Changes in work and school and the amount of time we can spend with other people puts everything on a slower timetable. Lean into a more relaxed pace of life and feel stress melting away.

4. Streaming Videos on Demand

One of the great inventions of the 20th century is streaming video services, that allow you to watch movies and TV series instantly whenever you want. Whether pure entertainment or some serious drama that you can sink your teeth into, streaming videos and their ability to let us binge watch is definitely something to be thankful for in 2020.

5. Sunrises and Sunsets

The rhythms of nature can bring a sense of peace and help you feel more centered. Be thankful for all of the sunrises and sunsets you get to witness. Each is a beautiful event that has the promise of the next day to come.

6. Family and Friends Who Care

Life is so much more enjoyable and manageable when we have friends and family members who truly care about us and our well being. It’s also a blessing to have people in your life that you can care about and take care of. Give thanks for the existence of these important people in your life.

7. More Moments to Spend Time Together

Chances are that in 2020, you have had more moments to spend time together with loved ones. Even if your time off is unexpected and affects work or school, it’s best to focus on relishing these events.

8. Laughter

When you’re pleasantly surprised by a joke or the plot of a comedy, recognize the gift of laughter you’ve received and express some gratitude for this pleasant sensation. Laughter reduces stress and is a great social lubricator that we should be thankful for and cultivate as much as possible.

9. Great Foods at Family Mealtime

There’s nothing like eating your favorite foods, surrounded by family during mealtime to make you realize how truly lucky you are. Make sure that your joy over great meals doesn’t lead to over-eating and gaining unwanted pounds though!

10. Pets and the Comfort They Bring

Animals bring such comfort and joy, they will be high on our list of things to be thankful for. Think back to when your pet first entered your life and how great things are with this animal now.

11. Health

When you have your health, you have everything. Be thankful for the quality of health you have as well as the talented doctors and nurses who tend to you when you’re not feeling your best.

12. Technology, Art, and Music

Advances in technology have given us smartphones as powerful as computers that fit in our pocket, allowing us to enjoy the world’s great artworks in online museums and listen to our favorite music whenever we want.

13. A Job You Truly Love

If you’re currently employed and doing something fulfilling, that’s a wonderful situation to be thankful for. But if you’re in a job that isn’t quite right for you or if you are now looking for a position, you can feel grateful that you have some marketable skills and abilities for your next job.

As you think back over the year with all of its surprises and challenges, it’s good to keep in mind all the things that we have to be thankful for. A sense of gratitude is beneficial to the mind and soul all year round, and not just at Thanksgiving.

7 Tips for a Stress-free Thanksgiving

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 22:05:00 GMT

Thanksgiving is fast approaching. While preparing for holidays can involve a lot of preparation and work, there’s no reason that what should be a happy occasion to celebrate with family and friends actually winds up stressing you out. With a little preparation, though, you can make things go much more smoothly. Here are 7 tips to have a stress-free Thanksgiving.

1. Make a Game Plan (Create a To do List)

You don’t need to worry about forgetting to finish a crucial Thanksgiving task if you write down all the important things ahead of time when you are calm, cool and collected. Then, you can anticipate the satisfaction of checking each task on the list as you finish them.

2. Prepare the Menu for Your Feast Ahead of Time

Listing all of the menu items now ensures that you won’t forget to include a favorite family side dish. You’ll also have your shopping list ready, so you can go shopping now or request delivery of items you purchase online. Stick to a basic menu. Leaving out complicated dishes, you’ll focus on what’s easy and familiar for you to prepare.

3. Shop Early and Purchase Extra

It’s best to get the bulk of your shopping ahead of time, such as boxed, canned and frozen items and leave fresh produce until just before cooking. You’ll want to pick up more than you think you’ll need, to account for unexpected, last-minute guests. Any food not consumed on Thanksgiving will make great leftover meals over the next few days.

4. Get Your Appliances And Serving Dishes Ready

Make sure your appliances are in good working order, including your dishwasher, blender and other kitchen gadgets. Don’t forget the electric carving knife for added convenience. Inspect and then wash and dry all serving dishes so you know they’re ready to go on feast day.

5. Get Your House Ready a Few Days Early

You don’t want to be running around like a chicken with its head cut off on Thanksgiving, frantically vacuuming, dusting and straightening things out and removing clutter on the holiday itself! Give yourself a break and take care of housecleaning chores a few days in advance.

6. Have a Clean-Up Plan

Preparing a groaning table of food does take some effort, but cleaning up afterward can be even more of a chore. Instead of feeling stress, wondering how you will get the house neat again, make a clean-up plan now so this task goes quickly and easily. And if you did all the cooking, it seems right that those who enjoyed eating it can pitch in with cleaning up afterward!

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

One problem many busy individuals have is trying to keep up appearances, not revealing they need some assistance. Don’t be shy about asking relatives or friends for a little help, from picking up items from the store to cleaning to helping you with meal preparation.

For people who are always on the go with work duties and taking care of family, life can get hectic enough during normal times. Remember that when you’re planning a wonderful get-together like Thanksgiving, the celebration will go more smoothly if you have a game plan ahead of time, giving you plenty of room to breathe. Here’s hoping you’ll have a happy and relaxing Thanksgiving this year!

How to Get Organized Without Spending Too Much Money

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 22:00:00 GMT

A more organized home looks better and makes life easier. However, you can easily pay a lot of money for bins, racks, hangers, shelving and other products designed to help you store belongings neatly. Some people spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on major organization projects. Costly solutions may work well for some individuals, but there’s no reason why you can’t organize your home on a small budget.

1. Less Stuff

Start by getting rid of as many things as possible. Donate, discard, shred, resell or recycle things you don’t need. Why spend time and money to organize long-expired food or bank statements from 1982? Organization will cost much less when you have fewer belongings. Thrift shops, libraries and food banks may accept items you want to donate. Consider holding a yard sale as well.

2. Repurposing

Before you buy anything new, look for creative ways to reuse stuff you already have. You can store things in old shoeboxes and prescription medicine bottles. If you need dividers, try using empty cereal or pasta boxes. You could also repurpose food containers like glass jars and plastic canisters after thoroughly washing them. Avoid using things with sharp edges, such as steel cans.

Pick smooth, odor-free materials
Keep well-made reclosable packages
Use adhesive labels when needed

Stop and think before discarding the packaging materials that come with any product you buy. You can find ways to reuse them, thus saving money and limiting your impact on the environment. Stores often sell bedding, curtains and office supplies in reusable containers. For instance, you could tape or glue several empty envelope boxes together. This creates an organizer with multiple narrow compartments you can use to sort and store small objects.

3. Bargains

When you don’t find the right supplies in your home, look for economical items at dollar stores, thrift shops, garage sales and discount department stores. This will probably cost less than visiting an office supply or home improvement retailer. While you’re shopping, look for free cardboard boxes near the front of each store. Certain supermarkets and wholesale clubs give them away.

Many dollar stores offer storage bags, drawer organizers, file folders, envelopes, labels, markers, bins and boxes priced at only $1. They also sell long, narrow plastic baskets and affordable clothes hangers. Dollar photo albums don’t just hold pictures. They can come in handy when you want to organize recipes, coupons, receipts, notes or business cards. If you don’t live near any discount shops, watch for sales at office supply and drug stores.

Home organization really doesn’t have to cost more than a few dollars. Bargain hunting and creative repurposing can make this task quite affordable. It may take a little more effort, but you might also feel better about what you’ve accomplished. If you need to motivate yourself, remember that getting organized can save money in the long run. You’ll really know what you have and don’t have, helping you to avoid buying things you don’t need.

How to Organize Small Living Spaces

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Tight spaces can be challenging to organize. Nonetheless, more and more people desire smaller homes, according to the latest data. They want to save money and spend less time on household chores. On the other hand, compact living spaces are nothing new for many residents of big cities. The right techniques can help you succeed at organizing a tiny house, dorm room, studio apartment or RV.

1. Minimalism

Acquire new belongings very selectively. Try to only buy products you need rather than things you want (regardless of the price). Don’t let people persuade you to accept superfluous stuff they don’t want anymore. Think about where you’ll keep an item before you take possession of it. Remember that the easiest way to avoid clutter is often to say “no thanks.”

2. Decluttering

Don’t let things pile up. Set aside some time to tackle clutter each month. While it can seem like a tempting solution, cramming everything into random parts of the bedroom closet doesn’t count! Be sure to give away, sell or trash excess items before they overwhelm your living space. If you truly need something, find a logical and accessible place to keep it.

3. Maximize Space

Make the most of vertical space instead of just putting things on the floor. Think about installing cabinets, hooks, hangers, racks or shelving on walls. Free up table and desk space by hanging pictures on nails. Do you own a lot of footwear? If so, a shoe organizer will reduce the space it occupies and helps you quickly find specific shoes.

Coat and hat racks
Anything wall-mounted
Tall, narrow cabinets
Stackable containers

Don’t overlook the storage areas under sofas and beds. For instance, you could keep folding chairs and tables beneath this furniture when you’re not using them. You can also buy wide, low storage containers that fit under beds and hold a wide range of smaller belongings. This is a convenient place to keep seasonal items like summer clothes or holiday decorations.

4. Furnishings

Multifunctional furniture can help you get the most out of cramped rooms. Is your sleeping area rather small? If so, consider buying a bed with built-in drawers for clothing storage. Murphy beds offer another space-saving solution. After sleeping, you can easily push this type of bed so it stands vertically against a wall. This also makes under-bed cleaning a breeze!

Other parts of the home could benefit from multifunctional furnishings as well. For example, you can use a sleeper sofa, storage bench or expandable table. If you buy a desk or table, choose one with at least one drawer. Furniture with casters may also make it less difficult to organize a small home and rearrange rooms for different purposes.

When you combine routine decluttering, efficient use of space and clever storage locations with a minimalist mindset, a tiny living area becomes quite versatile and meets all of your needs. Remember you can always turn to GetOrganizedWizard.com for helpful advice on every aspect of this process.

7 Helpful Habits for Daily Decluttering

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Today, many people feel as though they barely have enough time to take care of basic tasks and duties for family and work. One big problem that can result from being pressed for time is that you wind up leaving cleaning chores until “later.” But the more mess and clutter plaguing your home, the more stressful you can feel. And a cluttered home makes it harder to find items you actually need right now, which further causes delays. Keeping that in mind, here are 7 habits to help you do better with decluttering your space on a daily basis.

1. Make the Bed as Soon as You Get Up

It only takes a second to do this task and your bedroom will look much more inviting.

2. Start Laundry Before Working

Doing so is one tick off the to-do list and you’ll never worry about running out of clean clothing.

3. Deal With Your Mail Every Time You Bring It In

Allowing letters to pile up, especially when so much of it is “junk” mail, is an easy way to multiply clutter. Open and respond to or trash mail the same day it arrives.

4. Establish a Schedule to Clean Specific Spaces at a Certain Frequency

When you put your chores on a chart, it’s easier to remember to do them on a regular basis. For example:

Clean out the refrigerator weekly, such as on Saturday or whatever day you tend to do grocery shopping
Spot clean the bathrooms every mid-week. If you fail to do this, your nose will soon remind you of your dereliction of duty!
Rid a Specific Storage Space of its Dead Weight

There are plenty of opportunities to get rid of unwanted items. For instance, toss out expired food in the pantry. Move excess gadgets from the counter to a kitchen drawer. Empty out the cupboard holding the gazillion ragged dishtowels you’ve had since your tiny college studio apartment. (Honestly, it’s time to let those go!)

5. Establish a Drop Zone at the Door For Items

When you arrive back at home, don’t succumb to the temptation to leave important items anywhere, since it will be harder to find them later if you aren’t organized from the start. Keeping your shoes by the front door makes it faster to get ready the next time you leave. Likewise, place your bags, jackets and pocket items like your keys, phone, sunglasses and wallets in a designated place near the door.

6. Clean as You Go

As you move through your home, clean things as you go, such as dusting some knick-knacks in the living room while you chat on the phone with a friend. While cooking, clean up trash as you go, instead of waiting until everything has been prepared. Once you get in the habit, you’ll be pleased with how much cleaner your home has become.

7. Get the Whole Family Involved

The family that cleans together, stays together. That can be your clan’s new motto. When everyone pitches in, it promotes peace and harmony instead of the family growing mad at others not doing their fair share.

Here’s hoping that these 7 habits will help you reduce stress and save some time, which for busy individuals like yourself is always in short supply. If you happen to have some tips not mentioned here, our readers would love to hear about them. Please feel free to comment below with your own decluttering ideas.

How to Declutter When You Have a Hard Time Letting Go

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Decluttering frees up space and lets you accomplish many things more easily. It won’t take as long to finish chores like cleaning, paying bills or washing laundry. Still, it isn’t always simple to let go. Sentimental or once-valuable belongings can make it seem overwhelming, especially if you have a lot of them.

1. Getting Started

As you begin sorting items, decide what you should keep instead of picking things to give up. Start by discarding belongings you can easily let go. They might be broken tools, foods you wish you’d never tried or shirts that haven’t fit since high school.

As it gets harder, you’ll need to convince yourself to give up certain items and move on. Remember that they’ve served their purposes. Think about how these belongings may help someone else. For instance, another person might read your dusty, forgotten book for the first time and really enjoy it.

If you spent money on something, don’t let that stop you. Money comes and goes. Nothing lasts or stays useful forever. Did a friend give it to you? No one should expect you to keep a gift perpetually. The giver might even prefer it go to someone who actually wants it.

2. Major Benefits

Remember your reasons for decluttering and visualize the benefits. Think about having a neater, more organized home and being able to invite people inside. Less stuff could improve your health as well. Decluttering may relieve stress, anxiety and depression.

3. Feeling Grateful

Gratitude can help you let go of superfluous items, especially if you stop comparing yourself to others. Most people experience difficulties in life and lack certain things they’d like to have. Nonetheless, you can probably find plenty of reasons to feel grateful. Try writing a list of them.

Family and friends
Health, nutrition
Nature and animals
Skills, knowledge
Enjoyable activities
Useful belongings

4. The Hardest Part

You’ll probably struggle to give up unneeded things that have sentimental value. It’s fine to keep a few of them in a special place. At the same time, don’t let them become burdensome. You don’t have an obligation to store your grandfather’s entire model train collection in the bedroom closet.

Time can help you part with sentimental items. Although you might not believe this right now, you could find it much easier after a few weeks or months have passed. Don’t forget to contact any family members who might want these belongings.

5. Preserving Memories

Before you give away sentimental items, take pictures and print them. Write about any related memories. Consider keeping one item out of a big collection or a small piece of something larger, such as one knob from a defunct radio you’ve had since childhood.

We hope this advice will help you overcome even the hardest decluttering tasks. Always keep this in mind: You won’t lose the memories linked to a belonging you let go, especially if you use photos or a journal to remind yourself of them.

Decluttering – Where to Begin?

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 23:00:00 GMT

An internet search reveals some interesting facts about clutter. For example, around one out of four Americans can’t fit any cars in their garages! Decluttering doesn’t just free up space; it has countless health, financial and social benefits to offer. However, you may have a hard time deciding how and where to start this process in your busy life.

1. Get Motivated

Think about why you want to declutter. You could even make a list of reasons that matter to you. A more organized home can reduce distractions, speed up cleaning tasks and let you prepare for guests more easily. You might not need to rent a storage unit after banishing clutter; you’d probably save over $70 per month. Decluttering also means you won’t spend hours searching for lost items.

Less stress, anxiety
Raise your home’s value
Know exactly what you own
People will envy you

2. Where to Start

Don’t try to do everything at once; you’ll probably feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Begin to organize one thing at a time. You could start with the top of one table, dresser or counter. Remember that some decluttering is better than none; your house doesn’t need to look like a photo in a magazine. Give yourself credit for every step taken toward your goal rather than expecting perfection.

It may feel more satisfying to declutter one entire room before focusing elsewhere. Begin with a relatively small space like the bathroom, mudroom or even a vehicle. You might benefit from concentrating on places your guests are more likely to see. Be sure to prioritize tackling any clutter that creates tripping or fire hazards. The simplest explanation of the decluttering process is to organize things you need and give up items if they serve no purpose.

3. Planning Ahead

Make a fairly detailed plan; set goals regarding how soon you’ll declutter certain parts of your home. Reserve a specific amount of time in each day. You could also decide to get rid of a particular number of items. For example, your plan might call for 30 minutes of daily decluttering and letting go of enough belongings to fill a shoebox every day.

Stay committed and keep organizing your home throughout the year. Don’t let yourself fall behind; it’s much easier to maintain your progress than to catch up. Decluttering is rewarding in itself, but a few extra bonuses may help motivate you. Anything enjoyable is fine as long as it doesn’t add more stuff to your home. Go to a restaurant, buy a special meal at the grocery store, watch a movie or visit your favorite park.

Don’t worry about how you’ll accomplish everything; just get started and find ways to turn decluttering into a fun experience. Listen to enjoyable music while you organize things, or pretend the wastebasket is a basketball hoop. This doesn’t have to be a dull chore with distant benefits. Like any big goal, an organized home starts with a few simple tasks.

How to Organize Medical Records

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 23:00:00 GMT

When it comes to organizing medical records, there are several good reasons to do so. There are also a few different ways to do it, and it’s important to choose the way that’s going to work best for a particular person and their records. What’s right for one person might not be right for another one, and that’s perfectly okay. Here are some of the main things to consider when organizing medical records.

1. Track Medical History or Get a Second Opinion

One of the biggest reasons to organize medical records is to track medical history and progress. That can help with treatment and medication options, changes that need to be made, or simply to verify what’s been tried in the past. Additionally, when there’s the need for a second opinion it’s easier to get a high-quality analysis when the records are all there to be easily seen and examined.

2. The Details of Patient History

A patient’s medical history should be detailed, and there are a lot of specifics found in these records. That can include test results, progress reports, medication dosages and changes, clinical findings, and family health history. Insurance forms and printouts from the pharmacy can also be stored with medical records in order to have everything in one place.

3. Record-Keeping Box or File Folder?

There are a couple of different ways to store medical records, and a record-keeping box is a common option. So is a file folder. Which one is chosen depends on personal preference and also on the number of records that have to be stored. For a large number of records, a file folder may not be big enough and a box may be a better choice.

4. Make Sure It’s Up-To-Date

One of the most important things about keeping medical records organized is making sure that — however they’re stored — they’re up-to-date. If the records are outdated, they don’t really give the information needed for anyone to get the information they need from them. That can mean that treatments aren’t chosen properly or diagnoses get overlooked.

5. Records Should Be Ready and Accessible

Another important thing to note about organizing medical records is that the records need to be able to be accessed quickly and easily. If all the records are there but they can’t be reached, there’s really no value in them. Instead, being able to get to them fast matters. Then if there’s an emergency the records are available and can benefit the patient.

6. Take Full Advantage of Technology

A lot of care providers are starting to offer online record-keeping options for their patients. For any records that can be stored that way, taking advantage of that opportunity is a good idea. There are apps and programs where these records can be quickly and efficiently accessed. But make sure that log-ins and passwords are noted somewhere safe that’s easy for the right people to find.

By making a few changes to the way medical records are stored and organized, it’s possible to be safer and have a better chance at a good health outcome when a medical record review can make the difference.

How to Manage Stress for Better Mental Health

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Managing stress levels is one of the best ways to improve mental health. But it’s not always easy to keep stress levels low. Especially during uncertain times in life, stress can creep up and become a problem almost before it’s realized. Fortunately, there are some great ways to manage stress and make it less of a problem in life. Here are some important things to consider:

1. Make Physical Activity a Habit

When people feel stressed or they’re having a difficult time with life, they sometimes tend to become sedentary and their energy might be lower. But that’s exactly the opposite of what they should be doing. Instead of sitting or lying around, getting up and moving can get blood flowing and help boost mood. Exercise is a great stress reliever, and even a brisk walk can be extremely helpful when it comes to stress reduction. Even if moving around isn’t something that sounds good at first, it’s easier after a few minutes and becomes something that can help with relaxation and coping even during the most stressful of time.

2. Keep a Diary of Your Feelings

Journaling, or keeping a diary, is very beneficial when it comes to lowering stress levels. Stress doesn’t always have a good outlet to leave the body or mind, so it just hangs around. But when those stressful feelings get out on paper or through a blog or other method, they’re much more likely to go away — or at least feel less important as part of daily life. In short, writing it down gets it “out of the system” and can make finding solutions for stress reduction easier, as well.

3. Record Tasks and Only Focus on What’s Most Important

By writing down what needs to be done, and all the things that “should” be getting accomplished, it’s easier to see what’s important and what isn’t. Sure, there are thousands of tasks that could be added to the “to do” list, but how many of those tasks actually matter? The odds are high that most of them can wait, and some of them won’t matter at all if they’re never completed. Focusing on what’s most important can reduce stress because the number of tasks to work through isn’t so overwhelming.

4. Talk to Friends, Family, or a Professional for Help

Talking to people who will listen and understand is a big stress reducer. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a professional, sometimes it makes a big difference just by being heard. There’s no reason to settle for stress and struggle when there are ways to make it easier. Don’t be afraid to reach out, so that talking to someone can help reduce stress and make things easier.

When trying to reduce stress, there are a lot of options to consider. Remember that mental health is important, and stress reduction is a big part of managing mental health and protecting it. By finding what works and practising it proactively, stress will be lower and mental health will be better, no matter the life circumstances that have to be dealt with.

Simple Strategies for a Healthier Lifestyle

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 23:00:00 GMT

When you want to live a healthier lifestyle, making changes doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. There are ways you can make it easier, and focus on the things that really matter to you. With simple strategies, you’ll be feeling stronger and healthier so you can take on more in your day and enjoy activities, as well.

Here are some of the main things to consider, when you’re ready to adjust your lifestyle and focus on your health and well-being.

1. Eat Healthy and Plan Your Menu Ahead of Time

By choosing healthy foods and planning them out in advance, you’ll be a lot more likely to eat better and avoid unhealthy food options. When you don’t have something prepared, it can be far easier to just grab something. But that also makes it easy to pick something with too many calories or that’s otherwise unhealthy. Meal prep helps avoid all of that.

2. Choose to Eat Breakfast

Breakfast is an important meal, and can result in a full feeling and plenty of energy until lunchtime. Pick something with plenty of protein, and avoid sugary cereals or options that have a lot of empty calories in them. With the right choices, breakfast can be very healthy.

3. Make Time for Exercise

Even if you don’t really feel like exercising, getting up and getting moving can help you be healthier overall. Even walking for 30 minutes or getting some bodyweight exercises in while you’re on a break from work can make a big difference. You don’t have to run or lift heavy to see benefits.

4. Remember That Self Care Isn’t Selfish

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s important to help you be stronger and healthier, overall. When you’re practicing self care, you have more of yourself to give to others, too. That can mean better personal relationships and a stronger career, too. It’s never a selfish act to care for yourself.

5. Get Enough Sleep Each Night

Getting seven to eight hours of sleep is very important for good health, but a lot of people don’t make the time for it. There are plenty of things that have to get done each day, and that can cut into sleeping hours, but it’s vital to rearrange those obligations so you can get enough hours of rest.

6. Maintain a Positive Mindset

Even if you’re anxious or concerned about something, staying positive matters. With the right mindset, your immune system will stay stronger and you’ll reduce your risk of getting sick or experiencing health problems. A good mindset can make a big difference in your overall level of health.

7. Practice Stress Management

When you’re dealing with a lot of stress, it’s hard to stay healthy and strong. But with good stress management you can improve your health and get more done at the same time. There will always be stressors in life, and not allowing those stressors to get to you will keep you healthier for the long term.

By choosing to promote and work on healthy habits, you have the chance to stay healthier and encourage others to do the same.