Making the Most of Your Mornings

Does getting out of bed the hardest part of your day? Most people aren’t naturally what you’d call a “morning person” – the types who are bright eyed and bushy tailed upon rising at the sound of their alarm clock. Just because it doesn’t come naturally doesn’t mean it can’t happen, however. By following a few simple tips, you can train your body and up your A.M. productivity – and, in doing so, increase your health by sleeping more and starting your day without the stress of running late.

• Set a sleep routine – Don’t underestimate the importance of your circadian rhythm. This regulates how your body runs, and it craves routine. Ideally, you should wake up from a light phase of sleep, not a deeper stage. It’s that deeper stage that leads to a foggy head and lower functioning. If you set a bedtime and stick to it (within 30 minutes) and get up around the same time each morning, your body will reset to the routine. The hope is that eventually you will be able to wake yourself up sans alarm.
• Get active – Working out first thing in the morning may not sound tempting, but the effects pay off. Even if it’s as simple as taking a half-hour stroll, kickstarting your morning with cardio will boost your energy levels throughout the day AND help you wind down at night, leading to a deeper night’s sleep.
• Provide the right fuel – While a donut and a cup of coffee may be an easy way to get your blood sugar rising, it can also lead to a sugar crash a few hours into your day. Reach instead for some quality fuel – oatmeal, fresh fruit, or a veggie omelet. Always on the go? Make hard-boiled eggs that you can grab on the run for a protein-packed breakfast.
• See the light – Light has a huge effect on the body’s triggers to sleep or wake up. Switch on a bright light or open your blinds right when you wake up. Conversely, avoid bright lights – yes, including electronics – for that last hour before you plan to hit the hay. This will help your body begin to wind down from the busy day and slip into that deep sleep you need for rejuvenation.

What other tips and tricks work for you? Post your comments below! We would love to hear your suggestions!

Sock Monster- BE GONE!

Mesh Laundry/Sweater Bags

If you hate pairing socks as much as I do, or wonder where the sock monster hides until your socks enter the washer, then this is the perfect Simplify Saturday Tip for you! 

Keep a mesh laundry bag on the back of each bedroom/bathroom door knob and place socks in every night. Then collect the mesh bags at laundry time, zip and throw the whole thing in to wash and dry. Easily pair upon drying. Be sure to have a large enough bag to allow socks to move around while washing to ensure cleanliness. 

A laundry dryer sheet can be placed in the bag to ward against any odors while on the door knob, just be sure to remove before washing. 

A colored ribbon or string can also be threaded through or knotted on to deciefer which family member's bag if following The Color-Coded Family approach. This also makes it easy to get younger kids involved as it breaks down the task. They can just focus on one bag at a time knowing they are all the same size and owner. 

Happy Simplify Saturday!

Top 5 Ways To Get Your Life Organized- Business Owner Editition

Do you want business growth? Do you want to increase your productivity with less stress? Do you crave a better strategy for your overall day? Then you need to get organized! Here is a simple top 5 list of ways to start:

1.       PLAN: Block out time to plan- if you do not plan your upcoming week, or even upcoming day, you will end your day with a sense disappointment. This does not need to be a long amount of time, just 30 min or less to review what you have going on and synchronize schedules .

2.       WRITE: Write your top 3 goals for the week, every week- Be consistent each week to set goals for yourself and your business. This will allow you to track your progress in a proactive manner as well as quantify your accomplishments. 

3.       SAY NO: Just say no when asked to help or lead something new- Well, not forever. But at least until you have aligned your goals with your plan of action. Start thinking before your say yes to new initiatives and weigh the outcomes with your list of written goals. Do they line up? Remember to stay on track. It never hurts to take a night and sleep on the ‘yes’ before delivering your answer. You will thank yourself in the long run!

4.       DECLUTTER: Out with the old and less of the new- Keep it simple. Less really IS more. A clean, organized, work area and home are the key to increasing your productivity, but first you must part with the clutter weighing your down and implement healthy habits that accommodate your life style.

5.       ADJUST: Review your plan regularly and adjust where needed- If you try something and it does not work, then try something else. Everyone is different and there is no cookie cutter formula. You have to do what works for you. This applies to both organizing products as well as systems. If you find this step difficult, it may be best to enlist the help of a professional organizer or coach to help you set up a strategy that works best for you.

There are proven health benefits to living an organized life. The key is getting organized and sticking with the systems you put in place. The outcomes can remarkably change your life and increase your business! Get organized today!