1. Declutter. So obvious, and such a basic suggestion, I know – but so satisfying and rewarding. I tend to have a huge declutter every Spring and Autumn, and I found Marie Kondo’s The Life Changing Magic of Tidying a pretty amazing book for getting me into this mindset. There’s nothing more satisfying than waking up to, and coming home to a clean, decluttered home. Especially with so much overconsumption these days (says she with the beauty blog), I don’t think we always realise how stressful it can be on the mind too, to just own so much… stuff. If you don’t know where to begin, I’d strongly recommend that book. The changes it’s brought to my own life, have been extremely rewarding.
2. Create, or realign your routines. This always used to sound so boring to me. But again, I can’t deny the improvement it brings to all areas of my life. It doesn’t have to be OTT and regimented (we don’t need to go to the full extent of the “my morning routine” YouTube videos (no one honestly does all that nonsense everyday anyway…), but I’ve found that having some basic structure to my week days has really helped keep me motivated and my mind fresh. Trying to stick to the same (ish) sleep and wake up times, keeping healthy bedtime routines like swapping my phone for a book, or a relaxing game (animal crossing anyone?), trying to be consistent with my meals – planning them out, and actually make the effort to cook and eat proper food, instead of relying on takeout on a whim constantly, all this goes towards making me feel more put together and in a really healthy mindset.
3. Keeping it clean. Maybe this is a cheat, as it could technically fall under the declutter element, but it applies to personal hygiene too. This is probably the number one for me, that makes the biggest difference. Really making an effort to keep everything clean and fresh. It almost aligns with number two as well, as you need to really make it part of your routine. Again, we don’t need to go crazy – but I find having a simple, but lovely skincare routine – a really nice cleanser, essence, and moisturiser, as well as a really good electric toothbrush, and some nice toothpaste – make me feel really great especially as the first and last steps to my day. Also trying to keep on top of my home, putting my kitchen to “bed” every evening, wiping down those surfaces, removing the clutter, it helps to just set the next day off to the best possible start. Instead of relying on one huge deep clean every single month, trying to just keep on top of things as I go along, to ease that “deep clean” time a little, and make it less daunting.
4. Feeling good about a job well done. Getting organised in my work life, this can take some doing in the new work from home reality – but when you nail it down – it has such a positive impact. I try to ensure that I have a dedicated workspace in my home, and when I’m in that work space, I’m doing exactly that, working, focusing. I used to just work from the sofa, and you tend to just never really be able to fully switch off when you do this… even if it’s subconsciously. I appreciate not everyone has that luxury, and may have no choice to work from the sofa, or the kitchen table – if that is the case – try to signify the start and end of your working day clearly, make sure all your work equipment is gone and cleared away, once your working day ends. Procrastination can also be a huge thing these days too – there’s a lot of overwhelm with so much social media these days, and so much access to news – it’s easy to find our minds wandering, and even easier when working from home. I’ve found apps like Brain FM have made an immense difference to my productivity, as I can just put them on, and really get in the zone. I also love the satisfaction and feeling of a job well done, and always try to remember that feeling when motivating myself to complete a piece of work. Little rewards help too. Why not reward yourself on a Friday lunchtime with your favourite walk, or favourite iced coffee if you manage to have a fulfilled and productive week? Make it a little competition with yourself.
5. Getting outdoors and moving. Again, possibly basic, and very cliche – but it does help. It helps so so much. Just making that time every day, every other day, twice a week – whatever you’re able to mange – to just get outside and move. I’m loving running right now, but I also love forest walks, taking a lazy, slow walk amongst nature. It doesn’t have to be intensive, just something to allow your mind and body to unplug and reset for 30 minutes a couple of times a week will end up making the world of difference to your life, I promise.
