5 Essentials for a More Organised Life
The daily struggle is real - it feels like your juggling a hundred things and catching none of them. Working, raising kids, cooking and housework are just the tip of the iceberg. Add in afterschool clubs, playdates, parties, appointments, keeping fit, socialising and finding some precious me-time and most of us are left feeling frazzled. One way to make things run a little bit more smoothly is to create that much-needed organisation rather than having to respond as you come face to face with the next challenge. Here are five essentials to help you enjoy a more organised life.
1. A Good Planner
Taking the time to transfer all activities, appointments and meetings into a planner in advance makes it much easier to keep track and identify schedule clashes. Paper-based planners, either a whiteboard on the wall or a desk size book, means that everyone can see what is coming and take note before adding new plans to the mix. There are some gorgeous paper planners and pre-printed whiteboards for categorising activities, and they are well worth the investment.
2.Top-Rated Finance App
Money makes the world go round, but when you are the bill-paying adult certainly doesn't feel like any fun. In a time of financial squeeze, having a finance app on your phone can help you track your income and expenditure, making it easier to make ends meet. The apps can help you plan for savings and holidays and even advise you on where you could afford to be spending less. The app lets you know your upcoming finances, so when you want to make an impulse purchase, it helps you think carefully.
3. A Clutter-Free Home
If your brain is feeling overworked and a little chaotic, the last thing it needs is the extra pressure of clutter. Not finding something important is frustrating and can wipe out the best-organised plans if you suddenly cannot find a permission slip when you are late for the school run. Have a place for anything and remove any clutter that you do not use, and suddenly everything will seem a little easier.
4. A Meal Planner
One of the most frustrating things is deciding what to cook at the end of a long and stressful day. To stop yourself from reaching for the takeaway menu, it helps to plan meals in advance and then you will know precisely what you are eating. Planning also makes shopping more straightforward as you can see quickly what you need. You can also add everything to a shopping list or online basket while you decide on meals.
5.Breathing Space
A frazzled mum cannot run forever on fumes. So, this self-care malarkey that everyone talks about is essential. Even if it is just 15 mins a day, taking time out gives you a chance to unwind and recharge a bit. In that time, do something just for yourself, take a bath, read a book, lay on the bed and do nothing at all. Just for those few moments, give yourself a break - it helps you come back fighting to ensure you remain organised.
