When you really take a look at the habits of organised people, you see there isn’t really much to it. Their lives are pretty simple, and easy to maintain - that’s why they are so good are being organised. They aren’t the superhuman you thought they were. But becoming organised can still change your life, we’ve nailed down 10 ways to simplify and organise your life, so you can make the most out of your day. 

 

1. Write lists and forget about them 

Not literally, but once you've written it down it’s one less thing to think about, safe in the knowledge it’s on paper and you can’t forget it, really. Writing lists doesn’t just have to be for a grocery shop. You can use the notes section of your phone on the go to, unexpected thoughts are often valuable to us, like don’t forget to water the plants or remember to send mom a birthday card. Writing lists will then free up your mind and make your day run smoother. 

 

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

In 2020 society is going full steam ahead 24/7 we take in so much information and expect ourselves to get everything done, perfectly first time and at lightning speed. But in reality this just isn’t achievable, so there is no shame in asking for help. Even if it’s as simple as getting the kids to do chores around the house once a week or asking the inlaws to look after kids so you can have some down time. Be honest and open with the people in your life, it suits them more than you running on empty. Ask your partner to help more, ask your boss for an evaluation on your responsibilities if it gets too much, there are so many options and people in your life who can help. 

 

3. Schedules are your new best friend

Dividing up your time into a daily schedule can seem restrictive, but it’s one of the easiest ways to simplify your life. You don’t have to go ham on it and delegate something for every minute of the day, just the things that need doing regularly. For example, Monday, take the trash out, Tuesday, white clothes wash, Wednesday, weekly grocery shop. Then you know when you are free to make exciting plans, like date night, or a family day out. 

 

4. Enjoy a digital detox

Once in a while it’s nice to switch off from the World’s dramas and social updates. Feeling disconnected from the digital World has most recently become somewhat of a mental health condition and phenomenon, developed mainly in young adults in their teens and twenties who are addicted to their phones, and is attached to a fear of missing out. If you feel this describes you then a digital detox is definitely something that can simplify your life. The less information from social media you consume the more head space you have for more important things in the real World, the people around you, your health and your happiness. Try not using your phone for a whole day, or if you’re really brave buy a simple phone that just allows you to make calls and receive texts. 

 

5. Tidy room, tidy mind 

As the saying goes, but it doesn't have to stop there. Start by decluttering your wardrobe to free up time in the morning choosing what to wear and always do the dishes so you wake up to a clean kitchen every Morning. With these two practices you are already starting your day more simply and more organised. Why not do your bit for the community and planet by taking old clothes and toys to charity or passing down to a friend with younger children, the feeling will leave you content with happiness from your good deed too.

6. Set monthly goals, instead of yearly goals

New Year’s resolutions are all well and good but are more often than not, unachievable unless you break them down into smaller more timely goals. Each month make a new goal of what you want to achieve, it could be as simple as going to the gym once a week for a whole month, or finally sorting out redoing the bathroom. You could put an initial plan in place to get that work promotion or learn a new skill through an evening class. If these goals are things you want to do and have a more attainable timescale, you will be more inclined to stay on track. Before you know it, all the small goals you achieved have helped the bigger picture, the big New Year’s resolutions you made at the start of the year of bettering your physical health, or renovating the whole house.

 

7. Draw a line between work and home

A lot of us nowadays work from home, remotely, have a laptop to be able to work in and out of the office, or work from a mobile phone. Within the guidelines of your contracted hours it’s important to make a divide between work life and home life. If you work in an office, don’t take work home with you, if you need to catch up on something, stay late, or come in early and use an empty meeting room before work starts. Bringing work into the space you use for leisure and living blurs the lines of when you start and stop working. It’s unhealthy to be working all the time and not switch off. Alternatively if you work from home, set aside a room or a space with a desk than you can use only for work, or a few times a week relocate to a coffee shop or co-working space. The simpler you can make divide between your working day, and home life, the easier it will be to enjoy both. 

 

8. Put yourself first

A lot of us, women especially rarely take time for ourselves, to enjoy what we enjoy doing without distraction. Some of us are so busy we don’t even know what we like to do in our down time, so this is your excuse to be more selfish. A few ideas that can really benefit your mental health and help simplify your life are mediation, yoga, pilates and other physical activities like swimming. Once a week give your mind time to slow down and reset, so you can start a new week with a fresh outlook. If you feel like you need to escape your everyday setting try learning a new language, a new skill or just say yes to actually do something you’ve always wanted to do, just for you to enjoy. The benefits mentally will help you stay on track for an organised and simplified life. 

9. Introduce wellbeing rituals 

Similarly to putting yourself first, starting a wellbeing ritual is a great way to make time for yourself. Rituals can calm the mind and help ease yourself into a comfortable routine, that can be a complete contrast to your usual, hectic and busy life. This contrast can make you take a step back and evaluate certain tasks and situations and then give you a clearer mindset to put goals into action. Rituals don’t have to mean a completely holistic lifestyle, even a 15 minute evening ritual can benefit the soul. You may even have rituals of your own that you don’t realise you do, like an evening skincare routine, reading before bedtime and then applying hand moisturiser. Why not incorporate a candle before bed to this routine, certain essential oils have been known to relax the mind, so we have these as our main ingredients in our SLEEP WELL candle.

 

10. It’s okay to say no

Last but not least, if it’s all getting too much you are allowed to say no. You are the only one that knows how much you can handle before you’re tipped over the edge. They say scientifically this is made up of our genetic makeup, life circumstances and the situation that presents itself. Everyone is different, so it’s perfectly reasonable to decline that outing with friends, helping on the school trip or work task. You should do what you think is best for your health and once you’ve had time to reset you will feel more at ease with taking on new things.