Top 10 tips for getting organised and into a routine

11 Feb

With a return to school, summer holidays over and schedules to be locked in now is the time of year when you really want to form some positive and long-standing habits and routines.

As a family, we often have a discussion at the beginning of the year (and at the beginning of each term) to determine what each person needs and how much organization is required for each person to shine – and more importantly – not stress!

There is no doubt we all start out with good intentions, even a little excitement, but it does not seem to take too much time for the excitement to wane and the mundane to set in. The following tips are what works in our home but let it be noted – they are ever-evolving and changing!

Get organised

Seems the most simple thing on the planet to do yet often the thing that seems to fall apart first. It really does not take much to enter into your diary or phone calendar what is coming up or when things are due. The key we have found is to do it right in the moment. Enter the information as you hear it, see it or book it or are told about it. This helps to declutter the brain too and allows a sense of relief that you have it covered.

Have a system for your books and computer

Even if something is not ready to be handed in or filed, create folders or spaces to keep the documents you are working on. Make sure you file them into a place that is easy to find so you are not stressing when you need them immediately. Colour coding your important subjects and files might work even better for you.

Keep tidy, use essential oils

Keep your bedroom, resting space, office, desk, school locker and bags tidy and clear of clutter. Take pride in yourself and remember a tidy environment creates a tidy and de-cluttered mind, which in turn creates way less stress and shows respect for yourself and others. Develop positive habits. Put things back when you have finished. Have a study or workspace that is always clear. Place a vaporiser or diffuser in the space you like to spend time in and have a spritzer close by. Use uplifting oils when you want to study and calming oils when you just want to wind down. Essential oils are a fantastic way to support your immune system naturally and help you think more clearly. It is like bringing nature indoors so use them every day.

Use a weekly schedule on the fridge

One thing that works really well in our home is a magnetic whiteboard on the fridge that shows what is happening for the week. Everyone writes on there the things they have on then that way parents are aware of an event that children need to be dropped too, children are aware if parents have something booked in. All in all, regardless of monthly or even yearly calendars there is nothing quite like seeing it in the week you are actually in. Has so much more relevance and more likely everyone is on the same page!

Get into nature

Allow some space in your day to walk barefoot on the grass, dirt or sand. Earthing oneself – especially after being in front of a computer all day – can be the best food for the soul. The ground is a massive reservoir of negatively charged free electrons. These electrons have antioxidant effects that can protect your body from inflammation. So surfaces like carpets, rubber, tarsal and plastic tend to separate us from this contact. Without some connection to this reservoir, the immune system is compromised. Grounding or earthing is one of the quickest and most effective ways to increase your negative ion count and counteract the draining effects of things like EMFs, fluorescent lighting, mobile phones, air conditioning, etc.

Plan your meals

Plan meals so there are always leftovers. A good idea is a roast, or casserole of some sort. Make plenty so there is enough for everyone for lunch the following day, maybe even leftovers for the following night with a big salad. Knowing what you are making in advance can allow the brain to let it go and not create stress in the morning or a need for a quick dash to the shops.

Make lunches the night before

Some find that the biggest stress in the morning is actually preparing lunches. If you take nothing else from this article this could be your biggie… Prepare the lunches the night before, or at least know exactly what you will be making and that you have all the ingredients. This point alone can change the way a morning flows and can relieve more stress than most people realize.

Keep up with the washing

Seems silly but again being organized and getting washing into the machine and hung out before you leave for work or school can be the best tip especially if you do not have spare uniforms. At least this way you only have to bring it in at night and voila it is all ready for the next day.

Get up 15 minutes earlier

Even if you got up 15minutes earlier than what you set your alarm can make a massive difference to your day. Those extra few moments will give you enough time to hang out the washing, clear the dishes off the sink or allow for a last-minute think about what you need for the day. The less stress in the morning the better.

Eat well move more

The key to wanting to be organized is ensuring you have good fuel in the tank and moving your body to keep it healthy and strong. Food does affect the way you think and feel. Use it to your advantage. Aim for SLOW food – Seasonal, Local, Organic and Whole. Keep hydrated, drink plenty of quality water. The better the quality of food and water the better your body will run. The better your body runs the more you feel like moving it and will more than likely contain your emotions, be a better person to be around, make better decisions and therefore take better care of your health.