Piles of paper…part 1

The dreaded paperwork…  

Deal with mail and incoming paperwork now!  I find people just add it to a pile they think they are going to go through later.  Well, you know what?  You rarely do, so just get it over with now and make this a new habit starting today! Most mail these days is either magazines, junk-mail, the odd bill, card, or invitation.  So, let’s deal with your subscriptions first.

Newspapers and Magazines:

Think realistically about the newspapers and magazines you receive.  If you, more often than not, let them pile up without reading them, cancel them.  It is better for everyone; for you because you have less clutter and save money, for the carrier because they won’t be wasting time, and for the environment because it creates less waste!  If you actually do read your magazines and newspapers, great, but for those that don’t just stop them now.

Deal with newspapers as they arrive, and be realistic about what you will actually get to. If you read the newspapers when they arrive, read them and then recycle them.  If you are more likely to leave them and do it once per week, save them in a basket in the family room until then, and go through them each week.   If the week has passed and next weeks papers are now here, recycle last weeks and put this week’s in the basket. There is no sense in reading last week’s news, and they will just keep building up in your basket creating clutter!

Same thing with magazines, if the month has passed and your last magazine still sits in the basket untouched, recycle it!  Seriously, if you keep it thinking you’re paying for it, you should just keep it, don’t!  Also, if you read your magazine and want to save it for that “one article”, don’t!  Everything is available on-line these days, and if you want that “one-article”, just search it on-line later.  Then, when your subscription comes up for renewal think back to how many issues you threw out without reading them and if it is really worth it.

Another thought for both newspapers and magazines is to get an on-line subscription.  This will create less clutter in your house and also be better for the environment.  But, even here, make sure you are being realistic with yourself as to whether or not you actually take the time to read newspapers and magazines.  If you don’t read them, don’t bother.

Creating new habits

Doing things the way you have always done them isn’t always the best way whether we’re talking about organizing or physical activity.

For example, try changing how you think about exercise and time-management.  It can be a small change that can eventually become a lifestyle change.  Make simple, small steps at first so you are not overwhelmed and this way it is more likely that you’ll actually keep doing it.

 I find that people often think they need to join a gym or start running (for example) to get a good workout.  Not necessarily.  Most people can fit in 15 minutes here and there of exercise without even really trying.  Plus, gyms can be overwhelming to many, and running is hard, so after the first week of trying, many people give up because it is too hard!

For example, when your child calls you to come pick them up from a friend’s house, what’s  the first thing you do?  My guess is you grab your keys and drive over to pick them up.  People always think that it is the easiest, fastest way, so they do it.  Why not make a simple change and try walking, or hopping on your bike next time?  Pick a day when you have 15 extra minutes, and try it.   Here is where you are changing your thinking!  Now you have actually fit in 15 minutes of physical activity, had 15 minutes to unwind, had 15 minutes of fresh air, and had 15 minutes of extra time with your children! I know life is busy and we try to pack our lives, (and our kids lives) with back-to-back activities, but taking 15 minutes 2-3 times a week is a very worthwhile lifestyle change that has tons of benefits!

This is only one simple idea of an easy way to fit exercise into your daily life.  I have many more and would love  to share them with you, just ask!

You are not only changing your habits, but you are also teaching your children good habits, and setting them on a road to a healthy lifestyle.

There are also a lot of quick and easy ways you can change your thinking when you are cleaning and organizing your home. One very easy thing to start doing today is to deal with incoming mail and paper ! Do not put it in a pile to deal with later, just do it now! Putting it off will just overwhelm you later.

I know many people hate the thought of change, but I have so many good tips for organizing, cleaning and exercising that you can do these things in only a little time.   Just try, it’ll be worth it!😆

This blog is going to help you to be a more organized, and fit you!

Do you ever feel that there just aren’t enough hours in a day to get everything done?

Do you ever feel as though you don’t have the energy (or interest) to tackle that pile of papers on the counter there that’s just getting bigger by the day?

Do you have areas in your house that are just dumping grounds for “stuff” you don’t want or need?

Do you ever feel sluggish and unhealthy and as though you don’t have the energy to walk out to your car, let alone go for a run?

Are you just plain disorganized and need help getting on track?

These are only some of the many issues that I am going to tackle on my blog.

A few things about myself.  I am a busy wife, and mom of 2 children.   I love to organize my own space and anyone else’s who will let me! I also am a neat freak and actually enjoy cleaning my house and making things look nice. I love to exercise, and have tons of good at-home workouts that can be adapted for anyone at any fitness level!

So, my plan for this blog is to post my ideas, experiences, and many tips and tricks for organizing, cleaning, and exercising too.