Starting a new year can often remind us of all the things we set out to do the previous year but didn’t achieve. Whether this is because you’ve been unmotivated or unorganised, a brand-new year can be seen as another chance to wipe the slate clean and start again, in the hope for a more productive and successful year ahead – whatever that might look like to you!
Now let’s remember that setting goals and following them word-for-word isn’t always plain sailing as life’s unexpected turns can throw a curve ball our way at any moment. What we can do however, is help ourselves get off to a good start by putting realistic plans in place to help us remain on the right track as much as possible. Being organised isn’t just great for being productive or achieving goals, the mere action of organisation can also help many of us reduce anxiety and stress by creating a sense of control and order in our lives - even when things don’t always go as planned.
You’re probably thinking well that’s great; I have the motivation to get myself organised, but where on earth do I start? Thankfully, in this blog we set out 3 great ways to do just that.
- Lists, Lists, Lists!
It might sound like an obvious way to get organised, but the power of lists is amazing. Making yourself lists enables you to relieve some of the chaos from your head into a manageable set of goals. Whether you create a list in the notes section of your phone, or prefer the more traditional method of pen and paper, start by creating a long-term list. What would you like to achieve by the end of the year? Are these goals realistic? How will you be able to manage this around other areas of your life? Ask these questions to yourself before you make the list so that you can ensure that they realistic and achievable. There is no use in setting yourself a list of goals unless you know there is a way you can dedicate time and effort to achieve them. Nevertheless, you should always try and push yourself and aim high if you know that it is something you can make a reality.
After you have made a long-term list, create a short-term list by breaking one of your long-term goals into manageable bite sizes that you can dedicate time to. Your short-term plan might be weekly so that you are able to review it often, or you may feel that monthly lists work better for you. Whatever you choose, ensure that you are sticking your plan as much as possible by carrying out small tasks that will chip away at the overall goal. Small and often is the golden key!
- Tidy House, Tidy Mind!
Now that you’ve off-loaded some of the never-ending lists in your head onto paper, it’s time to create a sense of organisation in your surroundings – in other words, get tidying! Although it cannot be said for everyone, research shows that having a tidy, well-organised home contributes to good mental health and well-being. It can provide you with clear head-space, making you feel more motivated to get stuff done.
Although tidying can seem like another mammoth task to add to your ever-expanding list of things to do, try just tidying small areas such as a desk or the most-used room in your house first; this may help you focus better and give you the motivation to tackle other areas later. A great way to organise your home is to store household items in their own specific place so that there is less chance of clutter. Our Square Rattan Baskets with Handles are the perfect solution for storing things such as children’s toys or throws, whilst remaining stylish and in-fitting with your home décor.
- Make Time for Your Health and Mental Well-Being!
Now you might be thinking, how does this help me get organised? But in response…everything! Without good health and well-being what do we have? Yes, our time is over-stretched already and we already have a million and one things that seem to take priority, but your well-being should be top of that list. Now we’re not talking about spending a fortune on a luxurious spa day to unwind, but you can do small simple things everyday that will help look after the most important thing there is…yourself.
First and foremost is staying hydrated. Drinking at least 2L of water every day can help us feel more focussed, reducing the chances of those dreadful dehydrated headaches. We all know the importance of drinking more water, but we rarely put it into action. Our beautiful Drinking Glasses with Lid and Metal Straw will help you do just this, even if you’re on the go.
Sleep is another great way to avoid feeling sluggish and unmotivated the following day. Going to bed early on a night might feel like you’re taking away precious me-time, but it is something you will thank yourself for the next day.
A final example of looking after your health and well-being is doing something that makes us feel good i.e. reading a book in the bath, cosying up with a throw in a candle-lit room or even going for a long slow-paced stroll in the park. Whatever you love doing, ensure that it is also good for your health and mental well-being.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. Whatever your goals are for the upcoming year, make sure that you don't create too much pressure on yourself by ensuring they are small, manageable and realistic goals.
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2024!