You may not be anticipating National Get Organized Day with the enthusiasm you might for a national #holiday such as Memorial Day or Thanksgiving, says Infotek Consulting, but getting #organized can actually you feel less stressed, more productive and happier overall. Start by #decluttering and #organizing a single drawer, shelf or closet today as the start of a new, #clutter-free you. #Set aside the #junk you don’t need for a #donation to ClothingDonations.org, then schedule a time to move on to another space. “Take it day by day, one room (or office drawer) at a time, and watch as you become more stress-free, productive and happier.” #NationalGetOrganizedDay
Tag: destress
Celebrate National Get Organized Day
April 26 is a special holiday for The Organizing Blog — National Get Organized Day. The annual observance invites people nationwide to take stock of their #stuff, #declutter, and otherwise #organize and #streamline their lives. #Organization can take many forms, Days of the Year points out; you may choose to organize a physical space such as a #closet, filing cabinet or kitchen drawer, or you can organize a virtual space such as your e-mail inbox or digital pictures. You can also celebrate by creating daily habits that improve your organization over time: Create a to-do list, weekly meal plan or a “drop zone” where you put new stuff entering the house to make life less chaotic. #NationalGetOrganizedDay
Phil Says: Get Ready for Spring (Cleaning)
Apologies for posting this before emerging from my burrow this morning! Today’s my time to shine, but the sun may have other plans — and a cloudy day means that #spring is on the way. I’m not the most accurate predictor of the weather (historically, I get things right just 39% of the time on #Groundhog Day), but even if six more weeks of #winter are on the way, there’s no time like the present to start #cleaning and #decluttering your #nest. Spring cleaning can restore one’s immune system, head off stress, prevent illness and prepare the body for increased physical activity in the warmer months, Healthline says. For me, that means digging a more spacious burrow, foraging for food, hiding from coyotes and um, socializing. Off to Gobbler’s Knob!
How to Have a Stress-Free Holiday
By the time you read this, the year’s extraordinarily short #holiday shopping season will be nearly over. If you haven’t completed your shopping by now, you’ll have to pay for overnight shipping or brave the last-minute crowds at an old-school retail store.
As the clock winds down, you may also have meals to prepare and gifts to wrap. You may need to do an airport run to help far-flung family members join in the fun. You may even need to fit all of these activities in around your work schedule.
That’s a lot of stress. But there are ways to defuse that stress and enjoy the holidays.
The first is to know when you’ve done enough. Striving to create the “perfect” holiday can drive you nuts. There may be a few “nice to haves” or traditions that you just can’t fit into the holiday plan this year — and that’s OK. The sun will rise and set without them.
If you’re short a gift, you can give cash, buy a gift card or sign your giftee up for a subscription service that periodically delivers coffee, tea or wine. There are also plenty of all-digital gift options that can help show you care instantaneously.
Take advantage of services that take some of the work off your hands. Retailers are only too happy to wrap that gift or assemble that piece of furniture. The local bakery can provide a pie, and you can ask guests to bring a side dish.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when the big event arrives. A thoughtful guest will volunteer, of course, but many people may need reminding as they celebrate with family and friends. This is a great way to keep kids occupied ahead of a gift grab.
You can set deadlines on what you need to get done, but build in an hour or two of serenity to maintain your sanity. “Head outdoors for a refreshing change of scene,” Woman’s Day suggests. “Take a starlit nighttime stroll through your neighborhood to view the holiday lights.”
You don’t have to do it all — and even if you could, it wouldn’t add to your enjoyment of the holiday season or anyone else’s. Focus on the big picture and know when to “say when,” and you’ll be able to create warm holiday memories without the stress.
Don’t Stress Out About Your Cookout
Want to keep your cookout stress-free? Prep everything before guests arrive, says the Travel Mamas blog. Marinate your meats and get sides ready to plate well ahead of time — or ask your guests to bring a covered dish to pass. Make sure you have sufficient propane or charcoal for your meal plan, and keep noshes separate from the cooking area to preserve the grill master’s creative space. Invite guests to help themselves to drinks, and consider offering entertainments such as bags or horseshoes. Finally, “Have fun,” the blog says. “When the host is relaxed and having fun, so will your guests.”