Archives for October 2023

40+ Productive Activities to Conquer the New Year

Welcome the new year in this year with a commitment to complete Productive activities throughout the year. By making the decision today to implement changes to conquer the next 365 days, you can achieve your desired goals. In this article, we’ll dive into 40 Productive Activities that will help you dominate January and set yourself up for a year of success. From decluttering your home, learning new skills, to practicing healthy habits, you will discover productive things to do in the new year after reading this article. Being productive is a positive aspect of life as it decreases stress levels, allows you to have more time, and allows you to improve over time.

By implementing a few of these activities each month, you can maximize your productivity experiences and create a guide for a successful year ahead. Let’s dive in and start making positive changes today. This is your year, and it all starts now.

Home

Make your home a peaceful and welcoming space this new year. Look around in your home for tasks that you can complete to achieve this goal. Once you have identified your tasks, a great way to stay on track with your home goals is to place a few tasks on your calendar each month. This will help you stay motivated and ensure that you are making progress towards your goal of creating a peaceful and welcoming home.

1. Set a goal to declutter a certain amount of items each month-once you start you will not want to stop

2. Create a household binder

3. Organize a certain area of your home each month (living room, guest bedroom, garage)

4. Organize your closets

5. Organize your kitchen pantry and refrigerator

6. Look at your walls. Paint areas that need TLC

7. Set a goal to complete home improvement projects

8. Deep clean your carpets

9. Create a cleaning schedule

10. Create a monthly meal plan that you can rotate-it will save you so much time

11. Grow a garden

12. Have a yard sale

Learning

13. Set a goal to read a certain number of books for the year (audiobooks are great)

14. Learn a new hobby

15. Take an online course

16. Lean a new language

17. Start a small business

18. Take a financial course

19. Set a goal to cook a new recipe each month

20. Work with a mentor or coach

21. Join a club or sports team

Health

22. Schedule a yearly physical

23. Schedule a dental appointment

24.Create an exercise plan

25. Meditate

26. Maka goal to drink more water

27. Meal prep

28. Increase your daily steps (20 minute walks are great)

Routines

29. Establish a morning poutine

30. Establish an evening routine

31. Create a productivity to do lists and schedules

Travel

32. Plan a vacation

33. Plan a staycation

34. Plan to visit an old friend or family member

Technology Gadgets

35. Delete apps that are no longer used

36. Delete old emails

Service

37. Volunteer at a nursing home

38. Volunteer at a homeless shelter

Bonus

38. Face a fear

39. Start a journal

40. Focus on experiences not on material things

41. Reflect on the positive things that you accomplished last year!

Final Thoughts

The beginning of a new year is always the perfect time to make changes in your life as we often view the new year as a blank slate. Brainstorming productive things that you can do in the new year is a small step forward, which can lead to big changes that will impact your personal and professional growth.

What productive tasks will you start this new year?

6 Success-Oriented Sunday Habits For A Productive Week

Categories: Productivity

6 Success-Oriented Sunday Habits For A Productive Week

I don’t know about you but I used to dread Mondays. I loved my job as an educator, but every Sunday afternoon Monday blues would begin to set in. After a few years of planning, I have been able to decrease my Monday blues by implementing and completing productive habits each Sunday.

By incorporating a few simple but powerful habits into your Sunday routine, you can set yourself up for success and transform your Sundays into a launching pad for the week ahead. Months and years are often seen as fresh starts, but the beginning of the week can also be seen as a fresh start.

Many call this routine a Sunday Reset. This article explains a Sunday Reset in detail and contains a FREE printable. A Sunday Reset simply means on Sunday you complete specific tasks that will allow you to set your week up for success. Depending on your home and current lifestyle, your needs on Sundays will look different.

In this article, we will explore 6 Sunday habits for a productive week which will allow you to establish a routine that promotes a successful week!

1. Clean and organize your living spaces

This is without a doubt a staple in my Sunday habits. When our homes are clean and organized, we can complete the remaining tasks with ease. A cluttered home = a cluttered mind which leads to productivity. My current Sunday cleaning and organizing staples are:

Grocery shopping
Cleaning the bathrooms
Cleaning the kitchen
Vacuuming and mopping
Laying out outfits for the next day

Combined, these tasks can take a family team two hours or less to complete which is a huge payoff as a clean and organized home promotes less stress, less allergens, increased productivity, additional sleep, and improved moods.

Below are additional cleaning and organizing tasks that you can complete.

Clean out your pantry and refrigerator
Laundry
Wash bed linen
Complete home management responsibilities (pay your bills, review your budget, review any upcoming appointments)
Choose a specific space in your home to declutter
Wash and clean your car
Shred old mail and papers
Take out the trash
Sweep your floors
Clean out your work bag and children’s bookbags
Wash your linen

2. Complete Laundry

In addition to cleaning and organizing my spaces, I complete our laundry for the week. This is the longest process (even with me washing a few loads throughout the week) so I start early on this task. This allows me to keep a steady routine going throughout the day.

3. Meal Plan

The number one question that is asked after a long day after school or work from my family members used to be without a doubt “What’s for dinner?” Creating a meal plan allows you to create a guide of meals each day and takes away the stress of the unknown.

Even if you are not able to place a grocery order or grocery shop on Sunday, having a plan or designated day to plan for food will relieve stress.

4.Reflect and Make Goals For The Week

Reflect on the previous week, identifying what went well and what could be improved upon. Based on your previous week, set out to make up to 3 goals that may align with any long-term goals that you have created. By aligning your weekly goals to your long-term goals, you are contributing to your overall growth and progress.

I have a long-term goal to become healthier each month and year. When I reflect on my previous week, I may set a goal to drink more water for the upcoming week or make a goal to decrease the amount of processed food that I eat.

Avoid overloading your schedule with a high number of goals, as this can be unrealistic but don’t overestimate the power of short-term goals. Smaller and short-term goals allow you to eat the elephant which allows you to reach long-term goals.

5. Review Your Upcoming Week

Review the upcoming week for any appointments or meetings that you may have so that you can make necessary adjustments to your schedule if needed. Reviewing your calendar or planner reminds you of meetings that you may have scheduled months or weeks ago.

If there are meetings that you have in the upcoming week but have not placed the meetings on your calendar, take the time to add the meetings to your calendar or planner.

If you don’t have a calendar or planner, I highly recommend that you invest in one. It is a staple in organizing your life. I currently use a traditional calendar where I write down all meetings and appointments. Writing down meetings and appointments allow me to remember the engagements.

6. Prioritize Your Tasks and Create An Action Plan

Our last Sunday habit for a productive week and a key element to unlocking the secret to a highly productive week starts with prioritizing your tasks. Make a to-do list each Sunday where you identify the tasks that you will complete for the day.

Prioritize your to-do list by scheduling activities that will take the most time or activities that are difficult first. When my children were younger, I would wake up an hour before they woke to complete these activities. Today I prefer to complete my cleaning and tidying activities first. In the afternoon, I relax, setting goals and reviewing my calendar.

Lastly, don’t add too many items on your to-do list. Focus on a manageable number of tasks that you know you can realistically complete. Don’t forget to include self-care and family activities!

Final Thoughts

Monday blues are not beneficial for anyone.! Incorporating simple yet powerful Sunday habits and Sunday routines for a productive week can unlock the secret to a highly productive we. Having habits and routines not only provides structure to your day but also helps create habits that support your productivity. When you consistently follow a routine, you train your brain to be more focused and efficient, allowing you to make the most out of each day.

How do you make your Sundays better?

The 10 Tops Lists For Organization (Free Printable)

5 Awesome Home organization tips for the New Year

The New Year is traditionally a time when many people create goals and establish new routines, which can lead to a new mindset. This upcoming new year is indeed a great time to add home organization routines to your goals.

In this article, I’ll share 5 home organization tips and actions that you can complete this New Year. Not only will they allow you to reach your home organization goals for the new year, but they will also allow you to make meaningful changes that will turn your house into a place that brings you peace for years to come.

Let’s dive into these home organization tips for the New Year!

1. Declutter Your Living Spaces

Decluttering means to remove items that are unwanted or unnecessary from a given space. When an overwhelming account of items exist in one space, clutter occurs. Clutter is a major contributor to stress and anxiety, leads to decreased productivity and energy levels, among other negative effects.

Before decluttering your spaces take a walk and look at the spaces throughout your home. Identify areas that are cluttered, writing down items that are causing the clutter. For example, you may identify in the kitchen your counters are cluttered due to an abundance of appliances, cups, medicines, and food.

In your closets, you may have clutter due to an abundance of clothes, shoes, and accessories.

Once you have identified the spaces and items that need to be decluttered, ask yourself if the items that are creating clutter are being used, are needed, and most importantly do they bring you joy. If not, say goodbye to the items!

Say goodbye to the items by first deciding where they will go.

To complete this step, gather 4 boxes or bins and label them: Keep, donate, sell, and trash. Sort and place your items in the appropriate boxes or bins. Throw away things in the trash pile immediately and make a plan to donate or sell the items that fall into those two categories. Lastly, find a new “home” in your home for the items that you are planning to keep.

For example, my closet often becomes cluttered when my summer and winter clothes are both in my closet. To keep the clutter down in my closet, I now keep off-season clothes in a bin and store the bin in the garage. The garage becomes the new home for my off-season clothes. Underneath the bed is also a perfect location to store off-season clothes.

This new year be ruthless in your decluttering process. Remember, less is more and you will achieve your home organization goals in no time by being ruthless with this step.

2. Organize Your Living Space

After you have decluttered your spaces, you will have a newfound clarity and can start to organize the items that remain in your living spaces.

First, take inventory of your items. After identifying what you have, begin to group the items by placing similar items together.

Next, create zones for the items, identified areas in your home where the items will go. Make it a priority to give every item a home. When every item has a home, your spaces will have a sense of calm and order. Storage bins and containers often help maintain order and give items a home.

Tip:

Consider labeling your containers and bins to make it easier to find items and encourage everyone in your household to keep things in their new designated zones.

3. Create a schedule that outlines your cleaning and tidying routine

To maintain all the work that you have put into decluttering and organizing your home, create a home schedule that allows you to upkeep your living spaces. Below are some ideas that can you do nightly, weekly, and monthly that will allow you to keep your home tidy and clean. These are just ideas and depending on your needs and schedules, your schedule will look different.

Daily- Clear surfaces and floors, throw away any trash, and clean the kitchen. Return every item to its home.
Mid-Week- Complete 2-3 loads of laundry, vacuum if needed
Weekly- Complete laundry, mop, vacuum, clean out your refrigerator, wash linen, dust, clean and wipe down cabinets
Monthly-Clean baseboards, wash curtains, change filters, complete a monthly walk-through of your home where you purposely look for additional items to declutter. Set a goal, “This month I will remove and declutter 30 items from my home.”

Budgeting for Bliss has a M-F daily schedule that allows you to complete a few tasks each weekday with rest days on Saturday and Sunday.

4. Set Up a Home Maintenance Schedule

In addition to creating a tidying and cleaning routine, set up a home maintenance schedule. By creating a home maintenance schedule you are being proactive which will save you time, money, and stress. Many times we wait until our home appliances and systems stop working to address them which in reality occurs at times that don’t benefit anyone.

Make a list of home maintenance tasks that need to be done throughout your home this year. Checking smoke detectors, changing air filters, and inspecting plumbing and electrical systems are items that you will want to include on the list. These items don’t have to be completed at one time and can be spread throughout the year.

Tip:

Place reminders on your calendars, planners, or phones to receive alerts!

5. Create a Relaxing Bedroom Sanctuary

Lastly, as you declutter and organize your home, take a look at your bedroom and envision it as your ultimate relaxing retreat. By creating a relaxing bedroom, you’re setting the stage for restful nights and peaceful mornings. Ensuring that your bedroom is organized will inspire you to continue on your journey to transform your home.

Declutter and remove any unnecessary items that can make your bedroom feel chaotic. Don’t skip this step and be sure to declutter the top surfaces of your nightstands and dressers. Visual clutter is distracting and will not promote a peaceful retreat.

Also, take in consideration the furniture arrangement in your bedroom. Position your bed in the center of the room or against a wall that feels most calming to you. Soft neutrals for your bedding and decor will create a relaxing environment. I love to add a candle with a calming scent!

Final Thoughts

These 5 home organization tips for the New Year offer a simple yet effective guide for transforming your living spaces in the new year. Choose the home organization tips for the New Year that resonates with you the most, commit to taking action, and watch as your home becomes a more inviting and functional place.

How do you reset and organize your home for the new year?

Read Next:

90+ Items To Declutter Before Christmas

Get Your Home Ready For The Holidays

Categories: Holiday Organization

The Minimalist’s Dream: 40 Minimalist Christmas Gifts

Simplifying my lifestyle at the start of the year was the best decision I made. As a semi-minimalist, I’m already thinking about the upcoming holiday season and the gifts I’ll give to my loved ones. As someone who follows a minimalist lifestyle, I’ve also considered what type of Christmas gifts I would like to receive.

I still love the Christmas season which includes gift-giving, but this year I am excited about giving gifts that won’t clutter my loved one’s homes.

It will require more thought and planning, but I hope that it will show them that I understand and care about their happiness. The best part is just like material gifts, minimalist Christmas gifts can be tailored to suit any budget and interest and the possibilities are endless.

If you know a minimalist below is a list of 40 minimalist Christmas gifts that they will love and appreciate!

minimalist christmas gifts

Services

1. Manicure and/or Pedicure

A manicure and pedicure services are great gifts to give as they often relieve stress, which can be elevated during the holidays.

2. Spa Treatment-Facial or Massage

Similar to a manicure and pedicure, time at a spa promotes relaxation, something that everyone can benefit from! Facials and massages are great services to receive at a spa.

3. Home Cleaning Gift Card/Voucher

Who wouldn’t love the service from a home cleaning company? Professional cleaners have techniques that will make your home look brand new!

4. Home Organization Gift Card/Voucher

In addition to home cleaning, another great home resource that pairs with a home cleaning service is a home organization paid service. A professional organizer specializes in organizing spaces and can help you declutter your home in addition to helping give each item in your home a “home.”

5. Nanny or babysitter for the day

If you have family members or friends who have young children, a nanny or a babysitter for the day can help them catch up on so many tasks. Even time to rest is beneficial for parents.

6. Gym Membership

Immediately following Christmas, is the beginning of a new year where individuals often make a goal to become healthier. A gym membership is something that individuals often purchase at the beginning of the year. This is a gift that can be used for an entire 12 months!

7. Catered Dinner

Arrange for a chef to cook dinner as a service at their home or you could plan a dinner where you invite your friends and family members to your home. Great conversations are sure to happen.

8. Car wash

Many individuals spend a lot of time in their car due to their work commute. A gift card to a car wash or car detail service is a awesome gift.

9. Landscaping service

10. Education courses

11. Monthly or yearly service to a food delivery service company

gifts for minimalists men

Experiences

12. Weekend trip to a cabin

13. Weekend getaway trip

14. Staycation

15. Art class

16. Tickets to a sports game

17. Tickets to an amusement park

18. Candle making class

19. Tickets to the zoo or aquarium

20. Tickets to see Christmas lights

21. Tickets to a movie

22. Tickets to an ice skating rink

23. Tickets to a local play

Food

24. Coffee shop gift card

25. Gift card to their favorite restaurant

26. Gift card to a new bakery

27. Gift card to their favorite grocery store

28. Wine

29. Trip to a local food truck event

30. Homemade bread or bakery items

31. Specialty chocolate

32. Fruit basket

33. Specialty popcorn

Consumables

Believe it or not, some minimalists still like to receive consumables as gifts. However, before purchasing consumables, make sure that you are truly purchasing items that you know the individual will appreciate and use.

34. Quality perfume or cologne

35. Quality candles

36. Essential oils

37. Organic soap

Other items to consider

38. Tech gadgets

39. Subscriptions

40. Audible books

Final Thoughts

If you are currently looking for minimalist Christmas gifts, the above list of Christmas gifts will definitely you ideas of gifts to buy. If you are a minimalist and would love to receive items listed in this article, share this link!