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Simplify Your Life

We asked three local experts to offer advice on ways to simplify and organize this spring

Simplify Your Surroundings

Debbie Sardone, President of Buckets & Bows Maid Service

bucketsandbows.com

Why is it important to declutter one's home? 

Clutter can affect your anxiety levels, sleep and your ability to focus. The fastest way to deal with clutter is one room at a time and then one area at a time.  Approach decluttering using prioritization and blocks of time and effort: "Saturday I will declutter the dining room. Then next week I will declutter the laundry room.”  Enjoy the satisfaction of one entire area or room completed at a time and then pick a date and time to do the next section or room.

How can individuals maintain a tidy home? 

Here's a few things to get you started on having a neat and nice space to live in year-round:

1.    Start by making your bed (even if it's sloppy, that's okay) - it literally takes less than one minute but makes the whole job feel "done.”

2.    Involve the whole family in a 15-minute "pick up and put up" run through before bedtime. 

3.    Give yourself permission to do just one load of laundry per day (it will all be done by Saturday!).

4.    Keep a bottle of glass cleaner under every sink so you can do a quick spritz and wipe as needed on toilets, mirrors and countertops.

5.    Be happy with "good enough." It's better than it was. Done is better than perfect.

Simplify Your Meals

Cara Price, Nutrition Coach, CrossFit L1 Trainer and Blogger

thenourishedbodyandsoul.com

 

Do you believe it's good to simplify one's meal plan?

Simplification is always a good idea when changing any habit, including nutrition habits. Starting with a simplified meal plan helps a person not become too overwhelmed by a change. When someone is overwhelmed by change, they are more susceptible to give up on their decision to make the change. Simplification is also great for saving time and money Keeping food simple will save time because you don’t need to spend time pouring over recipes or spend money on extra spices and ingredients.

How do we go back to the basics when it comes to eating?

The basics are the easiest things to do. I tell my clients to remember three things when making nutritional decisions:

1.    If it walked, grew, swam or flew, it’s safe to eat.

2.    If you knew what the food item was when you were in kindergarten, eat it. If you need to google it to find out what it is, don’t.

3.    Keep any packaged items to five ingredients or less.

Simplify Your Schedule

Dr. Michael Messina, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Messina & Associates, drmessina.com

Does spring cleaning extend to all aspects of life?

Spring cleaning can and should extend beyond our physical belongings to all areas of life. Decluttering can help us create more space for what matters most, allowing us to lead happier, more fulfilling lives. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, try taking a few moments to do some "spring cleaning" in your own life. You may be surprised at the results!

Why is it important to simplify one's schedule to make time for self-care?

Simplifying your schedule can lead to many benefits. You’ll have more time for yourself, allowing you to engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax. You'll also have more time to pursue hobbies or interests that you may have been neglecting. By simplifying your schedule, you can increase productivity and focus on the most important tasks.

What does self-care look like to you?

Examples of self-care can include things like meditating, going for a walk, reading a book, listening to music, doing yoga or any other activities that help you relax and de-stress. It can also involve engaging in creative activities such as painting, drawing, writing or crafting. Self-care can also mean giving yourself some time away from your everyday life by taking a break and doing something for yourself that makes you feel fulfilled. Ultimately, what self-care looks like to you is entirely up to you. Find activities that help you relax, recharge and reconnect with yourself so that you can lead a healthier and happier life.

"Decluttering can help us create more space for what matters most, allowing us to lead happier, more fulfilling lives."