Just what are the benefits of being organized?
It’s potentially a long list, but I’ve narrowed it down to what has affected me and my clients the most.
Read on for what I consider the benefits of having an Organize & Simplify Life, at home and at work.
- Less stress. Above anything else, this is the number one reason to burn calories to stay on top of things. Here’s a great example: one of my clients is making a concerted effort to keep their office neat and tidy, the client works from home and the office is in their dining room. We added a bulletin board and have a designated home for everything: inbox, keys, wallet, office supplies, charger cables, and more. Now, when they need something, they know exactly where it is. This fact reduces stress and allows them to …
- Relax more. I once saw a plaque at HomeGoods that read, “Organized people are just too lazy to search for stuff.” Yeah, that’s cute, I’m the “lazy” one mentioned in the punchline. Less time spent running around equals more time Just, more time to do what I want to do, like …
- Spend time with your family. Getting clean and clear professionally and personally means you’ve got more time to spend with the ones most important to you. For example, my workday ends at 2:00, as I drive home. I know that I’ll be spending the next six hours with my animals, art, and writing until my husband comes home. That’s easy to do when I take care of all my “work stuff” before then.
- Be ready for an emergency. I’m sure you know how this goes: life throws a wrench into the works that interrupt your plans in a major way. Being prepared ahead of time lessens the shock. For example, I have designated an “emergency” office and a very -portable setup ready. That way, if my Internet goes down at home, or a renovation crew happens to set up outside my window, I already know where I’m going to go to work and what I need.
- The overwhelming seems manageable. I don’t care if you’re talking about work, the kids, or home management, but it’s an awesome feeling to have every project outlined, and every action step that stands between you and your project is completed. When you do this, you’ll be able to look at a daunting to-do list and feel like you’re on top of it and capable of doing what needs to be done.
- Improved health. The stress I mentioned earlier, which even I feel when things start to get out of control, does not promote good health. There are numerous studies that demonstrate a link between sustained high levels of stress and a variety of health problems. Read this → Why disorganization causes stress
- It’s the little things. Just turning over a single load of clothes per day makes all the difference. Little things like making sure the kids put their jacket and shoes away each day after school improves your family’s ability to easily function with purpose.
- Greater productivity. When you know where things are, what your goals are, and take care of the piddly “busy work” as it appears, you’ve got significantly more time and energy for the big goals in life.
An organized life takes some doing, and you’re going to slip up. No one is clean and clear all day, every day! But when you strive to do the best you can, you’ll experience the benefits listed above … and more. May you experience the best of an Organize & Simplify Life.