Organize Is Self-Care

Mood and Emotional Well-being

Our surroundings can greatly influence our mood and emotional state. A thoughtfully decorated space that reflects our personal preferences and evokes positive emotions can uplift our spirits, promote relaxation, and reduce stress and anxiety.

Colors, lighting, textures, and natural elements in our decor can have a profound impact on our emotional well-being. You only need to buy a book or Google “Color Psychology” to learn the impact color has on the mind and that it’s quite significant. Look at the colors in the photo above – what do they make you feel? For me, energized and healthy. Imagine living around colors that give you the desired results in your mood. When you live in clutter it’s hard to find the colors that have impacted your life, all you see is overwhelm.

Stress Reduction

A space that reflects you can create a sense of calm and tranquility, providing an escape from the demands and pressures of daily life. When you come home and night and turn the key, you open your door to either a space that feels good or one that doesn’t. You want it to be your haven, your nest. By incorporating elements like comfortable furniture, soothing colors or at least colors that soothe YOU, and natural elements, you can create an environment that promotes relaxation and stress reduction. Do not forget to incorporate cleaning & organizing into your haven!

Productivity and Focus

Focus has become a major issue in recent years. Many people struggle to focus due to neurological reasons or poor choices, such as spending too much time on their phones, saying yes to too many things, or not eating a healthy diet. However, focus and productivity can be improved, even for those with ADHD, by creating an organized and positive environment. Cluttered and disorganized spaces can be distracting and hinder productivity, while a well-designed and organized space can enhance concentration, creativity, and efficiency.

Here are some tips for creating a more focused and productive environment:

  • Declutter your space. Get rid of anything that doesn’t serve you or that you don’t need.
  • Organize your space. Create a system for storing things so that you can easily find what you need.
  • Create a workspace that is free from distractions. This means turning off your phone, closing any unnecessary tabs on your computer, and finding a quiet place to work.
  • Take breaks. Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes to avoid getting too bogged down in one task.
  • Reward yourself. When you accomplish a task, give yourself a small reward, such as taking a break, watching a funny video, or eating a healthy snack.

Physical Comfort

Research has shown that physical clutter can create a lot of stimulation for your brain, making it difficult to focus on the task at hand. As a result, cleaning and organizing have been linked to a decrease in feelings of anxiety and an increase in comfort in your surroundings. Seeing clutter around you can be draining. Ergonomic furniture, adequate lighting, and good ventilation are all essential for creating a comfortable and healthy home. What is more important to you: a “social media” sofa or something you can snuggle up on with your kids and watch a movie? Additionally, adding some indoor plants can improve air quality and create a more pleasant and rejuvenating atmosphere. The natural element of bringing the outside in can also be very calming to our nervous system.

Personal Expression and Identity

Our home is an extension of our identity and personal expression. I know it sounds like the opening of a decor book. But it’s true. Decorating our space in a way that aligns with our values, interests, and aesthetic preferences can foster a sense of belonging and enhance our overall well-being because we are allowing ourselves to open up and show who we are. It allows us to create an environment that reflects who we are and supports our emotional and psychological needs even if that’s a rainbow unicorn Squishmallow on our bed (it can go in the closet when guests visit – haha), or a stack of Business & Design books by the bed with our favorite candle, the home isn’t a museum – it’s a nest, a nurturing, beautiful place of refuge and love.

Social Connections and Relationships

What happens when you love your home? You automatically want to share it with others! A home that you like can also facilitate social connections and positive relationships. A welcoming and inviting atmosphere can encourage social interactions, bonding, and a sense of community. Your gatherings can leave memories that get almost stamped into your home for years to come. I always remember every birthday party for my son, the day I brought him home from the hospital and gave him a little home tour through each room, and the great meals I’ve served. When our spaces are comfortable and visually appealing, we are more likely to invite others in and foster meaningful connections.

Mindfulness and Self-Care

Organize & Design for well-being involves a mindful and intentional approach to creating a space that supports self-care. It encourages us to prioritize our own well-being and design our environment in a way that promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and self-reflection. By incorporating elements like cozy corners, meditation areas, or inspiring artwork, we create reminders to take care of ourselves and nurture our mental and emotional health. I have a Prayer corner in my Micro-Workout space, so I actually do it more now because it reminds me of what matters each day since it’s the first corner I see when I wake up and the last one that I see before bed.

Organizing for well-being is important because it can positively impact our mood, reduce stress, enhance productivity, improve physical comfort, support personal expression, foster social connections, and encourage self-care. I mean, what’s not to love about focusing on well-being when you take on your next home project? By intentionally creating a space that nurtures our well-being, we can experience a more balanced, harmonious, and fulfilling life, and don’t we all deserve that?

𝓟𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓮 & 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓷𝔂 ~ Your Organizer & Coach, Cheryl

If you are seeking further guidance beyond this post, my personalized coaching programs may be of assistance to you. Please book a complimentary session to discuss what is holding you back. I look forward to guiding you on your journey to achieving organized spaces in your lifestyle.

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Journal For Your Mental Health

Unsplash.com – Sixteen Miles Out

Journaling can be a great way to improve your mental health. It can help you to:

  • Unclutter your mind and reduce stress
  • Process difficult emotions
  • Track your progress and goals
  • Reflect on your life and make positive changes

When journaling, it is important, to be honest with yourself and to write about whatever is on your mind. You may want to write about your thoughts, feelings, experiences, or goals. You can also use journaling to brainstorm ideas, plan for the future, or simply relax and de-stress.

There are many different ways to journal. You can write in a traditional journal, or you can use a blog, an online journal, or even a voice memo app. There is no right or wrong way to journal, so find what works best for you.

If you are new to journaling, it can be helpful to start with a few prompts. Here are a few ideas:

  • What are you grateful for today?
  • What is one thing you are proud of yourself for?
  • What is one thing you are looking forward to?
  • What is one thing you are worried about?
  • What is one thing you want to change about your life?

Once you get started, you may find that journaling becomes a regular part of your routine. It can be a great way to connect with yourself and improve your mental health.

Here are some additional tips for journaling:

  • Find a quiet place where you can write without distractions.
  • Set aside some time each day to journal, even if it is just for a few minutes.
  • Don’t worry about grammar or spelling. Just write whatever comes to mind.
  • If you get stuck, try writing about something that is bothering you or something that you are grateful for.
  • Reread your journal entries from time to time to see how you have grown and changed.
  • Journaling can be a great way to process your thoughts and feelings, so don’t be afraid, to be honest with yourself.

If you find that journaling is not helpful for you, there are other things you can do to improve your mental health. Talk to a coach, counselor, or therapist, join a support group, or try other relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.

𝓟𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓮 & 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓷𝔂 ~ Your Friendly Organizer, Cheryl

If you’re looking for guidance beyond this post today, my Coaching Programs can be personalized just for you. Book a Complimentary Session to discuss what’s holding you back. I look forward to guiding you on your journey to achieve organized spaces in your lifestyle.

An Email gets to me faster: Name, Issue, the Best time to call

Email: envisionsdesigns@gmail.com

I Do This Every Morning . . .

It brings me pleasure, motivation, an action toward my goals.

It’s okay to include your children or family.

It takes about 10 to 20 minutes of your day.

𝓘𝓉’𝓈 𝒿𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓃𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 . . . I been journaling since I could write. I always had a notebook and my collection of pens. My friends would be looking at the toys in the Navy Exchange while I was checking out the new fancy pens on display in the Stationary Section.

I really don’t know what to say to others about HOW I AM – having a journal that never expects anything from me in return, it’s easy to just write about anything.

It’s not that I don’t care about people, I just don’t feel comfortable saying anything other than “I’m okay”. My journal is the space where I can be honest, rude, negative, hopeless, worthless, and above ALL be truthful with myself.

It is not always a smooth journey that leads to an easy destination. There are times when things can get worse before getting better. At times you have to travel unpaved paths to come to the most magnificent visions. Who doesn’t love a rainbow after a violent storm? That’s when you get the prettiest rainbows.

I have used this writing prompt in the past with clients, especially the individuals whom I arrived at on Saturday morning and they would say to me “I didn’t get ANYTHING done this week” I would reply with “Really, you didn’t do anything this week?” I would leave them with this writing prompt as Homework.

The amazement the following week never came from me, it was from my client to learn how many actions they do attend to during the week that’s where I come in as a coach to direct that foot traffic to the purposeful matters.

Enoy journaling . . .

𝓟𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓮 & 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓷𝔂 ~ Your Friendly Organizer, Cheryl

If you’re looking for guidance beyond this post today, my Coaching Programs can be personalized just for you. Book a Complimentary Session to discuss what’s holding you back. I look forward to guiding you on your journey to achieve organized spaces in your lifestyle.

Call or Text 860.961.6842

A text gets to me faster: Name, Issue, the Best time to call

Email: envisionsdesigns@gmail.com

Happy Friday!

𝓟𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓮 & 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓷𝔂 ~ Your Organizer & Coach, Cheryl

If you’re looking for guidance beyond this post today, my Coaching Programs can be personalized just for you. Book a Complimentary Session to discuss what’s holding you back. I look forward to guiding you on your journey to achieve organized spaces in your lifestyle.

Call or Text 860.961.6842

A text gets to me faster: Name, Issue, the Best time to call

Email: envisionsdesigns@gmail.com

Home On The Move . . .

Home was where the military sent us.

Picture Your Shelf! As pretty as gallery walls are, they create a lot of holes. Place your pictures and art on a few shelves and you save some patch-up work for later. Unless you have to live in one of those tin military huts, my mother had to be very creative about hanging the family’s pictures! Ikea It!

Keep up with Measurements If you want to keep track of your children’s height, get a ruler or poster that can travel with you when you deploy or PCS (Permanent Change of Station). Amazon.com

Curtain Rod Organization Small Kitchens = Getting Creative. Instead of breaking your back trying to reach the pots and pans, see if you can hang them up on an empty wall. Great ideas here!

Replace Light Fixtures It’s a great way to change the whole mood of a space by changing the light fixture. Be sure to check with the property management/housing department as they may assist with the changes and help put back the originals at move-out. 

Floor to Ceiling Curtains Great way to bring color and texture to a room without having to paint. Amazon.com

Mirror, Mirror If you know you’ll be there a short time, start investing in mirrors as home decor. Mirrors always go with any decor, and if they break during deployment, you won’t be as attached to them as you would a piece of art.

Space Wasters … Corners Try buying furniture that fits the awkward spaces in the corner such as end tables, china cabinets, and desks. They fill the space and provide storage. Wayfair It!

Reuse rugs Hang small decorative rugs on the wall to help deaden sound. This helps when you get a house with shared walls. We had beautiful ones given as gifts from our ‘Navy Families’! Wall Art!

Put a Lid on it! Store items that are in your linen closet or regular closet in bins instead of decorative baskets. I know, I know. Not as cute! But it’ll be much easier to pack up when deployment orders come quickly, you can just close up the box and take it with you. Keep the lids on or store the lids under the bins.

Pegboard in Square Kitchen If you have an unfinished garage, stick pegboards in between the slats for tools. This frees up space if your spouse is an avid tool collector. Apartment Therapy!

Look up! The ceiling Space in the closet, with the help of some wires, is the perfect place to store lightweight items, such as wrapping paper. My mother would use the exposed pipes as guides for her plants, sometimes it was a jungle!

Gussy up your walls with: 

  • Temporary wallpaper – This may be an option if you want some fun texture on your walls. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for easy removal. Wayfair it!
  • Add some fire – Faux fireplaces create visual interest, are a central focal point, and may provide a mantle for additional decorating. Plus, these small heating units are portable! Wayfair has what you need!
  • Hang decorative mirrors – Big walls were made for huge mirrors. You can also add groups of small ones in different shapes in a mirror collage to add more light to a room. Just be sure to use the proper wall anchors so they don’t fall. Try these!
  • Add sentimental elements – Vinyl removable art and phrases can add a whimsical touch to areas like the kitchen above a coffee bar. If these were around in the !970s I would have had real problems with the family! Moving their rooms they tolerated from me …but different walls each week! Wayfair it!

Whether you live in military housing, apartment, condo, short term housing, don’t let your blank spaces go to waste. Consider it a creative canvas to do as you please with it (Well, after you check with the property management). If you’re crafty, you can even make your own DIFY decor and artwork to hang and place around for that personal touch!

𝓟𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓮 & 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓷𝔂 ~ Your Organizer & Coach, Cheryl

If you’re looking for guidance beyond this post today, my Coaching Programs can be personalized just for you. Book a Complimentary Session to discuss what’s holding you back. I look forward to guiding you on your journey to achieve organized spaces in your lifestyle.

Call or Text 860.961.6842

A text gets to me faster: Your Name*Issue*The Best time to call

Email: envisionsdesigns@gmail.com

Spring Clean Your Lifestyle!

Spring Clean Your Lifestyle!

1. Intentional Spring clean. As you clean your house, approach the process with kindness and be patient as it unfolds. Ask: what are my goals for the home? How do I want to inhabit my space differently? What could I do to be happier in my home? 

2. Refresh your journaling routine. Perhaps you’ve always been a free-form writer seeking more direction in your process. Find inspiration with journaling prompts tailored to how you want to realign and recalibrate. 

3. Design with fresh blooms. What better way to welcome Spring than with the beautiful colors of our natural world? Visit your local farmer’s market, flower shop (sometimes they have leftovers from bridal bouquets & centerpieces), or even your local grocery store —it’s a lovely little pick-me-up after your Sunday afternoon tasks.

4. Revisit your spending habits. While the idea of creating a budget may call visions of anxiety and being told NO makes your eye twitch, it is necessary!  I like to think of money as an ‘energy’, not an entity I am beholden to – that’s why you MUST look at your financial picture weekly. Then take a DEEP DIVE once a month. Simply make a list: All your debits (money out) All your credits (money in) + Your monthly Income. This gives you a better understanding of where your money is going and what that says about how you spend your time with your money. Are you spending on clothes you don’t love? On shoes that don’t fit? Would you rather dedicate more money to experiences? To updates on the home? When you have those numbers right in front of you, it will have you spending the ‘green’ differently.

5. Take your workout outside. I’m an outdoor workout girlie through and through. So, when the weather warms up, you can bet I’m hopping on my bike and hitting the trails. Why? Because there’s nothing that energizes or inspires me quite like being outdoors. Even if that looks like a 20-minute walk after work, every step counts . . . . 

6. Dine outdoors. It doesn’t just have to be just when you work out—as you spring clean your lifestyle, look for all the little pockets in your day that you can spend outdoors. You need to eat, so why not set up a picnic at your local winery(adults only)  or local park (family) for lunch or dinner? 

7. Make weekly farmer market trips. Our local coastal farmer’s market moves outdoors in April, and I’m there every weekend. I love indulging in the ritual of a leisurely morning coffee and walking around the market without a list in hand—ready to let inspiration lead the way.

8. Switch up scents! For perfumes, candles, and however else you choose to scent your lifestyle. Pumpkin spice is out ….thank goodness! lilacs are very much in.

9. Pick one thing & Let it go.  This spring, choose one thing—be it a weekly obligation, an invitation you’ve been unwilling to accept, whatever it may be!—and release it. Trust me, the sun will rise and set without you overextending yourself.

10. Upgrade your beauty cabinet. Have you always been curious about clean beauty but haven’t yet taken the plunge? Try This! If a total redesign isn’t in the cards (new products can add up quickly), select a few items in your daily routine to refresh. A little goes a long way.

11. Morning brain dump. If journaling isn’t your ‘thing’ yet, ease your way in with a simple brain dump. In the morning when you wake up, pull out a piece of paper or journal and simply jot down all that’s on your mind. Whether that’s work anxieties or a strange dream you can’t shake off, write it down on the page and leave it there. No need for you to carry it around all day long.

12. Let go of negative self-talk. We’re done!

13. Repurpose a junk drawer into a wellness drawer. Or add a collection of anything else that brings you joy! In the past, I have swapped out my random pens, paperclips, loose keys I had no idea what lock they fit, and sticky notes for aesthetically pleasing objects and positive affirmations and mantras, I love to look at each morning. Create yours however you’d like.

14. Declutter your closet. You’ll be amazed how a small change will transform your whole mood. Each spring, I edit my wardrobe. Gone are the items I haven’t worn in 12 months (seasonal clothes don’t count). If you haven’t heard, clothes should fit you—not the other way around. Build a wardrobe capsule

15. Fluff-Up! your sleep routine. No more phones on the nightstand. Scratch that, they don’t belong in the bedroom at all (unless you need them for an emergency). Just a good book, perhaps your journal, and whatever else helps you wind down (my kitty-Cat helps). This spring and beyond, we’re all getting the sleep we deserve.

16. More silence, please. So much of our lives are dictated by the noise (thoughts, opinions, and influences) that others put out into the world. I’m a warrior with my quiet time and space—in the morning and evening before bed, be particularly mindful of what you allow into your lifestyle.

17. Embrace more whole foods in your nutrition planning. I’m not saying cut out everything that tastes yummy, but moderation should be your closet friend! Throughout your day, look for opportunities to bring more unprocessed or minimally processed foods into your meals. Whether that’s a fresh salad with lunch, fruit in your oatmeal, or nuts as a nighttime snack—“Your diet is a bank account. Good food choices are good investments.” – Bethenny Frankel

18. Clean up your digital life. Clear your phone roll of accidental screenshots and photos of your ex. Delete contacts you no longer speak with anymore. Achieve inbox zero—or whatever realistic version of that you choose. I do a Digital-Declutter once a month!

19. Create a tech-free zone in your home. Analog only, y’all. Books, art supplies, crafting items—whatever brings you joy! The only rule: no cell phones are allowed.

20. Hydrate. If I’m in a bad mood or need an energy boost, a sip of water is almost always the answer. If you’re like me and do not like plain water daily, there are plenty of water flavors to add: fresh fruit, and zero-calorie H2O flavoring. This is what I’m working on currently – drinking more water daily. Let’s hydrate together!

𝓟𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓮 & 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓷𝔂 ~ Your Friendly Organizer, Cheryl

If you’re looking for guidance beyond this post today, my Coaching Programs can be personalized just for you. Book a Complimentary Session to discuss what’s holding you back. I look forward to guiding you on your journey to achieve organized spaces in your lifestyle.

Call or Text 860.961.6842

A text gets to me faster: Name, Issue, the Best time to call

Email: envisionsdesigns@gmail.com

Do You Dream of Being in a Space Without Clutter?

Happy International Women’s Day!

We All Struggle Together

Inclusion Is Fun

Equality Is Normal

Strength In Numbers

One Year Ago . . .

❤꧁ღ⊱♥ We, Lifestyle by Design stand for FREEDOM

We stand with Ukraine

We Lifestyle by Design stand for CHOICES

We stand with Ukraine

We Lifestyle by Design stands for DEMOCRACY

We stand with Ukraine

We The People are Ukraine ♥⊱ღ꧂❤

𝓟𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓮 & 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓸𝓷𝔂, 𝓒𝓱𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓵 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓣𝓮𝓪𝓶