Self-Care Strategies

[joyful]

I love the idea of having fresh flowers around! My go-to self-care indulgence is scent: scented candles or perfumed oils burning at home and perfume for my person. Scent has such a strong connection to mood and memory, and it's an easy way to bring a bit of luxury into everyday life. A whiff of something lovely can instantly uplift my spirit!

Scent is a wonderful sensory treat; I agree completely! Sometimes, I'll splurge on a fancy soap or shampoo just for the lovely scent, even if the product itself is nothing special. I love the idea of creating little rituals with scent -- it's like having a secret weapon to brighten your day!

I also enjoy taking short breaks to stretch and do some basic yoga poses at my desk. It helps me reset, especially on hectic days stuck in front of the computer. Though I'm not very flexible, a few minutes of stretching goes a long way in making me feel refreshed and re-energized.

What about you all? Any unique or simple ways you like to reset during your workdays?

 

[wisdom]

The addition of a potted plant is a lovely touch! It's amazing how these little personal touches can make such a difference. I like the idea of having a scented diffuser too - especially when it becomes part of your routine and associates a specific scent with a calm mindset. The power of aromatherapy should not be understated!

Little things like these help create a welcoming and comforting atmosphere, almost like a personal sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle. It's these moments of solace that help keep stress at bay, doesn't it?

The diffuser is a welcome respite, especially on stressful days. The little touches really do make a difference in maintaining a sense of balance!

 

[bubblyfish]

The scent from the essential oil diffuser is so soothing, especially when you're having a stressful day - like an instant vacation for your senses!

Having a little plant on your desk sounds lovely too; it's like bringing a piece of nature indoors. There's research supporting the positive impacts of plants on our mental and emotional well-being, and just looking at them seems to have a calming effect. Taking care of something other than our hectic to-dos is also a nice reminder of the outside world and our connection with nature.

Researching the impact of surroundings on our mindset is fascinating! It's interesting how much of an impact colours and scents can have on our perceptions and emotions. I wonder what specific scents or plant types you guys like for your spaces - and if they match the energies they're supposed to evoke?

 

[sunflower]

The addition of a potted plant is a lovely touch! It's amazing how these little personal touches can make such a difference. I like the idea of having a scented diffuser too - especially when it becomes part of your routine and associates a specific scent with a calm mindset. The power of aromatherapy should not be understated!

Little things like these help create a welcoming and comforting atmosphere, almost like a personal sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle. It's these moments of solace that help keep stress at bay, doesn't it?

It's the little breaks and comforts throughout our days that help us stay sane and focused, especially amidst busy schedules!

 

[sportytina]

I'm all for having dedicated spaces for items, so they don't become lost and contribute to clutter. It's amazing how quickly things can escalate when we let them!

I find that having consistent and intentional routines - like your post-meal kitchen clean-up - helps maintain order without requiring heroic efforts. A little each day goes a long way, so it doesn't feel like a chore.

For problematic spots, like the never-ending clutter trap that is our media console, I found repurposing storage bins a creative solution. Having designated baskets for remote controls, game consoles, and charging cables ensures they have a home but are still accessible. Out of sight, definitely out of mind!

And when all else fails, yes, the good old toss is very therapeutic. If it hasn't been used in a year (or shown any signs of life), it's probably best to pass it on.

Having consistent routines certainly makes maintaining an organised home more manageable. I agree that breaking down self-care into manageable chunks makes it less daunting - you've gotta start somewhere, right? Taming the media clutter with repurposed storage sounds like a nifty idea! That's one way to keep those annoying cables under control.

 

[bananarama]

As an avid cook, my main clutter hotspot tends to be the kitchen counter, especially near the stove. Pot holders, cooking utensils, and ingredients somehow always expand and take over the entire surface!

I've found that keeping dedicated spots for often-used items and ensuring regular upkeep help. Every night after dinner, I reload the dishwasher and wipe down surfaces. This 15-minute nightly routine ensures that the kitchen stays relatively clutter-free and maintains a serene vibe.

Another problem area is our entryways. Shoes, bags, and mail have a habit of piling up near the doors. To keep this at bay, I assign specific baskets and hooks for each person's essentials. That way, everyone has a designated space to drop off their things when they walk in, which helps keep common areas clear. A weekly Sort & Toss session also ensures unnecessary papers don't accumulate.

What other nuisance spots do you find challenging to keep organized? Any innovative solutions you've discovered?

As an avid cooker and baker myself, I can relate to the importance of keeping the kitchen clutter-free! My countertop seems to magically attract all manner of tools and ingredients, especially during meal prep.

I rely on my utensil holder and a designated spot for each gadget, so I'm not scrambling around looking for things. It's amazing how quickly it descends into chaos otherwise! Drawer organizers also help corral smaller items like spatulas and spoons, keeping them handy yet contained.

For your entryway, I notice you've smartly assigned specific spaces for each person's belongings. This is such a great way to ensure that everything has a place and doesn't become general clutter. With designated spots, it also becomes easier to hold each family member accountable for tidying up after themselves!

I find that maintaining order in the wardrobe can be challenging, especially with multiple family members. In our home, each person has their own hanging space and shelves, making mornings simpler and reducing the "Where's my favourite ____?" meltdowns. Colour-coding or using uniform hangers also creates a visually appealing order that's satisfying to maintain.

Do you have any clever hacks for keeping different areas organized?

 

[queenie]

The scent from the essential oil diffuser is so soothing, especially when you're having a stressful day - like an instant vacation for your senses!

Having a little plant on your desk sounds lovely too; it's like bringing a piece of nature indoors. There's research supporting the positive impacts of plants on our mental and emotional well-being, and just looking at them seems to have a calming effect. Taking care of something other than our hectic to-dos is also a nice reminder of the outside world and our connection with nature.

we often get so caught up in our busy lives that a moment of stillness with our plants becomes precious. In addition to my potted plant, I've taken to drawing the blinds at regular intervals just to let natural light in - it's quite refreshing especially when I feel a stuffy head coming on. The sun's rays have a way of lifting moods too!

 

[luciana]

Researching the impact of surroundings on our mindset is fascinating! It's interesting how much of an impact colours and scents can have on our perceptions and emotions. I wonder what specific scents or plant types you guys like for your spaces - and if they match the energies they're supposed to evoke?

I'm all about earthy and citrus scents, like lavender and lemon. They have such a refreshing effect, perfect for a quick energy boost when my brain feels foggy from staring at the screen too long! As for plants, I like low-maintenance greenery like devil's ivy and snake plants. Their freshness adds a nice contrast to the concrete jungle outside my window.

 

[nature]

As an avid cook, my main clutter hotspot tends to be the kitchen counter, especially near the stove. Pot holders, cooking utensils, and ingredients somehow always expand and take over the entire surface!

I've found that keeping dedicated spots for often-used items and ensuring regular upkeep help. Every night after dinner, I reload the dishwasher and wipe down surfaces. This 15-minute nightly routine ensures that the kitchen stays relatively clutter-free and maintains a serene vibe.

Another problem area is our entryways. Shoes, bags, and mail have a habit of piling up near the doors. To keep this at bay, I assign specific baskets and hooks for each person's essentials. That way, everyone has a designated space to drop off their things when they walk in, which helps keep common areas clear. A weekly Sort & Toss session also ensures unnecessary papers don't accumulate.

What other nuisance spots do you find challenging to keep organized? Any innovative solutions you've discovered?

Nuisance areas like the back of the main door and the space beneath the sink are often overlooked but tend to become catch-all spots for various knickknacks. I utilize transparent shoe organizers for the door and clear storage containers for cleaning supplies, so nothing gets forgotten and left behind. These areas get tidied up during my bi-monthly deep cleaning sessions. Unlike some, I don't find pleasure in cleaning, so I keep it quick and focused!

 

[greenfingers]

The addition of a potted plant is a lovely touch! It's amazing how these little personal touches can make such a difference. I like the idea of having a scented diffuser too - especially when it becomes part of your routine and associates a specific scent with a calm mindset. The power of aromatherapy should not be understated!

Little things like these help create a welcoming and comforting atmosphere, almost like a personal sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle. It's these moments of solace that help keep stress at bay, doesn't it?

Absolutely! Those little moments of tranquility undoubtedly contribute to our overall well-being, especially in today's fast-paced world. Creating a soothing environment, even if it's just at your desktop, encourages mindfulness and a moment of reflection amidst the chaos.

I find pleasure in personalizing my space with meaningful trinkets and photographs too. Looking at these little mementos brings a smile to my face and reminds me of what truly matters. They add a homely touch, making my workspace feel more inviting and less monotonous.

It's also incredibly satisfying to incorporate natural elements like plants or even a small vase of flowers. Something about having a living thing around feels comforting and soothing to the eyes, bringing a sense of peace into the space.

 

[wellness]

The addition of a potted plant is a lovely touch! It's amazing how these little personal touches can make such a difference. I like the idea of having a scented diffuser too - especially when it becomes part of your routine and associates a specific scent with a calm mindset. The power of aromatherapy should not be understated!

Little things like these help create a welcoming and comforting atmosphere, almost like a personal sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle. It's these moments of solace that help keep stress at bay, doesn't it?

The little things do make a big difference, especially when they are part of a deliberate practice of self-care. Creating a relaxing environment with scents and a touch of nature is an excellent way to nurture one's mental well-being, almost like a sensory escape without leaving your space.

 

[stargazer]

Clutter seems to naturally attract itself to our entryway and sometimesspills over to the living room. Mail, keys, and shoes seem to be the usual suspects that contribute to visual clutter in these common areas.

I tackle this by assigning specific spots for each item. We have a small console table near the main door where each family member has their designated basket for everyday essentials - keys, wallets, and sunshades. That way, we don't all grab for the same pile when rushing out the door.

For mail, I sort and toss junk immediately. Important letters and pending action items go into a two-bin system: one for urgent action and the other for eventual filing. This ensures that our flat surface doesn't become a catch-all for unnecessary papers.

A weekly 15-minute tidy-up around these areas keeps things in check. Everyone also has their own shoe rack, which helps a lot with keeping footwear organized, although I often remind the kids (and sometimes my husband... ).

What are some problem areas you find challenging to keep clutter-free? Any secret weapons for keeping those spaces under control?

Problem areas for me would probably be the kitchen counters and the aforementioned common areas. Messy countertops seem to repel me from the entire space, especially when I'm trying to cook or prepare meals. Despite my efforts to wipe them down, they somehow still attract stray crumbs and mystery spills that I only seem to notice once they've congealed!

My current solution is to keep a basket at each end of the kitchen counter. One is for odds and ends that don't belong there - an empty mug, random Tupperware needing washing, etc. The other basket holds all the cooking utensils and tools, which can then be quickly whisked away if say, dinner guests pop by unexpectedly.

As for the living room, it's a constant juggling act to keep the clutter at bay with two young kids. Toys have taken over what was once a decent display shelf! I try to instill the habit of putting things away before getting new ones out but, let's be real, that only works about 50% of the time. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. So much easier to close the toy cupboard and restart another day.

I've also relied on pretty storage baskets for the harder-to-contain items - they're a good visual compromise when the contents are a mess but the basket itself looks presentable. My secret weapon is actually labels! Having clear and visible descriptors seem to help everyone else in the house understand what goes where too, especially the sticky fingers crew.

 

[sunnydays]

Those are some handy tips!

I find that having designated baskets and containers helps keep clutter from spreading haphazardly. Like your entryway, our bedroom is also a problem area, especially around the dresser and wardrobe. Clothes, shoes, and accessories have a habit of piled up around there.

To stay on top of this mess, I invested in some elegant-looking wicker baskets and storage boxes that can sit out in the open without making the room look untidy. That way, if things get乱七八糟， everything can be quickly chucked into those containers. Out of sight, out of mind!

I also make it a point to sort through the clutter periodically - old clothes and shoes get donated or tossed, which makes for less mess and more space. There's no point hanging on to items we don't love, right?

i agree that letting go of items we no longer need is liberating! periodic decluttering ensures our spaces remain manageable and helps us appreciate the things we truly cherish.

 

[eternity]

The scent from the essential oil diffuser is so soothing, especially when you're having a stressful day - like an instant vacation for your senses!

Having a little plant on your desk sounds lovely too; it's like bringing a piece of nature indoors. There's research supporting the positive impacts of plants on our mental and emotional well-being, and just looking at them seems to have a calming effect. Taking care of something other than our hectic to-dos is also a nice reminder of the outside world and our connection with nature.

I'm all about those little sanity-saving shortcuts that make a busy workday more manageable!

 

[nature]

Clutter seems to naturally attract itself to our entryway and sometimesspills over to the living room. Mail, keys, and shoes seem to be the usual suspects that contribute to visual clutter in these common areas.

I tackle this by assigning specific spots for each item. We have a small console table near the main door where each family member has their designated basket for everyday essentials - keys, wallets, and sunshades. That way, we don't all grab for the same pile when rushing out the door.

For mail, I sort and toss junk immediately. Important letters and pending action items go into a two-bin system: one for urgent action and the other for eventual filing. This ensures that our flat surface doesn't become a catch-all for unnecessary papers.

A weekly 15-minute tidy-up around these areas keeps things in check. Everyone also has their own shoe rack, which helps a lot with keeping footwear organized, although I often remind the kids (and sometimes my husband... ).

What are some problem areas you find challenging to keep clutter-free? Any secret weapons for keeping those spaces under control?

Problem areas for me would be the aforementioned entryways and also our playroom which has a penchant for becoming a disaster zone after the kids have had their fun. I've found that having larger storage bins help with containing the mess in the playroom, as the kids (and adults!) are more likely to put toys back into a conspicuous container than let them pile up.

I also schedule a monthly toy purge session wherein we go through the boxes and donate toys the kids have outgrown. This seems to help keep the clutter at bay and make room for new special items. I try to instill in them the notion that giving away pre-loved toys helps other children who are less fortunate, which makes letting go of their old toys slightly easier!

For entryways, besides the designated baskets, I've recently introduced hooks at kids' eye level for their bags and coats. They take pride in hanging up their belongings and it's a visual reminder to keep the area tidy.

 

[wellness]

The scent from the essential oil diffuser is so soothing, especially when you're having a stressful day - like an instant vacation for your senses!

Having a little plant on your desk sounds lovely too; it's like bringing a piece of nature indoors. There's research supporting the positive impacts of plants on our mental and emotional well-being, and just looking at them seems to have a calming effect. Taking care of something other than our hectic to-dos is also a nice reminder of the outside world and our connection with nature.

I've heard about the benefits of having indoor plants for wellness, but I'm not exactly blessed with a green thumb. Any recommendations for beginner-friendly plants that can survive in low light conditions? I'd love to give this a go!

 

[chickadee]

As an avid cook, my main clutter hotspot tends to be the kitchen counter, especially near the stove. Pot holders, cooking utensils, and ingredients somehow always expand and take over the entire surface!

I've found that keeping dedicated spots for often-used items and ensuring regular upkeep help. Every night after dinner, I reload the dishwasher and wipe down surfaces. This 15-minute nightly routine ensures that the kitchen stays relatively clutter-free and maintains a serene vibe.

Another problem area is our entryways. Shoes, bags, and mail have a habit of piling up near the doors. To keep this at bay, I assign specific baskets and hooks for each person's essentials. That way, everyone has a designated space to drop off their things when they walk in, which helps keep common areas clear. A weekly Sort & Toss session also ensures unnecessary papers don't accumulate.

What other nuisance spots do you find challenging to keep organized? Any innovative solutions you've discovered?

I would say that our bedroom is a tricky place to maintain order. It tends to be the catch-all zone for everything that doesn't belong elsewhere, which often leads to clutter piling up visibly on our bedside tables and wardrobe tops.

To tackle this mess mountain, I try to dedicate 15 minutes each weekend to a quick room refresh. Linens get changed, the laundry gets sorted and put away, and any stray items are returned to their proper places or tucked away in the wardrobe. It's also an opportunity to take stock of any clothing that needs repairing or altering - I keep a running list on my phone so I don't forget.

Keeping a consistent bedtime routine also helps with keeping the space sanitized and set the tone for a peaceful slumber. Before turning in, I make sure to clear any residual clutter off the nightstand, spray some linen spray for a fresh smell, and ensure the room is well-ventilated. It's like a little ritual that signals beddie-bye time!

Oh, and flash tidying sessions are my go-to when unexpected guests drop by or when the mess becomes visually offensive - a quick 5-minute sweep to hide all the offending clutter into the cupboard!

 

[techsavvy]

Those are some handy tips!

I find that having designated baskets and containers helps keep clutter from spreading haphazardly. Like your entryway, our bedroom is also a problem area, especially around the dresser and wardrobe. Clothes, shoes, and accessories have a habit of piled up around there.

To stay on top of this mess, I invested in some elegant-looking wicker baskets and storage boxes that can sit out in the open without making the room look untidy. That way, if things get乱七八糟， everything can be quickly chucked into those containers. Out of sight, out of mind!

I also make it a point to sort through the clutter periodically - old clothes and shoes get donated or tossed, which makes for less mess and more space. There's no point hanging on to items we don't love, right?

You're right about decluttering being empowering! It's amazing how much better we feel with some physical and mental space. That's a good tip about the bedroom clutter; keeping some visible yet aesthetic storage might motivate us to at least have things somewhat organized.

 

[musical]

I would say that our bedroom is a tricky place to maintain order. It tends to be the catch-all zone for everything that doesn't belong elsewhere, which often leads to clutter piling up visibly on our bedside tables and wardrobe tops.

To tackle this mess mountain, I try to dedicate 15 minutes each weekend to a quick room refresh. Linens get changed, the laundry gets sorted and put away, and any stray items are returned to their proper places or tucked away in the wardrobe. It's also an opportunity to take stock of any clothing that needs repairing or altering - I keep a running list on my phone so I don't forget.

Keeping a consistent bedtime routine also helps with keeping the space sanitized and set the tone for a peaceful slumber. Before turning in, I make sure to clear any residual clutter off the nightstand, spray some linen spray for a fresh smell, and ensure the room is well-ventilated. It's like a little ritual that signals beddie-bye time!

Oh, and flash tidying sessions are my go-to when unexpected guests drop by or when the mess becomes visually offensive - a quick 5-minute sweep to hide all the offending clutter into the cupboard!

Having a dedicated weekend session is a great idea - a mini spring clean session, which shouldn't take too long if done consistently! As they say, a stitch in time saves nine.

 

[wisdom]

Problem areas for me would probably be the kitchen counters and the aforementioned common areas. Messy countertops seem to repel me from the entire space, especially when I'm trying to cook or prepare meals. Despite my efforts to wipe them down, they somehow still attract stray crumbs and mystery spills that I only seem to notice once they've congealed!

My current solution is to keep a basket at each end of the kitchen counter. One is for odds and ends that don't belong there - an empty mug, random Tupperware needing washing, etc. The other basket holds all the cooking utensils and tools, which can then be quickly whisked away if say, dinner guests pop by unexpectedly.

As for the living room, it's a constant juggling act to keep the clutter at bay with two young kids. Toys have taken over what was once a decent display shelf! I try to instill the habit of putting things away before getting new ones out but, let's be real, that only works about 50% of the time. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. So much easier to close the toy cupboard and restart another day.

I've also relied on pretty storage baskets for the harder-to-contain items - they're a good visual compromise when the contents are a mess but the basket itself looks presentable. My secret weapon is actually labels! Having clear and visible descriptors seem to help everyone else in the house understand what goes where too, especially the sticky fingers crew.

Having labeled storage baskets is a great idea; I find that many people, especially those who aren't usually responsible for keeping things organized, need extra guidance. It's quite satisfying when everything has its designated place.