We have 60,000 to 70,000 thoughts each day and I find that to be overwhelming some days, especially this time of year when all I want to think about is which Hallmark movie to watch and which present to wrap next! I have realized over the years that I am not any busier than most people, but I have so many things that I am thinking about which makes me “seem busy.”
How can we narrow down our thoughts and reduce the amount of choices we need to make each day? We need to simplify. It seems the craze right now to be a minimalist so let’s get started!
1. Lay out your clothes the night before
Undergarments, socks, shoes and accessories
2. Pack your lunch the night before
Use the same containers for each food item
3. Limit your food choices to a few as possible; change weekly...a few examples:
a. Oatmeal for breakfast topped with various fruits
Shop my oatmeal reccomendation here!
Grab the low sugar and sweetend with fresh berries!
b. Spinach salad for lunch with healthy fats for toppings
c. Veggie stir fry for supper changing up the protein and veggies from time to time.
4. Repack your workout bag as soon as you get home
5. Buy double at the store: toothpaste, detergent, toilet paper, etc.
6. Run the dishwasher each night and empty first thing in the morning
7. Make EVERY day laundry day!
a. Individual loads for each member of the family makes sorting much easier
b. Put clothes away after each load.
c. This prevents wrinkling and the frustration of looking for that jersey on game day!
d. The process I find works best: fold like-clothing, jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. Fold smaller items last and place on top of the pile. This is greatly appreciated when your children and spouse are putting their clothes away.
8. Prepare veggies and fruits as soon as you unpack groceries
Before beginning this process, place all veggie and fruit containers on the counter so they are ready to go! Shop the produce Tupperwares we have used and loved for years here!
10. Schedule “fun-time”
Read, face-time a friend and share a glass of wine, scroll instagram and pinterest. We are all looking for decorating ideas this time of year! .
11. Have groceries and paper products auto shipped
Amazon subscribe and save allows you to choose often-used items and have them delivered on a schedule you choose. Five or more auto-shipped items allows you a 15% discount.
12. Do a weekly inventory of needed supplies before going to the store
13. Clean out your vehicle every single time you exit
You know… the “garbage” inside your door, that piece of popcorn that slipped out of your hand and in between your seat and center council, etc…
14. Wipe down the shower immediately with dry towel
No deep cleaning soap scum once a month!
15. Use baby wipes EVERYWHERE for quick cleaning
Am I the only one with grown-kids who still keeps babywipes easily accesible everywhere in the house?
16. Wake up as soon as your alarm goes off
17. Have spare cash
We don't use it much, but never know when someone won't have Venmo!
18. Keep your gas tank at least ½ full especially during the winter months.
19. Buy birthday cards 2 or 3 at a time
20. Have extra stamps
We mail a letter about as often as we write a check anymore but sometimes it is just necessary...especially when your son is flipping a home and the menards rebates are 11%! I have plenty of stamps on hand these days!
When we tend to do the same thing at the same time, every day, we develop habits, which allows us to behave on auto-pilot and think less about the daily tasks we need to do!
Until next time, take care!