Simple Goal Setting

Setting goals for the new year is a great way to focus your energy and make positive changes in your life. Here are some tips for setting and achieving your new year's goals:

1. Make your goals specific and measurable: Instead of saying "I want to get in shape," try "I want to exercise 3 times a week for 30 minutes." Specific, measurable goals are more achievable and easier to track progress.

2. Set achievable goals: It's important to set goals that are realistic and achievable. If you set goals that are too difficult to reach, you may become discouraged and give up.

3. Set a deadline: Giving yourself a deadline can help you stay motivated and on track. Make sure to set a deadline that is reasonable, but also challenging.

4. Break your goals down into smaller steps: Large goals can be overwhelming. To make them more manageable, break them down into smaller steps that you can work towards each week or month.

5. Find an accountability partner: Sharing your goals with someone else can help you stay motivated and on track. Find a friend or family member who will support and encourage you as you work towards your goals.

6. Celebrate your successes: As you make progress towards your goals, make sure to celebrate your small wins along the way. This will help you stay motivated and motivated to keep going.

7. Consistency is key! get the win by gradually adding to your goal. if you want to get in shape and start with 10 push ups, next week do 15. Keep it going!

By following these tips, you can set and achieve your new year's goals and make positive changes in your life. You have got this!

Declutter after the holidays - 8 Simple Steps

Get ready to declutter after the holidays for the new year!

Decluttering after the holidays can be a daunting task, but it's a great way to start the new year off on a fresh, organized foot. Here are some tips to help you declutter your home after the holiday season:

1. Start small: Don't try to declutter your entire home at once. Instead, start with a small, manageable space, like a drawer or closet.

2. Create piles: Sort through your items and create piles for things you want to keep, things you want to donate, and things you want to throw away.

3. Be honest with yourself: When deciding what to keep, ask yourself if you really need or use the item. If not, consider getting rid of it.

4. Donate or sell items: If you have items that are in good condition but you no longer need or want, consider donating them to a thrift store or selling them online. Calm Order has a list of charitable resources HERE.

5. Get rid of broken or damaged items: If an item is broken or damaged beyond repair, it's time to say goodbye. Don’t hang on to the junk.

6. Use storage solutions: If you have items that you want to keep but don't have room for, consider using storage solutions like bins, boxes, or shelves to help keep things organized and out of sight.

7. Tackle one room at a time: Work your way through each room in your home, decluttering and organizing as you go. This will help you stay focused and make progress without getting overwhelmed. Join like with like categories from other rooms as you go.

8. Be careful not to get side tracked when joining categories from other rooms. Stay focused on the one space/ category while working your way out the door.

By following these tips, you can declutter your home and start the new year off with a fresh, organized space. Remember your home did not get disorganized over night and organizing is a process. It will come together. If you get side tracked all the time, its a good idea to call in supports. A good friend, or a professional organizer. Having someone there will help you keep focused. Try it in short sessions so yor are less likely to burn out. Good luck!

Take time to relax during the holidays!

Gift shopping. Wrapping presents. Baking cookies. Visiting with family and friends. Getting ready for parties. There is so much to do in December, and it can be easy to get exhausted and burned out before the holidays actually start! To make sure you’re in top form for the actual festivities, make sure to take some time for yourself to relax and step away from the all the holiday preparations. It doesn’t have to be an expensive or time-consuming activity, just something that can take your mind away from the work you still need to do! Below, we’ve outlined a few ideas on what you can do to relax:

1.     Try a guided meditation

Meditating can be a great way to clear your mind of any stressful thoughts. However, it can be difficult to stay focused on a meditation when there are many distractions around you. Try using a guided meditation to make sure you stay on track and keep focused on relaxation. There are many easy options to use – try searching online, on YouTube, or through a music streaming service like Spotify to find a meditation that works for you. Many options are available with differing time lengths and themes so you can find the best way to relax.

2.     Take a reading break

When there is so much activity going on, finding the time to read for enjoyment is difficult. However, reading can be a great way to escape the busy holiday season and take your mind away from the various tasks left on your to-do list. As important as it is to take a break and read, you don’t want it to become too much of a distraction. If you’re worried about losing track of time or getting too absorbed into your novel, try setting a timer to make sure you stay on time.

3.     Enjoy a soak in the tub

Relaxing in the bath or hot tub can be a great way to calm your mind and your body. Especially when the weather isn’t as nice outside, this can be a great way to press pause on your holiday activities. Light some candles, get a nice drink, and grab a book or play some soothing music and you can enjoy the perfect winter break!

4.     Exercise your body

Being active is always a great way to relieve stress. Whether it’s hopping on the treadmill for a bit, taking some time to do yoga, or even attending a drop-in fitness class, exercising is a great way to relax, get energized, and help work off all the holiday treats! When life gets busy and the weather isn’t as nice, it is common for people to lose motivation to keep up their fitness. Instead of letting your exercise time fall to the bottom of your to-do list, try and make the time to do a physical activity.

5.     Get some fresh air

The weather can be hit or miss in Calgary during the winter, but when the sun is shining and a chinook rolls in, it can be the perfect excuse to get outside and go for a brief stroll in the midst of all the holiday preparations. Fresh air can go a long way to improving your spirits and wellbeing, which is just what you need when you’re constantly going out or shopping or doing tasks around the house in the lead up to the holidays. You don’t have to enjoy your relaxation time alone - take a pet, friend or family member along to make the most of your break time.