by Niki Crawson | Dec 21, 2018
Did you know lack of organization in your life can affect not only your physical surroundings but also your physical and mental well-being? Clutter affects your ability to think, to focus, and even to relax. For children, having an organized space for homework allows for productivity and creativity. For adults, having an organized work space allows for productivity and efficiency. Having an organized home for children sets schedules and routines. For adults, having set schedules and routines make it easier to balance work, family time, and responsibilities such as financial planning and grocery shopping.
To start 2019 off on a positive note, let’s take a look at some easy ways you can get better organized for a better you in 2019.
1. SET GOALS
Goal-setting is an important life skill 4-H focuses on through the essential element, Independence. 4-Hers are taught goal-setting – an important tool that helps them state how, what, and when they are going to achieve something. To get started organizing and decluttering your home:
- Set 2-3 short-term goals
- Set 1-2 long-term goals
- Write them down – make them visible
Anything more than this will be too overwhelming and cause you to not start at all.
2. MAKE LISTS
Making a handwritten detailed to do list is important in staying organized.
Written lists are very important in accomplishing tasks. Most importantly, hand-written lists are more powerful than typed lists. Why? Handwriting requires more thought and motor skills which requires more cognitive and memory function. By having written to do lists, your memory can conjure up the tasks quickly and prioritize them with little effort even when the list is not directly in front of you. This allows you to plan your schedule to work on the list throughout the day, when time permits. In addition, writing lists allow the satisfaction of achievement. When you accomplish a task, cross it off the list and feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with getting things done.
3. DIVIDE AND CONQUER
One of the worst things you can do when attempting to organize a cluttered home is to look at the disorganized mess as a whole. This can be overwhelming, defeating and make you give up before you even get started! Don’t do this…instead, divide and conquer!
- Start by dividing your home into sections.
- Choose one room to start with.
- Start with just one section of that room – like the top of the dresser.
- Organize just that one area. Donate or sell any items you do not want or use.
Once you have organized your first area in that room, congratulate yourself and move to the next area. Begin the process again!
CUT CLUTTER WITH A CLOSE FRIEND
If you think getting organized is complicated, invite an organized friend over, and ask them to help. Organized individuals will help you stay on track, discard what you don’t need, and help you find a place for those random items you don’t know where to put. Some people just have a natural ability for organization, but for others, it’s just plain work.
ELIMINATE DUPLICATES
I’ve moved several times in recent years.The last time I was unpacking (for what I hope is my last move), I discovered I have nine hammers. Nine hammers!!! Apparently, each time I moved, I couldn’t find my hammer, so I just bought one. Over time, that gets expensive and takes up space. As you begin to organize and declutter, eliminate duplicates. Think about what you need and begin to downsize. You’ll be amazed at what you truly need versus what you think you need.
SAY GOODBYE…
If you haven’t used it in the last six months but don’t want to get rid of it just yet, box it up and label it with the date. If three months goes by and you don’t miss it, donate or sell it. Yard sales, selling apps or social media are a great way to make some extra money , BUT don’t hang on to it until you “get around to it….” Donate it to charity, or you’ll end up back in the cluttered mess you started with!
Simply taking the time now to put these few actions into place will help create a more efficient, better balanced and stress-free environment in the home and workplace. I hope that you find yourself healthier and happier in 2019!
To find out more information about 4-H programs that can offer essential life skills such as independence, organizational skills, and goal setting, to your children or to volunteer your time to work with children in your area, please contact your local UF/IFAS County Extension Office, or visit http://florida4h.org.
by Melanie Taylor | Dec 14, 2018
Aim to find JOY in this holiday season.
As the holiday season quickly approaches, many people are filled with extra holiday cheer and enthusiasm. Some are jolly but still overwhelmed with all of the activities, decorating, and shopping that needs to be completed. Then, there are those that find the holiday season as a reminder of things such as the death of a loved one, family feuds, divorce…the list goes on. If you are feeling this way, here are a few tips to make getting through the season a little bit easier.
- Feel your emotions – Many people want to suppress their sadness or anxiety, but this only makes it worse. We are all allowed to grieve, cry and feel mad at times. If you feel this way, let yourself feel your feelings. You will feel better once you have accepted and worked through the emotions. You also do not have to force yourself to feel happy just because it is the holiday season.
- Reach out to others – Instead of secluding yourself, spend time with others whether it’s at church, a community group or with family and friends. Spending time with others and socializing is good for the spirit.
- Volunteer – There are tons of volunteer opportunities during the holidays. Try something new and volunteer your time to a worthy cause. You’ll feel great about helping others and contributing to a cause.A national survey commissioned by UnitedHealth Group talked to 3,351 adults and found the majority of participants reported feeling mentally and physically healthier after a volunteer experience.
The research showed:
* 96% reported volunteering enriched their sense of purpose in life
* 94% of people said volunteering improved their mood
* 80% of them feel like they have control over their health
* 78% of them said volunteering lowered their stress levels
* 76% of people said volunteering has made them feel healthier
* About a quarter reported their volunteer work helped them manage a chronic illness by keeping them
active and taking their minds off of their own problems
* Volunteering improved their mood and self-esteem
- Be realistic – Realize that times and traditions change as families grow and age. Do not focus on things having to be the same every year. Be willing to accept changes, such as adult children may not be able to attend the family gathering, so utilize technology and talk through video conferencing, share pictures on email and/or Facebook. Find a way to make it work.
- Set aside differences for everyone’s sake. Aim to accept family and friends the way they are, even if they do not meet your expectations. Leave grievances at the door for the day and enjoy your family and friends. Share those grievances and talk at a more appropriate and private time. Also, remember they could be feeling the stress of the holiday too. So, be patient if someone is grouchy or sad as you celebrate. You may both be feeling the same way.
- Learn to say no – Be realistic in the number of activities you and your family can participate. Do not feel guilty because you cannot attend every party and event you are invited too. Graciously decline an invite and share that your schedule is booked, but thank them for thinking of you. A host does not expect that everyone will attend their parties.
- Take a breather as needed – If you start to feel overwhelmed with anxiety, anger or sadness take a few minutes to be alone. Take 15 minutes to spend in the quiet to reduce the stress and clear your mind. For example: listen to soothing music, do a few mindful breathing exercises to slow yourself down or read a book to temporarily escape the stress.
- Seek professional help as needed – there are times when the emotions are just too overwhelming to sort through on our own. If you continue to feel sad, anxious, angry, etc. there is absolutely no shame in seeking the help of a doctor or mental health professional. It will only help you work through your feelings with a non-bias person. Helping yourself feel better will improve your quality of life and those around you.
Learn to take care of yourself first. Learn your limitations and accept them. Don’t t let other’s expectations overwhelm you. Just remember when you start feeling extreme levels of emotions and/or stress, take a few deep breathes and remind yourself to relax and feel the moment. Be mindful of your surroundings and remind yourself of your many blessings even when going through difficult times. Make it your personal goal to feel your feelings and enjoy what you can about the holiday season whether it is the twinkling lights, time with friends and family, the food or any of the many special holiday traditions.
Striving for and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an achievable goal and a National 4-H Council mission mandate for all of our 4-H members, families and volunteers. To learn more about healthy lifestyles and 4-H, find your local UF/IFAS Extension office.
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