Simply Calm

As important as it is to make visual statements in your home, it is also very important to create places of calm to counteract the chaos of life. The more you have going on in your life, the more this will resonate with you. Having a home that reflects serenity can truly give you a sense of peace. In today’s world, that is more important than ever.

Image courtesy of http://www.yogavibes.com/blog/features/get-in-shape-yoga-workouts/

How do we make our home calm without driving ourselves crazy?

Apart from clearing the clutter from our homes (see previous blog entry) and using a soothing colour scheme, the best way to restore calm to your home (and life) is being organised and creating routines. Rather than viewing organisation as a chore that keeps us too busy to enjoy life, we need to understand that organisation contributes positively to our well-being. We feel less stress because we can find what we want. It helps us be more prepared for our day to achieve and accomplish our goals. 

Routines and systems may not be for everyone and you might be quite happy with a “just do it” approach but they are a good compromise for the things that you don’t like doing and normally avoid. For example, you may not like cleaning but need to do it in order to keep your spaces clear to get your work done and to feel comfortable in your home. Try locking in a couple of 45-60 cleaning sessions per week (possibly with some loud, energising music that will keep you going).

Here are some household routine ideas that might get you thinking:

• daily tidy-up
• meal planning
• pre-made food shopping lists / online food shopping & delivery
• use a planner/diary to track appointments, birthdays, children’s activities, important information (doctors, schools, babysitter etc.) – for free printables, see this fab website http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.co.uk/p/free-printables.html
• prepare the night before the next day - such as packed lunches, laying out clothes and school uniforms, gathering things to take with you, packing bags, checking schedule/diary etc.
• have a weekly review and planning session (check with your partner as well if applicable)
• batch items like ironing together and have one weekly session 

Image courtesy of http://yournestdesign.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/in-pink.html

Sabine