Sometimes there can be so much going on in day-to-day life, that things can get overwhelming. So I love tips that make living each day more fun and life even just a little bit easier to manage. I’m always saying it’s the little things, because I really believe they add up and make a big difference in the long run.
Here are some of my favorites tips:
- Setting out clothes for tomorrow, tonight. Running around like a banshee in the morning (and trust me, I look that crazy) is not cute, and setting out your clothes the night before will save you so much time. Personally, I don’t function very well in the morning no matter how much I think I will the night before, so this takes out any decision-making that can slow you down because it’s already been done!
- If you work out in the morning, wear your workout clothes to bed. Also, keep your running shoes by your bed while you’re at it. I originally heard this from Lara Casey, and had a serious light-bulb moment. Do this at the same time you’re setting out your regular clothes. When you already have your workout clothes on, you feel guilty taking them off. Use that guilt to your advantage.
- Do your hair. I’ll admit it, I often get lazy and just blow dry my hair and bust out the door. When I take the time to do my hair, especially with a curling iron, I feel fabulous and it puts a pep in my step. I feel awkward even saying that I feel fabulous, but it really does make that much of a difference. This is more for a boost than productivity, but I say when you look good, you feel good, and that leads to doing great.
- Make a bunch of one or two foods at once for the week. I’ve heard this one a lot, and I’m sure you have, too, but it’s because it works! Take one day out of the week to just do it. Making healthy meals ahead of time will not only save you time, but it’ll save your waistline, too. I like me a good restaurant or take-out on occasion just as much as the next person, but honestly, doing it every day just gets expensive and quite frankly, kind of old.
Some of my favorite options are soup (like this sausage kale soup) and shredded Mexican-seasoned chicken (good for salads, in corn or flour tortillas, or with rice). Just separate them into containers and either freeze or refrigerate them so all you have to do is reheat the food.
- Read a real book before you sleep. My homegirl Nancy suggested this to me when I was struggling with insomnia, and it works! Reading on your iphone, ipad, or surfing the internet on your desktop have been shown to screw with your brain in terms of how long it takes for you to fall asleep. Reading a book printed on paper takes away that stimuli. If you’re feeling particularly desperate, read a really boring book. It’ll put you right out.
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Have you tried any of the above? What are your favorite tips to make life more fun and easy?
P.S. mon ami now has a brand new facebook page! Check it out and follow for updates to the blog, photos from my adventures, and other cool finds that I don’t share here!
Also: Making your bed in the morning
