A pantry is a vital component of any kitchen. It is the storage space where we keep our food and cooking essentials.
Having a  well-organised pantry can make meal prep a breeze and save time, money, and effort, making a huge difference in every day life.
However, an unorganised pantry can

lead to frustration and waste, and cause chaos in the kitchen.
From making it difficult to find the ingredients for your cook ups, to over buying on products you may already have but can't see amidst the mess of the pantry shelves.

Having an organised pantry is key to healthy living, making meal prep and cooking an easier and more enjoyable experience, with less mess and less stress!
​
​So today I'm sharing with you three of my go-to ways to organise your pantry for functional living.

1. Categorise and Label Everything
The first step in organising your pantry is to categorise everything. This means grouping similar items together.
For example, you might group all your canned goods together, your baking supplies together, and your snacks together.
​Once you've categorised everything, it's time to label each shelf or container with the category name. This will make it easier to find what you need quickly and prevent items from getting mixed up.
To take labeling one step further, consider labeling individual containers and jars with the contents and expiration date. This will help you keep track of what you have and avoid wasting food that has gone bad.

2. Use Containers and Shelves
Using containers and shelves is an effective way to maximise space and keep your pantry organised.
Containers can be used to store items like flour, sugar, and pasta, while shelves can be used to create more vertical storage space. Clear containers are ideal because they allow you to see what's inside, and they help keep food fresh by protecting it from moisture and pests.
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When using shelves, consider using stackable or adjustable shelves to make the most of your space. I love using tiered shelves in my organisation consultations because I find that they create more space for smaller items like spices and condiments, making it easier to locate your pantry products.

3. Rotate and Restock
​Once you've organised your pantry, it's important to keep it that way! 
One way to do this is to rotate your stock regularly. This means putting newer items in the back and older items in the front.
By doing this, you ensure that you use up older items before they expire, and you always know what you have on hand ✅ 
Another way to maintain your organised pantry is to restock items as needed.
This means keeping a list of items that you use regularly and checking it periodically to make sure you have enough of each item.
At times when I find we are running low on something, we always add it to our grocery list so that we can restock it the next time we go shopping.
This way you are saving your brain power for other important things, rather than having to remember that one item you're left racking your brain over on your next supermarket shop.

So there you have it, 3 of my favourite go-to ways to organise your pantry space for functional living!
Remember, organising your pantry doesn't have to be a daunting task.
By categorising and labeling everything, using containers and shelves, and rotating and restocking items regularly, you can create a functional and efficient pantry that makes meal prep and cooking a breeze.

Want more advice on ways to clear the clutter for a healthier way of life?
Then check out The Clutter Free Body 6 wk online course to find out more!

Happy Organising,
Nicole x

Not only does having healthy habits help you to live longer and stronger, they can also bring more energy and vitality to your each and every day.
So join me on my blog today as I discuss

3 key steps for setting up your space for healthy habits.

​Whilst one action on its own may appear to be minimal, a series of many of these singular actions made repeatedly over time can accumulate to great things.

Think that extra walk you sneak in every week, to starting your morning hydrated with a glass of water, to having your breakfast area clean and organised for ease of use, not to mention that one extra push up that has you gaining more strength and vitality in your day…
There’s power in the small stuff!

This is one of the main reasons why I believe that living in a space that supports our healthy rituals and routines is so important when it comes to living and achieving a healthy lifestyle with less stress and more ease.

So what are 3 steps to setting up your space for healthy habits?

Here’s a list of of my 3 favourite go to’s that I do on a regular basis and also use to support my clients in creating and sustaining healthier habits in their home and life.

So let’s get started…

1. Declutter
When you clear the clutter you create the space for what matters most!
And having space for healthy habits that help you to live longer and stronger are something we value highly here at The Organised Life Project & The Clutter Free Body!

Decluttering is an act of self care, and it’s great to give your space a good declutter in order to set it up in a way that serves and supports your healthy living needs.

Whether it’s decluttering those old runners that have had their time, to your fridge of foods past their used by date.
​
By making this step a consistent practise helps you to maintain a healthy space that’s a fit for your healthy living needs.

2. Get your top shelf sorted!
One tip I always share with clients when decluttering and organising their fridges is that if you don’t have space for your meal prep to live, then odds on you will often find you are more unlikely to do it because sometimes the mere thought of having to clear the clutter to begin with can feel too overwhelming.

But by keeping your top shelf clean and clear, opens up the space for you to do a morning cook up ready for the day ahead, or a batch cook up the night before. 

This will help to take the mess and stress out of your meal prep process and create more ease and flow in your fridge space, making you more inclined to eat more healthily with nutritious meal options at the ready.

3. Be present in your dining space!
Being present in the spaces we inhabit makes us more connected and keeps us grounded.
A prime example of this when it comes to healthy living is at 'meal times'.

So my third step to setting up your space for healthier habits is to be present in your dining space and to eat mindfully.
Ensuring that when you've served your meal that you’re being present in your space.

I used to always eat on the run, and often found myself hardly drawing a breathe during my meal times just to get straight back to work again 😅  and well, let's be honest... I do ‘LOVE’ my food!

But my lesson here was that our lives can at times become so fast paced that we are eating on the run and can forget to stop and relish in the moment of enjoying what we are doing at particular given times.
​Which is what I at times would find myself doing!

So some simple habits to implement here are to put the phone down, turn off the technology, and sit in your meal space, enjoying the moment.
You can also try 'resting your knife and fork between bites…'

These habits are a great way to slow yourself down and be present when you eat.

Giving yourself the time and space to stop, take a breath, and be present, is a great way to really enjoy what you’re eating and bring a mindful practise into your home and space.

Setting yourself up for a healthier more nourished way of life.

So there you have it... 3 of my fave go to steps for setting up your space for healthier habits!

Are you sick and tired of living in a mess?

Want to clear the clutter and develop systems of success?
​
Then join me in The Clutter Free Body 6 wk Online Program where I help you clear the clutter for a healthier way of life 😊 

​Click the link below to find out more!

Have a great day,
​Nicole x

Does mess ‘really’ cause stress?
This is a great topic of discussion when it comes to the spaces we inhabit and the impact our environment has on our health in

many ways. Whether it be physically, mentally, and / or emotionally.

If you’ve been here a while you’ll know that I'm a big believer of the impact mess can have in our lives and how it can contribute to levels of stress.

​However the question I'm exploring today is, is there a strong link between whether mess ‘really’ causes stress?

I love a clutter free space, and I also don’t mind a bit of mess, especially throughout the creative process, so let's explore the two and delve into the facts of mess and it’s correlation with stress.

So what exactly is mess?

Just like stress, I think that there are certain levels of mess that can serve and support us in our lifestyle journey. Yet also aspects that may hinder our productivity, and have a negative impact on our overall health and wellbeing.

Having a space that’s cluttered, untidy or dirty can lead to all sorts of challenges!

Whether it be our health when it comes to unclean, contaminated surfaces causing the spread of harmful bacteria.
Not to mention trip hazards in the home, and wasting countless hours of your precious time trying to find things you need.

Knowing this, I think it’s a given that mess can lead to poor health, and impede our productivity.

But how much mess is too much mess?
​And when does it get to a point that it’s causing stress and impedes our ability to focus and function most optimally?

Mess itself can be a great part of our creative process, in fact I love nothing more than spreading papers out over the floor as I business plan or write a book, to a good declutter and organisation project.

I love how all of the moving parts that at times can be chaotic, finally start coming together as a project evolves and the pieces begin fit and take pride of place in ones home.

In fact, some people can function perfectly well with a level of chaos in a relatively messy space and know exactly where everything is at any given time, and it’s part of their personality.

And let’s be honest, life can be a MESSY!

After all, we are all perfectly imperfect beings, right?

All individual beings with individual sets of complexities because of our paradoxical nature!
​
So when we explore mess, I think there are many moving parts to how this can both be and evolve in our everyday lives, to how people choose to be and live on a regular basis.

But for today let’s look at our physical environment and how mess can most commonly lead to stress in the way of Clutter!

Clutter ‘an untidy collection of things’ can bombard our minds with excessive stimuli. 

It can cause our senses to work overtime on stimuli that aren’t important or necessary, distracting us by drawing our attention away from what our focus should really be on.

Whether that be visually - how a room or space looks, olfactory - how a room or space smells, to how something in a room feels to touch in how it stimulates our senses.

For example, walking into a room that is full of stuff everywhere which can be a lot to visually process, to having to constantly move items in order to find that paper you need, to the scent of old rubbish in a room, and so on...

So the answer to the first question is ‘yes’ there is a strong link between whether mess ‘really’ does cause stress, and this is because of how we process information via our encoding process.

This is a process which is the input of information into our memory system.
​Here once sensory input is received our brains encode it, and organise the information, connecting new concepts to existing concepts.

When we are exposed to excessive stimuli aka ‘excessive clutter in a room’ this can make our encoding processes work overtime leading to stress and overwhelm.

Or if there is an underlying processing condition in the brain such as VPD - Visual Processing Disorder, APD - Auditory Processing Disorder, SPD - Sensory Processing Disorder and / or like conditions that effect this encoding process, then this too may effect ones ability to encode, store, and retrieve information properly.

So how much mess is too much mess?
​
And when does it get to a point that it’s causing stress and impedes our ability to focus and function most optimally?

This is a question that after hours of research I have found to be a both a unique and individual matter!

There’s an aspect of commonality when it comes to clutter and physical items getting in the way of your day to day routines.

Then there’s also an aspect of lifestyle variances such as work environment, home environment, family / friendship and social environments, to your recreational and sport environments and more.

And when these environments have too much clutter i.e. you go from a disorganised chaotic work space, to a home with a sink full of dishes and no food in the pantry to cook for dinner because it hasn’t been organised...

These environments can pile up on your mess and stress levels!

Because no matter the ways, reasons and means by which the creep of stuff exceeds our ability to manage it - it amounts to stress in some way shape or form.
Leading to increased tension and anxiety, which too can lead to unhealthy habits and health effects.

So how much is too much?

According to an article written by Ferrari JR, Roster CA about examining the relationship between procrastination and clutter across generations.
We know that piles of clutter can cause stress and a perfect home is also something often unrealistic for some people.

But what it found is that the level of tolerable clutter may vary from person to person.
And stress is the first sign you may have too much clutter in your home / life. 

Do you feel agitated when getting ready in the morning?

Or frustrated because there’s piles of washing still sitting on the laundry floor for days on end?

Does the clutter / mess bother you?
​
If so, then these could be signs that the clutter is causing you stress, and it could also be an indication of something deeper happening in your life that you might need consider further exploring.

Need a little help?
Then book a free discovery call with me here  the-organised-life.html to find out more.
​
So there you have it, ‘Mess’ really does cause levels of ‘Stress’, so be sure to watch this space as I bring more on this hot topic in the near future.

Have a question?
Post below…
​
Here’s to living a more organised life with less stress and more ease,
​Nicole x

Decision fatigue… 😣 it can weigh you down!
​
Our habits and routines can be helpful, allowing us to conserve mental energy as it’s easier to do the things you have always done rather than doing something new, but

at times when we have so many options on the table and decisions to make, we can drain our mental capacity and deplete our mental stores.

Welcome decision fatigue… 🤯 

Decision fatigue refers to that weary feeling you get after being faced with too many decisions either all at once or consecutively over a period of time.
And that after having made so many decisions impedes our ability to continue beyond this threshold point where the ability to make good accurate decisions can actually become worse.

Living in an environment of constant chaos, mess, stress or overstimulation is also something that can have impact upon our mental load and ability to make clear decisions because of such distractions and over stimuli for our brain to have to continually process.

Even living in highly cluttered spaces can make the mere thought of having to do something appear too hard, without first having to find our way through such mess and stress in order to both decide and do what needs to be done which can in turn impede such processes, leaving us feeling tired and fatigued (sometimes before we even begin).

The psychological effects of decision fatigue can vary and lead to behaviours such as impulse buying, decision avoidance, stress, accumulation of mess, and difficulty in making the right decision just to name a few.

Like most things in life, our brain also needs regular breaks and time to replenish and restore 🧠 

And although decision fatigue is something where some experts don’t fully accept the notion based on the lack of specific definition, there is still numerous research suggesting that it is in fact the real deal!

So today I’m sharing 3 ways you can reduce decision fatigue in your day to day life to help you move from chaos to calm if and when this little notion comes to light ☀️ 

1. Make your priorities - Priority
Learning to prioritise your most important decisions first, whether it’s scheduling appointments to allocating tasks to a certain timeline or friends and family.

Making decisions that are in alignment with your priorities are a must do in order to make sure your values and needs are consistently being met in a supportive, resourceful way.


2. Task batch
Grouping together like tasks are a great way to prevent you from multitasking and reducing levels of productivity.
By batching similar tasks together can help you develop healthy, sustainable habits that last.
​
An example of this is - in order to not have to think what you’re going to eat for dinner each day, try setting aside 15 minutes one day a week and plan your weekly meals out. This way you reduce having to think and decide what you’re going to have each day, leaving your brain with more space to either focus on other things or simply take a break

3. Set yourself a timeline
This is a great way to make you actually make a decision rather than ponder on it for too long.
When we sit on a decision for a long period of time the mere thought of it weighing over your mind can wear you down, so by setting yourself a specific deadline on these types of decision can help you move the decision making process along and have you making stronger, clearer, and decisive decisions in a more timely manner.

So there’s a few helpful hacks to get you underway to more time, space and energy in your day!

Want to know how you can create sustainable healthy habits that will help you lose weight and feel great?

Then download our Healthy Living Template Bundle to get your health in order today by clicking the link below!

Happy decision making,
​
Nicole x

Feeling as though Christmas is approaching fast this year?
Then you're not alone...

Christmas is one of those times of year that can really sneak up on you.
From festivities and end of year celebrations, your days and weeks can soon feel as though they are rolling into one, and before you know it, it's a week til Christmas and you still haven't got stuff sorted.

But you can beat the Christmas rush this year by being prepared and getting what you need sorted early to help make this Christmas a breeze.

So never fear, for today I am sharing three of my favourite go to organisation hacks to help get you organised this Christmas, leaving you with more time to enjoy your festivities with less stress and more ease 🎄 

Hack 1. Have a Christmas Gift List
This is a great way to get your shopping sorted early whilst keeping within your Christmas budget all at the same time.
My free printable Christmas Gift List is a great go to for this!
Simply write their name, the budget, gifts, and if purchased and wrapped and you have a system that's ready for you to use each year and easy for you to keep track of as you collect your presents over time or do one big shop up either way.
I love to keep this as a run list throughout the year for when family / friends mention things they would like or need, and this way it's all kept in check 📝 ​

2. Set up a wrapping station
Having a space which consists of wrapping paper for all occasions is a must have in every home. 
This makes it so much easier to grab on the go when you have birthdays, events and especially for Christmas time when it comes around 🎁
​
Ensure you have Tape, Christmas paper, Ribbon, and Tags fully stocked so you're ready to wrap!
This prevents you getting half way through only to run out of things last minute with that final present to spare 😣 

3. Get your meals organised
Having a plan for what you are going to eat, from healthy salads and snack ideas you need to prepare ready for the big day helps keep your healthy living in check over the festive season 🥘 

I often try my best this time of year to keep things as consistent as I can, from checking to see what meals I may need to precook prior to the busy days as well as what special delights still to be cooked for family, friends and more.
​
I also like to ensure I do the final grocery shop as early as I can before Christmas Day to help beat the rush!

Having a consistent meal plan amidst what can be a chaotic time is a big win for your overall health and wellbeing 📝 

Some sure to keep those healthy choices in check in order to have the energy and vitality you need to continue enjoying fun filled times with your family and friends🎄 🏠 

So there you have it, 3 of my favourite go to organisation hacks to help make this Christmas a breeze.

I'm curious, what's some organisation hacks that you love to do each year?
Post in the comment section below 😊 

Enjoy and here's to a fun filled month ahead,
Nicole x

Not only does having a tidy closet help you get ready for your day with less stress, it’s also the very space in your home that

can help to bring about a sense of calm and ease as you both start and finish your day.

Just think waking up in the morning to a rack of neatly placed items that you can easily access that makes your daily clothing choices a breeze…. 😌 

Or that moment when you open your drawer to lounge wear that’s organised and waiting for you to wrap yourself in for a cozy night in 😴 

Sounds pretty good hey?…

But what if you have a small closet space with items bursting at the seams?

Something I have had many clients ask me is how do you organise a closet space that's small when you have a lot of stuff?
And stuff that even after the art of decluttering you really want to keep but struggle to find the space tp store?

Having a small closet space can be a common challenge for many, and I get it, I too have had very small closet spaces throughout many years of my life and a big love for clothes 😉 

But the common and obvious challenge that arises with this is that it can easily become cluttered, messy, and disorganised.
​
That small stack of clothes can continue to pile up and before you know it you can forget what you have in the first place. 
Let alone the daily stress of trying to find that missing work shirt or item you need to wear along the way…

While creating just enough room in your small closet for those much loved items might seem impossible, today I’m sharing 7 simple storage ideas that will help you create a closet space that’s both functional and organised, ready for you to breeze through your day with less mess and stress.

# 1. Make use of your closet doors
A simple storage solution here is hanging accessories such as hand bags, belts, hats, and sunglasses behind your closet door.
You can get a great range of storage options such as felt pocket organisers or simple rod type hangers that work wonders for this space and keep everything in order just 👌 

# 2. Use Shoe Containers
Try keeping your shoes in good condition and not collecting dust with clear storage boxes. These are great for if you need to stack them on top of each other to make use of your top shelf spaces or both off the floor or to the side of your closet space areas. 
Adjustable shoe racks, or wall shelving can also work wonders here too.

# 3. Switch to velvet hangers
Not only will these help you to save space by helping you  store twice the amount of clothing in the same amount of space, they are also great for keeping your tops in shape with their non-slip surface.
The hangers pictures above are from www.mycoathangers.com.au but you can pick them up from most department stores such as Bunnings, Target, and Kmart.

# 4. Hang your hand bags
This keeps them off the floor and gives them a space to live, especially when this is an item that you may use on a daily basis that can sometimes get left elsewhere in your home such as the kitchen table or bench, forming clutter in other areas of your home.

Try storing your most used hand bags on hooks in your garage or entrance way, for others not in daily rotation try behind your closet door. 
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​For travel bags etc try storing under the bed to allow more space in your closet areas.

# 5. Use storage dividers
These can be great for sorting and organising your clothes into like sections i.e. pants with pants and tops with like tops, creating more order when pairing your pieces together, making it easier to see what you have in each category, whilst preventing them from forming mess over time.

I love our closet drawer organisers which you can get via our online store to keep your socks, singlets, underwear and tees in order here.
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# 6. Make use of the top of your wardrobe with storage baskets
​I put my occasional accessories and wear in this section with items such as snow / hiking gear and swim wear that I only use on occasion. This means it’s not in the way of your every day use areas whilst you’re accessing your closet for your day to day attire.

# 7. Seasonally review and store your closet items accordingly
I love moving with the seasons because I find it naturally flows with the weather and type of clothing that I have as a focus for the season ahead. 
I always give my closet a good clean whilst I do this, which helps to keep it uplifted and fresh.

Once the warmer weather comes around simply store your bulky jumpers in vacuum storage bags either in under bed storage or other closet areas in the home. But make sure it’s all kept together in one place ready for the next season so you don't have stuff here there and everywhere throughout your home.

As you go about your Spring clean simply clear out what you don’t wear on a regular basis whilst your at it.
Whether it’s to your local donation store, or selling it on eBay. If it’s not getting utilised and you think you probably won’t wear it in the future, then it might be time to let it go, because it often ends up becoming clutter otherwise.

There you have it 7 Simple Storage Ideas for a Small Closet.
Now I know the closet is a space that can get a little overwhelming, especially if you have a lot to tackle in your home already so if you’re struggling to clear the clutter once and for all then my 12 weeks to clutter free-living program is for you.

From time management systems and strategies that can help you to manage your time more effectively and create the rituals and routines that help move you to achieving your lifestyle goals.
​
This program helps you to create the healthy habits you need to live a clean and clutter free life with less stress and more ease, simply click the link below to find out more.

Finding it hard to get motivated?
Then it might be time to consider taking a look at your space!
Keeping your home organised can be a 

challenge. From daily dishes, to piles of washing, cooking, homeschooling, work and the like. Sometimes having an organised space is the last thing you feel like you can fit into an already hectic day. 

In fact, having a home that’s clean and clutter free can sometimes feel like more of a chore, let alone finding the motivation to declutter and organise it in the first place!

‘Argh…’ 😬 

But what if having an organised home along with all of the spaces in it, was the very key in helping you have more time and space in your day?

What if having an organised home was the very thing that had you going to bed at night, and starting your day each morning with less stress and more ease?

What if having your space at home set up to support your lifestyle needs meant that you could ENJOY every room in your home, including the kitchen sink?

Oh, and don’t forget that top cupboard you might not have looked at in years too 😉 

Sound too good to be true?

​As a Professional Organiser I love helping people set up their space for success whilst creating ways with my clients to have more time, energy, ease and flow in their day to day life.

And there's no doubt that being organised can reduce not only mess but that dreaded STRESS 😬 

Which is why today I’m sharing 3 things to consider when setting up your space for success that will help you create your haven at home that can help to serve and supports your lifestyle needs!

Here at the organised life project we are all about helping you set up sustainable healthy habits in the home.

This also means that we value the power of preparation and setting ourselves up for success in the best way that we possibly can that serves and supports our lifestyle needs.

With the right systems and strategies in place, you too can have more quality time, less stress and a home / space that supports your daily needs.

A space which you too can enjoy every day that’s is clean and clutter free 🤗 

So let’s take a look at 3 things to consider when setting up your space at home 🏠 

#1 Which area in your home are you feeling the most bogged down?
Is it when you use your kitchen drawers each day, but that are untidy?

Do you have bathroom build up you see every morning when you get ready that needs a good clean?

Or maybe it’s your home office space that has paper worked piled up still left un-actioned?

The first thing to consider is to identify which space/s in your home do you feel needs to be an area of focus.

#2 What items do you have that you love in this space?
It might be a book you love, or an ornament that symbolises something special for you, a favourite family photo etc.

By identifying those things you choose to keep that bring love and joy to your life and space will help you to declutter the other items that you may no longer need or desire.

Also consider who is using this space too, do you have children, or other family members or friends that use this space on a regular basis, and what might their needs also be for this space as well?

#3 Clear the Clutter!
It’s been proven how impactful a good declutter and Spring clean can be, so this is a great time of year to put a little spark in your space.

Decluttering is an act of self care, and it’s great to nurture your space by giving it a good clean and declutter.
So clear out those items that you no longer need, or that don’t spark joy and either donate or pass on to those who might need it.

There, however can be a lot to consider when undertaking a good declutter, and there is a ‘proven process’ to this that when done properly will save you time, money, and stress.
Not to mention reduce the ongoing mess. 

So if you have a family at home or if you have a whole lot of stuff that you want / need to declutter, then our Online Signature Space Consultation can help you further with this, so feel free to reach out if this is something you would like to know more about.

So there you have it, 3 things to consider when setting up your space for success!

Want to know how you can set up your space in a way that will save you time and money?

Ready to create a more organised space that’s more functional and practical for your everyday needs?

Then check out our ‘Online Signature Space Consultation’ today and let me show you how.

Have a great day, and here’s to clearing the clutter for a healthier way of life,

Nicole x

Time to kickstart your day the healthy way?
​
Starting your day in a healthy way can have its challenges, so today I want to share with you some of my favourite ways to create

healthy morning rituals that I do every single day that help to reduce mess and stress in my life, whilst saving time and energy.
​
When it comes to healthy living, so often the first thing we think about is what we are eating, however today I want to share with you a few more things on top of this that you can do in relation to some of the choices you make on a daily basis that can lead you to a healthier and more organised way of life.

Having healthy home rituals are important for our longevity, energy, and living our best life.

It’s important to be proactive when it comes to our health, and by doing what you can to live in a healthy environment on a daily basis is just as important too.

From having a healthy morning routine to how we go about our daily life, it all carves the path for our future.

Just think back to the last time you had take out only to find yourself feeling sluggish the next day and lacking motivation and energy.

Or those moments when you continually put off something day after day only to have that very thing pile up bringing mess and stress into your daily life.

From the choices you made yesterday, to the choices you make today all has impact upon your tomorrow.
​
And by taking healthy, conscious action is key to a healthier life, and having healthy habits and rituals is a great way to start.

Here at the organised life project we are all about helping you set up sustainable healthy habits and create a more organised life with less stress and more ease.
​
This also means that we value the power of preparation and setting ourselves up for success in the best way that we possibly can that serves and supports our lifestyle needs.

With the right systems and strategies, you can have more quality time, less stress and nail those daily healthy habits that become a way of life.

So today I’m sharing 5 of my go to morning rituals to help you kickstart your day in a healthy way!

Ritual # 1
Make your bed
By making your bed you reduce stress and mess whilst reinforcing the importance of the finer details in life.
Which when you think about it, if you can complete the small stuff well, you can tackle the bigger stuff right?


Ritual # 2
Open your windows
Letting fresh air into your space is a really great way to help move the air throughout the home.
​Doing this will help to reduce a lot of pollutants and musk smells in your home.
Air is good for the lungs, brain function, and helps to keep your space feeling fresher and lighter for longer.

Ritual # 3
Keep your kitchen full of healthy nutritious foods
This will make you much more likely to make healthier food choices when you’re stuck on ideas or eating on the run.

By organising your pantry, fridge space, and meal planning the organised way will make it more functional and practical for your everyday needs.
​
Need a kickstart? Then our pantry decluttering and organisation consultations are just the thing, contact me here to find out more.


Ritual # 4
Start your day with a glass of water
I love this ritual and I find it makes a huge difference in my hydration levels on a daily basis.
Dehydration can easily occur with indoor heating and cooling which can really dry you out over night, so by starting your day with a little H2O helps to start your day with more energy and vitality whilst allowing your body to better digest food and convert nutrients into your body more effectively.

Ritual # 5
Have a healthy breakfast
Not only does this little beauty improve your energy levels, it’s also know to enhance your ability to concentrate in the short term, help with weight management and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
All the more reason to get your healthy breakfast sorted 🍳 


So there you have it, 5 of my go too morning rituals to help you kickstart your day the healthy way!

Want to know how you can create sustainable healthy habits and keep them in check?

Then download our Healthy Living Template Bundle to get your health and fitness in order today!

​Here's to living a more organised life with less stress and more ease,
​
Nicole x

Whether you’re working around the clock, or caring for a tribe at home, let’s be honest, life can get a little busy!
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From keeping up with appointments and meetings whilst maintaining your health and home can sometimes bring about chaos, mess, and that dreaded

stress.

​The work load keeps piling up, the social calendar starts to fill, and you can soon start to find yourself chasing your tail just to get through to the end of your day. Yet all too soon up the next morning, doing it all again.

But what if you could calm the chaos in a way that meant that you could finish your day with ease?

What if you could finish your day having taken action on the things that are most important in a timely manner?

What if you could move through your days with more ease and flow and start the next feeling fresh and energised?

Here at The Organised Life Project, we believe that having rituals and routines is highly important when it comes to living a healthy life with less stress and more ease.

Having systems and strategies that are practical and sustainable for your everyday living is a must to be able to function optimally and have a happy home along with everyone else in it.

So today I’m sharing with you 10 of my favourite habit hacks that will help you to cut through some of the chaos and make life a little less busy yet more productive all at the same time!

Sounds pretty good, right?
​
So let’s get started…

Habit Hack 1: The ‘1 minute’ rule
When taking action, if it’s something that will take you no longer than a minute to do then do it straight away. Why???
​Because by the time you’ve even written it on your to-do list you’ve actioned it already ✔️

Habit Hack 2: Make a list of your daily non-negotiable’s
Having a list of things you must do in your day that are non-negotiable's is a great way to create awareness around your time, and better manage your priorities with more ease and flow. 
It also increases your chances of sustaining those healthy habits that last 📝 

Habit Hack 3: Learn to say ‘No’
Saying ‘no’ to those things that weigh you down can reduce stress and help you to establish healthy boundaries.
Having healthy boundaries are important in creating a heathy life.
Giving yourself permission to say ‘No’ to others when you need too is important for overall health and wellbeing.

Habit Hack 4: Keep perspective
Be realistic and keep perspective!
Whether it’s setting goals small or big, to life challenges that can present along the way, having perspective is much about keeping track on what’s really important, what we choose to let go of, and where we choose to direct our focus. 
Doing this helps you to manage your time and priorities better and differentiate the big stuff from the small stuff.

Habit Hack 5: Ask for help when you need it
One thing I have learnt over the years is the importance of asking for help when you need it.
Trying to be everything to every one is impossible and will inevitably set you up for failure. 
By asking for help allows you to make better use of your time and when done properly will most often give you the guidance you need when you need it.
​
Habit Hack 6: Do something you love every day
Doing what we love and what sparks joy in our lives is what brings us a world of happiness.
Making time for this is a must if you’re wanting to create a healthy, happy life with less chaos and stress. I find this also helps to keep me grounded.
​Whether it’s going for that run, winding down with a bath, or a much needed coffee date with a friend, be sure to take time to make time for what you love.

Habit Hack 7: Declutter
Decluttering helps to put things in perspective. It’s an act that when done properly can create more time and space in your life and calming the chaos.
From letting go of what’s unimportant to prioritising what is and what you choose to hold on to, having a space that’s uncluttered allows for more peace and calm in your day.

Habit Hack 8: Donate rather than sell
This WILL save you time (but not money) however the gift of giving is a gift that keeps on living.
By letting go of items you no longer need or serve a purpose for you, you are clearing both physical and mental space for yourself and giving it to someone who actually needs it and will give it a second life. 
​So when you’ve finished with an item giving it to another in need is a great way to go.

Habit Hack 9: Make Health priority
I believe that time and health are our most valuable commodities, because reality is that without it, we can't give all that we can to those we love or have the ability to be and do all that we desire.
By making sure you’re prioritising your health every single day is vital to your wellbeing and being able to function optimally so this MUST be a priority, say no more! 😉 

Habit Hack 10: Have a healthy space
Reality is that when it comes to living a healthy life with less stress and more ease, it's never a one size fits all, and that by having a healthy space that works for you and your lifestyle needs is essential for helping to calm the chaos and having more time and energy and your day.

This is why here at The Organised Life Project we develop and facilitate programs that are personally tailored to your lifestyle needs that help you do just this and more.

To find out how we can help you to clear the clutter and create more time and space in your day click here to find out more!

So there you have it, 10 of my favourite habit hacks to help you calm the chaos and make life a little less busy, all whilst clearing the clutter for a healthier way of life!

Have a great day and here’s to living a lifestyle of less stress and more ease,

Nicole x​

Feeling a little stressed, or emotions getting the better of you?
Then perhaps it’s time to get your space in order!

Having a space that supports all facets of our lifestyle needs is highly 

important when  living a lifestyle of less stress and more ease.

In fact ‘emotional health’ is one of the areas we are highly passionate about here at The Organised Life Project and with much reason so.

Having a messy space can leave us feeling distracted, unmotivated, and frustrated.
It is also known to reduce our productivity and induce a state of stress.

​And just like those dishes that if left unwashed, are still there the next day.
If we are living in an environment that’s constantly chaotic and distracting without taking the time to sit and be in a space of calm then our emotions can do the same.

​Before too long they too can continue to build and mount up, causing emotional distress, impacting our health, home, and more.

The impact of having a space that serves and supports our emotional needs helps to soothe the mind and body, creating a sense of security, stability, acceptance, calm, and comfort.

By creating a space that induces calm helps you to process thoughts, feelings, and emotions and have you gaining greater emotional intelligence whilst further accomodating the emotional needs of the home.

​So today we are sitting down with Robyn Simpson of 'Choose The Tude' to discuss ways in which you can create a haven at home that will help to support both your emotional needs and that of your home.

‘Mess = stress for your brain. It may not seem like a big issue, but simply having a disorganised or messy environment, whether it’s at your desk, in the kitchen or the Little Peeps bedrooms can cause your brain to release cortisol (the stress hormone) to try to cope with messy environments.
That’s when things start to go a little haywire.’
- Says Robyn

‘The topic of emotional and mental stress caused by clutter in a home is a big topic, so I’ll focus on the most common frustration sited by parents to demonstrate how a mess causes stress for your brain, and that’s a messy bedroom.’

Why does something so seemingly unimportant cause stress or anxiety?

On a subconscious emotional level your brain may be interpreting the messy bedroom as disrespectful or even potentially dangerous with tripping hazards so it’s important to you at a values level that the mess is cleaned up.’

At an even deeper level, you may be replaying your childhood patterns and projecting them on your children. If you were constantly nagged or punished by your parents about tidying your room, your neural system remembers that painful experience and will try strategies to avoid it happening for you and your Little Peeps. In doing so you inadvertently are reliving the feelings of anxiety or stress.

There are three very good reasons to help your Little Peeps to keep their rooms tidy at an early age:
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1. To avoid the dreaded arguments in teen years. A little focus and consistency when they are young will pay big dividends later. 
2. To help them develop their core psychological need for competence by teaching them how to keep things organised and tidy,
3. And autonomy, by allowing them to do it themselves and feel a sense of achievement and pride, inspiring them to do it in future.

By the time they become teenagers, habits are well bedded down and difficult to change. Would you prefer your teenager to be competent, tidy and organised or chaotic, messy and disorganised?

A strategy for creating calm spaces
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‘We all need a space to feel safe and calm, where we can chill out and relax. The following example is focused on Little Peeps, but is just as applicable to any age.’ She continues

The benefits include:

1. Your calm space becomes an anchor to induce calmness simply because that’s the meaning you have given and experience you have when you are in it.
2. It’s a special, safe space of your own you can go to when you need to relax.
3. You decide who is invited into your calm space.

All of the above are designed to reduce stress and anxiety, increasing calmness and happiness, which are great for a healthy body and mind.

How to create a Calm Space:
I highly recommend creating a haven for your Little Peeps as a chill out zone.
It doesn’t have to be in their bedroom, but I find if you have more than one Little Peep, using an area in their bedroom is a good way to protect their space simply because it’s in their dedicated zone, which subconsciously communicates to others to respect their space.

Creating a chill out zone is pretty simple and doesn’t require a lot of space or things. 

Guidelines:
Let them design it so it has meaning for them and they feel ‘ownership’ of their creation.
It needs to be comfortable. 

Allow them to choose 2-3 things they want to include in their space. It’s not about making a mountain of teddies. The less clutter the better.
Use colour to brighten or soften the mood of the space.

Two really simple ideas you could try:
My daughter created an “oasis of calm” (her words, not mine) using a mosquito net (easily obtainable online) + 1-2 colourful cushions. She swaps soft toys depending on her mood.

A tranquil teepee is super easy to make. Simply purchase a kids teepee (easily available online) + 1-2 cushions or a blanket. 
For adults, use the same principles, but you may want to find a nice, sunlit spot in the house where you can set up a little side table and special chair. 
Or if you enjoy yoga or meditation, find a quiet corner of the home or garden where you can set up a mat, candles or quiet music.
The more elaborate the better. It’s about creating a calm uncluttered space where your body and mind can relax.
She said.


So as you can see by the great take home tips that Robyn has shared, whether its having a quiet space to sit with your favourite book or cuppa, or a spot to undertake a regular morning meditation. 

By creating spaces in your home that welcome a sense of peace and calm are important for a balanced home.

Here are some more things to consider when creating your emotional haven at home;

• What are the needs of your home?

 

• How many family members must you consider whilst setting up your space?

 

• What is your current space like and where would best suit to create that space/s?

 

• How will you be using that space? 

 

• What do you currently have that you could utilise to create a space of calm?

            i.e. CD player & Yoga mat / Essential oils / Tee Pee for kids etc.

• What items might you need to bring into your space to create your haven?

           i.e. storage boxes for different kids activities, to drawers for your journal etc.

I love using what we call ‘Calm Boxes’ in our home which are great for the children to grab when they feel they need some chill time in their day.
​We fill them with their favourite books / mindful colouring activities / and card games etc.

We also have a piano that the children love to use that has huge therapeutic benefits. This along with our fave music playlist works wonders for our home.

So there you have it, some great ways you can start to create a haven at home that will help to serve and support your emotional needs and that of your home. Reducing everyday mess and stress and creating a space of calm and ease in your day.

Want to know how you can support you and your Little Peeps emotional and social development then join Robyn’s email list here https://choosethetude.com/subscribe for personal development tools, resources and ideas for parents and little people and more!

Have a great day and here’s to living a more organised life with less stress and more ease,
​
Nicole x