Keeping Life Organized

My schedule is often packed with commitments, and it is sometimes hard to stay organized. The things I want to do are important to me, but I need to make time for what I need to do. If you are struggling to stay organized between work, school, and extracurriculars, I will share some tips on how I stay on top of everything.

First off, most of the time I am not organized at all, especially in my room and closet. When I am stressed the first thing to go is my clean and organized room. A lot of times, I just toss my clothes on the floor when I don’t wear them, or I put my jewelry on my nightstand instead of back in its organizer. When this issue arises (which it does every week) I like to do a refresh where I do a deep clean of my room at least once a week. I don’t mean taking everything out of your closet and donating it, just pick up your clothes off the floor and dust off your dresser. This practice always helps me feel more in control and less stressed during the week.

Photo by BYNDER

I also like to plan my week out, I will admit I am an over-planner and I like to plan out every second of my day. Getting a planner where I can write what I need to clean, what my homework is, and what I'm working on that week is so helpful. I use the Erin Condren LifePlanner, and I have really enjoyed using it. This is not at all a promo but it’s a great planner that is made in the United States! I also am able to make a to-do list in my planner and checking things off my list is so satisfying and helps me to feel motivated to complete other tasks.

Photo by STIL

Recently, I have started going to the gym. I go around 3-4 times a week which I will admit has added more to my plate. However, It gives me a way to release my anger, sadness, and stress into something healthy. It is so important to have some sort of outlet whether that be journaling, drawing, sports, meditating, or working out like me. Giving yourself a release of dopamine and serotonin (happy brain chemicals) is so healthy for you and is a great way to relieve stress. Now, I am no doctor but there have been signs that working out does release those happy chemicals and improves your mood. When I leave the gym, I can say that I am in a much better mood than when I arrived. I not only feel better about myself but I feel relieved of the stress the day brought me. There are so many ways to release stress and anxiety in a healthy manner. Having a release is a key component to staying organized because having so many things to do can cause so much tension. Having at least 30 minutes to take a breather however you choose will benefit your daily routines heavily.

Photo by Tyler Nix

I have two jobs, an internship, and am a full-time student. This seems like so much when said out loud, but I have learned how to schedule my time and still do the things I want to do. I scheduled two free periods for myself and I know that for some people free periods aren't an option but even using time after school to complete homework, buy yourself a coffee, or hang out with a friend makes the day seem less busy. I also complete my homework right when I receive it, so it is not sitting unfinished all week. This has helped me have time to do other things I love. I am not an expert on organization and sometimes I don't even know how I do it, I just make it work. Something I have learned this year is that focusing on myself is so important and has contributed to me being able to have more commitments in my life.

The last thing I would recommend is getting at least eight hours of sleep. Feeling refreshed and healthy helps to get more done during the day. I struggle with my sleep schedule but I recently started meditating before bed and it has improved my sleep so much. I use the app Insight Timer, which offers free mediation for everything from deep sleep to positive affirmations. I have started falling asleep so much faster and am no longer sitting in bed with my thoughts.

I hope that one of these helpful tips makes your life at least .0001% easier. I know they may not seem big, but these practices have made my life just that much easier. Remember to put yourself first because self-love is the most important. Thank you for reading loves, until next time!

Love,

Em

Cover Image by Ian Dooley