spring is here ~ SIMPLIFY THE DAILY ROUTINE

Yay !! Spring is here and the Sydney weather has been just glorious. Yesterday, Father's Day was just so nice to be outside with all the family over sitting and chatting and also celebrating for my daughter's 17th birthday today. I cannot believe it was 17 years ago today I gave birth to my first child after nearly 3 whole days in labor. But boy was it all worth it. I feel so blessed and one of the happiest mother's alive to have my beautiful daughter's. I have added these tips before and I know when spring is here everyone likes to open up and let the fresh air and sunshine in. So here the tips on how to 'simplify the daily routine'. It is always nice to get a fresh perspective and who nows you may even learn something new. 

Daily Routines

Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Being well rested is the key to maintaining high energy, reducing weight, beautiful skin and keeping a clear mind. Even on the weekends, while it may sound absurd, do your best to stay within your routine.  When your body is tired, it will speak to you. Listen to it and each day will go much more smoothly allowing you to be better prepared for those unexpected moments that you hadn’t planned.

Clean the dishes before going to bed. Since you know you’ll be eating breakfast in your kitchen the next morning, leave it clean and fresh, placing leftovers in the proper containers and wiping off the countertops. It will save you time in the morning and eliminate the dread of having to clean it in the morning.

Have a breakfast routine. It may sound dull, but during the work week stick to simple, healthy breakfast menus. Especially if you have children, don’t offer them an endless list. Stick to one or two options that will provide them the necessary energy they need throughout the day and run with it each day of the work week.  Save the weekends for special family breakfasts with bacon, french toast or whatever your preference may be. 

Make the bed. It takes less than five minutes, and it is the most welcoming sight to come home to after a long day when all you have energy left for is the extra step to turn down the sheets. 

Pick up the house every night. After brushing your teeth, putting the dogs and/or kids to bed, cleaning up the kitchen, do a quick run-through of your house.  Place anything left laying around in its designated spot – newspapers, toys, blankets, shoes, clothes, electronic devices, etc. This not only will same you time in the morning when you’re looking for anything in particular, but it will eliminate the time that potentially could have built up had you continually left everything out night after night.  And who doesn’t want to wake up to a tidy home? There is something helpful and energetic about starting the day with one or two less chores to do.

Leave the bathroom clean. Whether you are the only one using your bathroom or you share it with others, make sure there is a home for toothbrushes, beauty supplies and styling tools. When you have finished your daily cleansing and beauty routine, return everything to its spot. And even better, wipe off the countertops with a disposable wipe. This will reduce bacteria and create an inviting environment for yourself and family as well as any guests that may stop by throughout the day.

Designate a place for incoming mail/bills/magazines/etc. What I’ve come to realise is that the most important business we all run is our own lives.  Think about it. If we organise our lives well, we are happier, more content and less stressed; thus, the opportunity to be more productive and drive more income into our pockets. However, on the flip side if we are unorganised, frazzled and drained, we lose opportunities to be productive, thus lessening potential income. With this in mind, create a home office with an inbox that ensures you will deal with incoming mail in a timely manner. 

Charge electronic devices at night or at the same time each day. Knowing your phone is on its last legs and the lunch hasn’t even occurred yet is not a good situation to be in. Get into the habit of charging your phone, laptop, iPad and any other electronic devices at night or at a designated time to be certain that the technology you depend on to run your life effectively is charged and ready to go.

A regular beauty routine. There will always be special occasions when our beauty routines become a bit more elaborate, but for the regular work day, create a routine that is simple and leaves you looking and feeling your best. For example, moisturise your entire body, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, apply moisturiser, concealor, SPF tinted moisturiser, blush, a dash of eyebrow colour, a simple neutral base to your eyelids, eye-liner, a bit of shadow and smudge-proof mascara. Finish with some deodorant and your favorite perfume and you are ready to face the day.

from The Simply Luxurious Life