It's a new year and a new opportunity for success. The last two years haven't been the most ideal due to the constant rollercoaster of pandemic stresses. And while we are still navigating this new norm, each day presents us with an opportunity to be better.
So let's kick 2021 to the curb and welcome 2022 with a bang! We're sharing a few simple tips to help you get your new year off to a better start.
Tip No. 1 Declutter
It's time to give your workspace a fresh start.
Take an hour or two to go through your filing cabinets and purge any unnecessary files or box them up for storage.
Consider digitalizing important documents and saving them to the cloud.
Remove any pens, pencils, markers and highlighters that no longer work.
Recycle unwanted samples, textiles, laminates, brochures, magazines, etc. (HINT: Schools will take all of this for their design and art departments)
Toss the junk. If you haven't used it and it's taking up space, toss it or recycle it.
Reflect on your filing system. Did your organization method serve you? If not, consider refreshing your method. Now's the time.
Wipe down all worksurfaces and shelving.
Clean off your desktop and empty you recycling bin on your computer.
Get with your IT team for a quick computer tune-up.
Tip No. 2 A Minimalistic Approach
Research proves that a minimalist approach can decrease unnecessary stress and anxiety. When you walk into a clean, organized workspace- you have a clean slate to start the day.
Reduce the clutter (Tip No. 1). Try removing unnecessary items from your desktop.
Toss the promo swag. Let's be honest, I am a sucker for swag. But it is the number one item for clutter. If you don't use the items on a regular basis- recycle it. Don't worry, I am confident you will re-collect more swag from your favorite brands/reps throughout the year.
Keep workspace décor to a minimum. Yes, we all like to showcase our personality through decorating. But sometimes, we OVER DECORATE. Yes I said it! Remember, your workspace can still reflect you through a minimal approach. Keeping your area clean and clutter-free will help you keep calm and productive.
Tip No. 3 Add a Plant
Now that you've reduced the clutter, it's time to add a plant. Yes, it may seem touché, but there is A LOT of scientific data that has proven the positive benefits of greenery in the workspace. These benefits include:
Reduces Stress
Increase Productivity
Helps Reduce Illness
Makes the Workplace More Appealing
Boosts Happiness and Wellbeing
Cleans the Air
Helps Reduce Noise
Boosts Creativity
The list goes on and on, which is why adding a plant is important and one of our tips for a better 2022.
Some of our favorite, low maintenance desktop plants are succulents, peace lilies, spider plants and a snake plant. All these plants can survive in both low and direct sunlight and require minimal watering. Succulents and snake plants can be watered once a month. And Peace Lilies and the Spider plant can be watered once a week. They are also quick to recover if forget about them.
Tip No. 4 Set Your Goals (Monthly, Quarterly, Yearly)
It's the new year! Of course, we are going to talk goals. Goal setting is a great way to stay on track and grow. Whatever you goal(s) may be, it is important to keep them realistic.
We suggest starting with smaller goals that can be completed monthly and lead up to your larger goals. Then, set aside some time, write your goals down, create an action plan and put reminders on your calendar.
Tip No. 5 Put it on the Calendar
Look at your upcoming year and pre-schedule any appointment, important date or event that you can. Calendars are a great tool to start mapping out your year, and thanks to their reminders feature, they help keep you on track.
Calendars are also a great way to schedule some YOU time. Whether it's focus time to answer emails, or scheduling a lunch break, put it on the calendar!
Tip No. 6 Prioritize You
It's easy to forget about yourself when things get busy but it's important to make you a priority.
Ways to prioritize you:
Take a lunch break/break, especially on busy days to re-coop (put it on the calendar).
Say no to after hour parties or engagements if they don't bring you joy.
Schedule time to meditate.
Schedule routine doctor appointments and add them to your calendar. Your health is everything.
Dis-engage from toxic workplace gossip and coworkers.
Set your boundaries, communicate them and stick to them.
Set clear expectations to help avoid any miscommunication.
Celebrate your achievements.
Make time for hobbies you love.
Make time to spend with family and loved ones.
Tip No. 7 Define Your Health
While you are prioritizing YOU, it's important to define your health. Every person has different goals, and a different definition of what health is. For some, healthy means eating whole foods and organic. For others, healthy means exercising 3 to 5 times a week. Or maybe you have an underlying illness or concern that you are trying to treat.
Regardless, it's important to recognize that the term health has a variety of meanings. Each person has different issues, different goals, and different ways to achieve their health goals.
Things you may consider when defining your health:
staying hydrated
getting more sleep
journaling
meditation
talking to a counselor regularly
eating whole foods/organic/ more fruits and veggies
exercise
get outside and spend time in nature
making time for loved ones
saying no to things that don't bring you joy
scheduling routine care such as dentist appointments and your physical checkup
taking your vitamins
meal prepping
create a basket of healthy snacks you love for days you are busy
Tip No. 8 Get Outside
Spending more time outside is a great way to release stress and boost your happiness. There are hundreds of studies that prove the positive benefits of being outside. Many are listed under Tip No. 3.
Just 20 minutes outside in the sunshine can boost your Vitamin D levels significantly which in return will help boost your immunity and fight off illness.
Grounding for 15 minutes a day is another great way to reduce stress.
Grounding or earthing is a therapeutic technique that involves a natural, electrical charge with the earth, and is known to have a profound positive effect on your body and energy. The simple act of placing your bare feet to the earth is known to help stabilize the physiology at the deepest levels, therefor aiding in reducing inflammation, pain and stress, improving blood flow, energy, sleep and generates a greater well-being.
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