Organization Makes It Easier to Keep Your Balance

“Balance” is a self-care buzzword these days. We’re told that everybody needs it, and if you don’t have it, you’d better get it! Like many buzzwords, though, balance is an appealing concept that is relatively simple to define but difficult to achieve.


One of the most important benefits of organization is that it helps you to maintain life balance. When you’re organized, you lose less time in activities such as getting ready in the morning, shopping, or checking email. Organization also prevents the stress of missed deadlines, lost keys, and forgotten appointments. Less wasted time and a lower overall stress level gives you more time for—and more capacity to enjoy—productive work, exercise, good nutrition, sleep, leisure, and quality time with family and friends.


The National Association of Professional Organizers, Southeast Michigan Chapter (NAPO-MI) wants to share five changes you can make starting TODAY to enhance your life balance:

1. Limit time spent on social networking websites to no more than 20 minutes per day. This is plenty of time to post an update and check in with friends.


2. Each evening, choose and prepare your outfit and meals for tomorrow. Such planning leads to a smoother morning routine and better nutrition over time.


3. Schedule a 60-minute period of “Me Time” at least once each week. Don’t cancel this appointment unless there is a dire emergency. Spend your 60 minutes doing exactly what you want to do, even if (especially if!) that means doing nothing.


4. Open the mail as soon as it comes in and sort into “Shred,” “Recycle,” “File,” and “Do.” Take care of the first three immediately. If possible, also immediately pay bills, complete forms, answer letters, etc., just to get them out of your way.


5. After dinner, set a timer for 10 minutes and go around your home picking up and putting away misplaced items. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish in 10 minutes! Do this every day and you’ll never again need a marathon decluttering session.



It’s never too late to enhance your life balance. For more organizing tips, visit http://www.napomichigan.com/.


Article submitted by Chapter member and Past President, Debbie Stanley, LLPC, NCC, CPO-CD.