-
5 Spring Reset Ideas That Don’t Involve a Cleanse or a Rebrand
I’m not doing a “new me” this spring. I don’t have the energy for some full-blown reinvention. And truthfully? I kind of like the old me. She’s really been through it, but still has a few endearing quirks. For example, she has this thing for reality TV, goes to bed weirdly early, and keeps a list of oddly specific notes in her reminder app. (Current favorite: “Organize the pantry, toss the mystery tea bags, and stop pretending the decorative lentils are part of a meal plan.”) Instead, what I am doing is a soft reset. Not a cleanse (been there, done that!). Not a challenge (have enough of those, thank…
-
What Knitting Has Taught Me About Business and Marketing
I’ve been knitting for many years. It started all the way back before my daughter was born, when I was determined to make her a blanket before she arrived. That was also probably my first lesson in good intentions not always leading to results (or maybe in biting off more than you can chew!). Despite buying all the supplies, picking out the perfect pattern, and envisioning how beautiful the finished product would be, I never actually made that blanket. But I did learn something: starting is easy, but following through is the real challenge. Almost two decades and hundreds of successful knitting projects later, I’ve found my place in the…
-
Mastering Productive Downtime: A Balanced Approach to Recharge
We’ve all experienced those moments when we hit a wall and just need to step back. For me, that often means zoning out in front of the latest reality TV show—a quick escape from the hustle. But then, the guilt creeps in because there’s still so much to do. What if I told you that downtime can actually be as productive as your busiest work hours? “Productive downtime” isn’t an oxymoron—it’s a key to sustainable success. Downtime is often seen as unproductive, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, incorporating intentional breaks into your routine can enhance your productivity and overall well-being. Think of it as hitting the refresh…
-
The 21 Best Apps for Productivity and Work/Life Balance
We all know the struggle of juggling multiple tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities while trying to stay on top of our game. Over the years, I’ve tried countless tools and apps to streamline my workflow and boost my productivity. Today, I’m excited to share some of my favorites that have truly made a difference in my daily routine. These are, in my opinion, some of the best apps for productivity and work/life balance. Enjoy! Task and Project Management Apps 1. Trello If you’re anything like me, keeping track of tasks and projects can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s where Trello comes in. This intuitive project management tool uses boards, lists, and cards…
-
How Your Individual Circadian Rhythm Impacts Productivity
As an early riser, I’ve always felt that my brain fires on all cylinders in the morning, slowly declining as the day goes on. And I’ve been fascinated by how different times of the day affect my productivity and mood. So I did some digging and I ended up down a rabbit hole of research into circadian rhythm, productivity, and work schedules. Here’s what I discovered. Understanding Circadian Rhythms Circadian rhythms are internal clocks running in the background of our brains, cycling between sleepiness and alertness at regular intervals. These rhythms are not just about when we go to sleep or wake up; they influence all aspects of our physiology…
-
How to Find a Third Place When You Work From Home
I recently wrote about the concept of a “third place,” which is a space that helps you transition from work to home. But what happens when you work from home? Sometimes, it isn’t feasible to leave your house, travel to a third place, and then come back home. So unlike traditional office workers who have clear physical separation from work, home-based professionals must create this separation mentally and physically within their living space. The Challenge of Working from Home The primary challenge of working from home is the tendency for work to infiltrate every corner of your life. Without the physical commute and change of environment, distinguishing between “work time”…
-
What Is a Third Place and How to Find the Right One
In the relentless pursuit of work-life balance, we often juggle the demands of our professional and personal lives, striving to excel in both realms. Amid this balancing act, the concept of a “third place” emerges. It is a vital yet frequently overlooked sanctuary that can significantly enhance our overall quality of life. So, What Is a Third Place? A third place is neither your workplace nor your home. It’s a unique space where you can relax, engage in hobbies, or simply be yourself. Here, you are free from the pressures of work and domestic responsibilities. This concept, originating from sociologist Ray Oldenburg, highlights the importance of communal spaces outside of…
