Tag Archives: improve

So Simple Self Care

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So Simple Self Care

Hello!! Saying that we live in a high stress world is an understatement and it can be hard to shake off problems that are anxiety provoking. I especially find this to be true for myself. I have an extremely demanding schedule, a lot of family responsibilities, and what often feels like minimal to no time for myself. When I do manage to squeeze in “me time”, I take it very seriously because it’s something that doesn’t happen frequently. That is my time to fully dive into self care mode and even though the way I choose to spend that time is simple, I always end up feeling refreshed afterwards:

My first order of business when it comes to self care is to put my phone somewhere I won’t see it. Out of sight, out of mind. As the social media manager for one of Ohio’s most prominent local celebrities, I am on my phone constantly and it always feels good to take a much needed break from it. Then, I can focus my attention completely on something else instead – even if it’s only watching a quick episode of a comfort show or polishing off a chapter in a book.

This is a method that I employ not just during speedy self care sessions but also when I am officially off the clock for the day. I think it is so easy to fall into the trap of being accessible whenever your phone pings simply because it’s right there. This can be incredibly draining and my rule of thumb is to save responses for times that aren’t dedicated to relaxing. Of course, emergencies are a different situation but you get the point.

I recently started doing Tai Chi with my mom and I absolutely LOVE it. It’s a gentle workout, yes, but the gentle movements are so effective. I can literally feel my body unlocking as we flow through the routine together and it’s almost like a mini massage. I spend countless hours at my computer every day and I can definitely tell that I feel less stiff since incorporating Tai Chi into my schedule. In fact, now when I have an all day computer day, I pencil in a few Tai Chi blocks for when I start feeling crampy. It has made a world of difference!

One change that I have added in the past few months is making breakfast every day. I used to be one of those people who NEVER would eat breakfast and now that it is a regular part of my routine, I genuinely don’t know why I didn’t start this earlier. After a few hours of work, I’ll prepare my breakfast once I get hungry and eat while watching an episode of Degrassi. I have found that I feel way less sluggish throughout the day, I don’t feel ravenous when it’s time for lunch or dinner, and have more motivation to take on the day as best as I can. I guess breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. 🙂

I am the proudest bunny mom to my sweet Melvin and Penelope and they truly are my instant serotonin boosters. Seriously, all I have to do is look at them and it automatically makes me smile from ear to ear. The power of the love between pets and the owners knows no bounds and I often spend my mini self care breaks with the buns. I’ll sit on the floor and give them ALL of the pets and cuddles that they will allow. After a few minutes, they have typically had their fill of affection and that’s fine. I always return back to my computer chair with the warm fuzzies and actual fuzzies – the bunnies shed like crazy!

While I value my more extravagant forms of self care like a trip to the hair or nail salon, they don’t happen all of the time. These mini self care breaks throughout the work day are small and simple enough that I can still accomplish everything I need and feel more refreshed while doing so!

What do you do for self care? How do you like to unwind after work? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Are You Getting The Most Out Of Your Skin Care?

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Are You Getting The Most Out Of Your Skin Care?

The use of the right skincare products is vital for the long-term health of your skin. But how do you know whether they are actually working? It’s important to be aware of how well your skin is able to absorb the things that you’re putting on it. Today, we’re going to look at some of the tips that can improve the absorptive qualities of your skin, and why it matters so much:

One of the most important steps in making sure your skincare products are effective is starting with clean skin. Cleansing your face removes dirt, oil, and impurities that can create a barrier between your skin and the products you apply. When your skin is clean, it can better absorb active ingredients like serums, moisturizers, or toners. A mild cleanser tailored to your skin type should be used both morning and night to ensure that your skin is fresh and ready for the next step in your routine. This simple step sets the stage for the rest of your skincare products to penetrate effectively and work as intended.

Exfoliating regularly is another key factor so that your skincare products can perform their best. Dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your face, blocking the absorption of serums and moisturizers. By exfoliating, whether through physical exfoliants like scrubs or chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, you remove this layer of dead skin, allowing your products to sink in deeply and work more efficiently. It’s important to choose an exfoliant that suits your skin’s sensitivity and to use it consistently but not excessively, as over-exfoliating can cause irritation.

Improving your skin’s texture can also help maximize the benefits of your skincare products. Expert skin treatments like micro-needling, which involves creating tiny punctures in the skin can stimulate collagen production and improve the absorption of products by enhancing their penetration. This procedure not only helps with skin texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and pores, but it also ensures that serums and moisturizers can be more effective. Micro-needling is a professional treatment, but at-home tools like derma rollers can offer similar benefits when used correctly.

Remember that more product isn’t always better. Using too much of a product, such as moisturizer, can lead to an undesirable greasy film on your skin, which may prevent your other products from being absorbed properly. Following the recommended amount for each product, whether it’s a pea-sized drop of serum or a dime-sized amount of moisturizer, allows your skin to get just the right amount of hydration or treatment without being overwhelmed. Finding the right balance is key to achieving the best results.

With the tips above, you can make sure that your skin is able to effectively absorb the products that you’re putting on it!

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Exterior Upgrades For Your Home

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Exterior Upgrades For Your Home

There are a number of ways that you can upgrade the outside of your home to get your property looking its best. Boost your curb appeal and let your house become the talk of the town with these projects:

Painting the outside of your home is one of the fastest ways for you to freshen up your property if it is either tired or dated. Whether you are applying the same color as the paintwork you have right now or are trying to make a more drastic change, it’s very easy for you to give your home an immediate face lift. The cost of painting the exterior of your home will vary depending on its size and shape. It’s always a good idea to speak with the local paint experts in your area so you can better determine which colors will make your property pop.

Another thing you need to do is look into driveway upgrades. If you do this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to freshen up your home’s exterior. Driveway upgrades can mean laying down a new drive or perhaps installing a new gate. If there is anything you aren’t quite sure about when it comes to getting a new drive, then you can always ask your local driveway gates builder for advice. They can then inform you on a range of materials, including wood, aluminum, and timber.

Repointing brickwork is a big job, but at the same time, it’s one that you should be trying to get done. If you repoint an entire home, then you need to take into account the size of the area and the accessible walls. Rendering is also worth considering. This is when you cover the exterior wall with a rendering substance. This is usually made out of either sand or cement. It also contains lime or resin. When you render your home, you will be able to transform its whole appearance.

Cladding is a very popular choice for homeowners and it adds a fresh look to your property. If you want to add or replace cladding, then you need to look into the different types available and you also need to understand the benefits of each one too. Also make sure that you are taking into account the cost of maintenance. The main types of cladding used in modern architecture are stone, brick, metal, and wood. You also have UPVC, which is good if you would rather go for a more interesting color. If you can keep this in mind then it will help you out a lot, as it gives you way more freedom when the time comes for you to update your home.

Make the exterior of your home just as inviting as its interior with these upgrades!

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Being The Hostess With The Mostest

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Being The Hostess With The Mostest

Howdy!! I have always worked in an environment that involves interacting with the general public. I started out working retail, then I became an Independent Provider for people with special needs, and now I work a lot of events as the social media manager for Tim Misny. All of these jobs require an outgoing, can do personality and that’s perfect for me as I like to think I have an outgoing and can do attitude lol. I have really enjoyed being at the events with Tim and Johnny and I agree that I come alive during them. I love to be a part of someone’s day being special so it’s no wonder why! With a substantial background in customer service, I have learned a lot about putting your best face forward. These are some of my pro tips that keep myself and guests happy as can be:

You know that song from Annie (I think?), “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile”? It’s so true! The best way you can set the tone for work or an event is with your best and brightest smile. Even if you’re not feeling it, smile anyways because no one will be any wiser for it. A smile is not only friendly but it offers reassurance to whomever you are interacting with that you want to be there and are enjoying yourself. And who knows? It might put you in a better mood from smiling too!

It might seem like a no brainer, but it is SO important to learn the names of everyone on your guest list. This is true even if people are wearing name tags so you can avoid any awkward gazes. Spend some time with the guest list, pull up social media profiles if you can and do what you can to put those names to faces. I always tend to find that greetings are so much warmer when you can address the invitee by name. Of course, mental slips can happen and all you need to do is handle that situation gracefully if it arises – perhaps with the old “you wouldn’t believe how much you look like my friend so and so”.

Who doesn’t like to be complimented?! If you don’t have any key talking points, lead with a compliment! Remember, compliments feel just as good to give as they are to receive as long as they are genuine. You would also be amazed at how a conversation happens so naturally after something as simple as a compliment on a pair of earrings. It could turn into talking about your favorite local boutiques, the artist who hand made them, that they feature a favorite color, and so on and so forth. A compliment puts the ball in the recipient’s court and it is up to them to throw it back.

Events or high interaction periods at work can be very stressful because there’s so much that could go wrong. So focus on what’s going right instead because you have to act like nothing is wrong. This can be easier said than done, but try and relax and focus on your own specific task at hand. Do your best and have a breezy air about you because it will put other people at ease too, despite any disruptions that might occur.

Sometimes you just don’t feel like talking and in that case, fake it till you make it baby! We all have off days and that’s totally okay, the trick is to keep it under wraps. Think about the fun that can be had with each interaction you have. It’s a chance to hear a hilarious joke, learn an interesting new fact, or simply shoot the breeze about the weather. After fifteen minutes or so of keeping up with the motions, you might find that you just needed to get warmed up!

These sentiments have served me well and continue to do so in my career. What works for me might not work for you, but it’s always worth a try! 🙂

What do you love about your job? What was the first job you had? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Make Your 19 Year Old Self Proud

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Make Your 19 Year Old Self Proud

Hello!! Earlier this week I had the really cool opportunity to facilitate and create a presentation for my boss, Tim, at Kent State University. It was an amazing project to sink my teeth into and I loved joining Tim on campus for his talk. We had the best time! After the presentation, we had a Q&A session followed by a meet and greet. As the students waited in line for me to take their pictures, a gaggle of freshman and sophomore girls were patiently waiting on deck. They were the absolute cutest.

Once they got closer to me, they approached and sung the praises of my outfit (Peep that later!) and asked questions about how I got started with my job. They told me they were eighteen and nineteen and were simply shook when I told them I was thirty! I have got to admit, talking to these teenagers made me feel insanely old lol but I was delighted by the encounter. I am very rarely around people that age and the fact that they thought I was some semblance of cool made me feel… Well, cool.

As I drove home, I thought about my nineteen year old self. I was insanely depressed, engaged in self harm and an eating disorder, and everything sucked. I was working a crappy job in the mall, had no goals, and no sense of self worth whatsoever. Then, I flash forwarded to my life as a thirty year old. I have the best jobs, best friends, best family, and am so happily married. If you would have told me that as a nineteen year old, I wouldn’t have even been able to fathom it.

It took me a long time of struggling with my mental health to get myself to a good place and it was far from easy. The girls I met were none the wiser to any of this and were able to see me as a confident and stylish woman. After our brief meeting, I came to the conclusion that my nineteen year old self would have looked up to who I am now too. This was a very fulfilling feeling because I associate that period in my life with a lot of shame. I was now able to give my young self credit as a kid who was trying her best and I know for a fact she would be proud of who I am today!

Sometimes the smallest encounters are the most meaningful and this one gave me the opportunity to see how far I have come. I am so grateful for it!

What were you like as a teenager? Who do you look up to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Decision Making 101

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Decision Making 101

Howdy!! I don’t know about all of you, but I have a very difficult time making decisions. I stress, ruminate, and let anxiety build up until I just keep doing the same thing without making any changes. It’s understandable – any kind of change can be scary and I find a lot of comfort in the same old, same old. This past week, however, I had to make some really big work related decisions and it sucked lol. I am pleased to report that I made it through on the other side. I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t still feeling some residual stress about it, but I know that I will feel much better in time. These are some of the things that helped me as I made choices and maybe they will help you too:

If you’re like me and simply the thought of major changes puts you into a tailspin, then first and foremost, you need to chill. Sound decisions can’t be made when you are in distress so try and relax. Take deep breaths, sip a cup of tea, or have a hot shower. Whatever you need to do to put you in a calmer state of mind. Then, you can revisit the decision that needs made when you are feeling less frazzled.

The most common way to make choices is to weigh the pros and cons and there is a reason for it – it is always effective. Grab a pen and paper, pull up a notepad on your phone, or type on the computer and start thinking about the good and bad that could come with each option. It will be so helpful to see your thoughts right in front of you rather than let them swirl around your head. Your initial pros and cons might be subject to change so don’t make a split decision immediately. Give it a day or two, revisit it, and see if anything or nothing needs reevaluated.

There is a high chance that whatever you are struggling to decide might effect other people. This can throw a huge monkey wrench in the process because, of course, we don’t want choices to negatively impact others. This is where I have the most difficult time and often just resort to doing the same thing. However, you need to think about yourself. Sometimes, what’s best for you isn’t best for the people that it might effect and that’s okay. Yes, you read that right: It’s okay. Doing for you isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary if you want to keep moving forward in a positive trajectory.

Maybe you have weighed your pros and cons and are still nowhere closer to a decision. If that is the case, think about your gut, heart, and mind. This is what it ultimately boiled down to as I made my work related choice. I knew exactly what I wanted and I had a hard time working up the nerve to just do it. Listen to yourself and what your body is telling you. The answers you need are all there so don’t swamp yourself down with the “what ifs” or you might end up getting stuck. I admit that I was stuck for over a month until I was able to do what I needed to do for me. All it did was cause me more stress as the situation festered in my head and that could have been easily avoided. Changes take time, though, and if you need extra time that is totally fine but it might make making the choice even harder if you drag it out.

I feel good about the decision I made because I know it will be good for me, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now. I also feel like I have a better grasp on making choices for the next time a situation arises – hopefully!

How do you make decisions? What is something you struggle with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

How Mastering A New Language Elevates Your Life

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How Mastering A New Language Elevates Your Life

Mastering a new language isn’t just about ordering a coffee in Paris without pointing wildly at the menu or watching anime without subtitles. It’s an exhilarating adventure in self-improvement that stretches the boundaries of your mind and heart. It’s about connecting with people in a way that transcends the typical tourist experience, and yes, it’s also about feeling ridiculously proud of yourself when you finally understand what that fast-talking Spanish soap opera character is plotting.

Of course, it’s also great to be able to drop in on people who are speaking the language you know or even reading a manga that hasn’t been translated into English. There are so many benefits, but the biggest one is how it changes you. Here’s what you need to know and why learning a new language can be one of the best decisions you can make:

Learning a new language is a fantastic workout for your brain. It’s like taking your neurons to the gym. Not only are you memorizing vocabulary and grappling with grammar that sometimes feels like it was designed to be as confusing as possible, but you’re also training your brain to switch between different systems of speech and thought. This mental flexibility is a superpower in its own right. For example, if you’re taking beginner Chinese reading classes, you have to think pretty hard and stimulate your brain. Your brain has to think more, so it’s getting stronger. You’ll be able to learn easier with time, understand better in time, and become mentally sharper as well.

Beyond the cognitive fireworks, learning a new language is a deep dive into another culture. You have to understand that words are the keys to unlocking how people think, laugh, and live. Each new word you learn is a glimpse into the values, humor, and essence of another community. This isn’t just educational; it’s a form of connecting on a human level that can profoundly alter how you see the world.

Here’s a great example: when you learn Japanese, you’re not just learning vocabulary. You’re learning concepts like “wa” (harmony) and “omotenashi” (hospitality), which are central to Japanese culture. It’s the same for Dutch, their culture is very direct, and in their language a lot of words and phrases are blunt too (it’s hard to sugar coat things in Dutch like you can in English). Overall, understanding these concepts can change how you interact with others, making you more considerate and aware of the subtleties of social interaction.

We can’t forget the practical perks! Speaking a second (or third or fourth) language can open up incredible career opportunities. In our globalized world, companies are always on the lookout for individuals who can navigate different cultures and languages. Whether it’s closing deals in China, managing a project in Mexico, or helping solve a customer’s problem in French, each language you learn adds a unique string to your career bow.

With so many amazing language learning apps and programs available, adding a new language to your arsenal has never been more accessible. Give it a try and enjoy!

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Why You Should Get Your Kids A Tutor

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Why You Should Get Your Kids A Tutor

The idea of hiring a tutor for your child may seem like a questionable expense when they go to school all day. However, if your child is struggling at school to keep up or they have asked you for extra help, then getting a tutor is a great idea. It may seem like a luxury to have, but in today’s fast pace of education, sometimes you need to slow down a little and give your child the extra support that they need. Today’s tutors and tutoring programs such as the TSI placement math preparation program, can make a big difference to your child’s education. If you’re still on the fence about it, take a look at this list of positive reasons that you should say yes to hiring a tutor:

Tutors have the ability to give that personal attention that your child needs. Rather than feel lost in the classroom trying to answer questions and understand the concept that’s moving too quickly, your tutor could keep your child focused on the task at hand and answer any questions directly.

Some people choose to hire specifically math tutors or English tutors because they know that their child is struggling in a particular area. Bringing grades up to scratch is so much easier if they have a tutor to help them concentrate on those subjects that they are struggling with.

Oftentimes, pupils with a tutor do not feel as self-conscious about asking for help in their subject areas that need further explanation. There’s no need to feel self-conscious because they have somebody who can help them understand at the level they are at.

Every skill can be learned, and tutors will check for understanding as they go and use practical explanations and demonstrations to help. Repetition can help students to grasp concepts easier, and when it’s in a one to one model, there’s less classroom noise and more concentration.

Maybe your child is already doing really well at school. Tutors are still valuable in these cases because they’ll know the potential, and they’ll know that increasing your child’s potential can improve their level of learning. The same goes for talents. Children with exceptional talent in certain learning areas can have a tutor to encourage that specific area. For example having a tutor to help learn to play the piano or grasp mathematical concepts that are a little bit above their grade is going to help them to feel more excited about learning and doing more.

Back to school is almost here and it’s important to think about how your child can succeed academically this year. A tutor can be a huge help!

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Squeezing In Some Fun

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Squeezing In Some Fun

Howdy!! I don’t know about all of you, but I still mourn summer vacations even though it has been years since I was in school. Sometimes adulting can feel cruel and unusual and this is definitely one of those times! With an insanely busy work schedule it can be hard to Squeeze In Some Fun, even if it is sweet summertime. I know that it is often difficult for me to muster the energy to do much over the weekend, but I have been trying. And, although the sleepies never fully leave me, I do feel better when Johnny and I have plans for our time off and we have been putting the effort in!

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The past year and change have been trying times for yours truly and it was almost impossible to pepper joy into limited downtime. This is in stark comparison to when Johnny and I first started dating and we were constantly going here, there, and everywhere. Then, the pandemic hit, crisis in my life happened, and we never got back into the swing of things. Until now, that is. It has felt like we have had plans every weekend for months and it has been really great! Whether it be get togethers with our friends or going out on the town, I feel like I’m on cloud nine afterwards because it’s fun to have fun. 😀

The best thing about this change of pace is planning dates with Johnny. While we enjoy our video game or movie nights, there is nothing better than stepping out in style with my main squeeze. It is also amazing to always have something to look forward to during the work week! I feel like I have been in a bit of a rut lately and this has really helped turn my outlook around. I have loved our dinner dates and meeting up for drinks with our friends at all of our favorite spots. Even returning home afterwards is exciting because we have also shook up our weekend evening activities.

For the last of Johnny’s birthaversary gifts, we picked out a good but budget friendly record player. Johnny has an expansive collection of records but no functioning record player and our purchase was a game changer. My boo spent so much time after we brought the record player home turning our “game room” into an actual game room. He cleaned, he added more artwork to the walls, and he cleared out the closet in the room to house the records in and give us more space. This has given us plenty of room to break out all of the board games we haven’t played in forever. While we play, we take turns picking records at random and listening to one side before swapping it out. We still are all about our video games, but this switch up has made our evenings feel like true quality time and it is a beautiful thing!

Even though we have no plans for a summer vacation, we are making our best efforts to make plans, actually stick to them, and enjoy our weekends more fully. It has definitely helped lift my spirits and I love having a calendar full of activities to motivate me during the work week!

Do you have any big summer plans? What do you do when you feel like you’re in a rut? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Clear The Clutter & Improve Your Business

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Clear The Clutter & Improve Your Business

As a small business owner, you’ve got a lot on your plate. You’re trying to do whatever you possibly can in order to have a steady future for your business. It’s a lot of hard work. Just think about it: you’re dealing with managing talent and employees, handling customer inquiries, juggling inventory, and keeping the finances in check; it can feel like you’re constantly spinning plates. If you don’t have a team, just yourself, well, the plates are about to overflow and keep stacking up!

When you’re busy and doing everything, clutter will happen more and more. Yes, clutter as in physical clutter like your workspace but technically your schedule too. Decluttering is not just for aesthetics. It’s not just for your house. You need this in your professional life too and it doesn’t always mean tidying up. It’s about creating a space that fosters productivity, creativity, and efficiency. Let’s explore how decluttering can transform your small business and the detrimental effects clutter can have on your operations:

Again, clutter can come in a variety of ways, from a daily cluttered schedule to your actual surroundings. You might be aware of the effects when it comes to your home, but it’s true for work, too. There are plenty of articles that say a “cluttered and messy desk means you’re a genius,” but no, don’t fall for that. It’s actually bad for you mentally.

Walking into a cluttered workspace can immediately elevate stress levels. There is absolutely no one who likes that! Piles of paperwork, scattered office supplies, and general disorganization creates a chaotic environment that can make you and your employees feel overwhelmed. When stress levels rise, productivity tends to plummet. A cluttered workspace can make it difficult to find what you need, leading to frustration and wasted time.

Clutter is the enemy of efficiency. When your workspace is cluttered, you spend more time looking for things and less time doing meaningful work. Imagine the minutes or even hours lost each week just trying to locate a specific document or tool. Over time, these little disruptions can really add up.

First impressions matter, especially in business. If a client or potential partner walks into a cluttered office, it can create a negative impression. Clutter can make your business appear disorganized, unprofessional, and unreliable. A tidy and organized workspace, on the other hand, conveys professionalism and attention to detail

Decluttering can be as simple as sorting through what you need and what you don’t or even just moving everything into reliable storage solutions until you need certain tools or equipment. But, of course, you’ll also need to learn how to let go of things that have absolutely no use. Space planning can help, too. For the most part, decluttering is a mental challenge more than anything else. So, with that said, how can it be good for business?

Decluttering your workspace can lead to a significant boost in productivity. When everything has its place, and you can easily find what you need, you spend less time searching for items and more time focusing on your work. Having an organized environment allows you to streamline your processes, reducing the time spent on mundane tasks and freeing up time for more important activities. Plus, when you can’t find something, it usually puts you in a bad mood, too, right? That will be a thing of the past!

There’s no guarantee that the stress will drop down by a lot, but it will at least drop down a little bit, and that alone is super helpful. To a degree, decluttering can create a sense of calm and control, reducing stress and anxiety. When your surroundings are orderly, it’s easier to maintain a clear mind and stay focused on your goals. This improved mental state can lead to better decision-making and overall well-being.

If you have a cluttered workspace, it’s going to be hard to create behind-the-scenes marketing content for your social media profile. Having a cleaner space makes it easier to create content and help give your social media pages a boost.

Decluttering aspects of your business is only going to help you – start now and reap all of the above benefits!

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