4 Tips to Help You Feel Like You “Have it All Together”
Growing up, my parents used to say: “the best time to learn something was 5 years ago. The second best time is right now.”
It used to annoy me to no end, because at 16 I just wanted results ASAP. Duh.
But as I get older, I realize that each and every new day poses an opportunity to grow, learn and change our lives for the better.
Pretty neat, huh? So- at 28- I became tired of feeling like I didn’t have my life together, and set off to implement some easy changes in my life to gain control and feel like I have it together.
Here are 4 simple- but powerful- lifestyle tips I’ve implemented on my 28th trip around the sun, that help me feel like I “finally have it all together.”
1. WASH YOUR FACE EVERY NIGHT
This one sucks- I KNOW.
I don’t even wear that much makeup- usually just eyeliner and mascara- but taking off my makeup and washing my face seems like an insurmountable task to me most nights. There’s nothing more incompatible with a long day of work like… more work. And whew: skincare is work.
I usually put off my nighttime routine until the. Very. Last. Minute. But each time I do, the chances of falling asleep with my makeup on increase by about… 3 million. And to make matters worse, my skin is shockingly sensitive– so not washing my face at night is simply not an option.
I’ve found that I’m more inclined to actually wash my face if I have a routine that I enjoy. Find what works with you, and make it fun! Consider adding a gua sha stone or a jade roller to your regime, or even find a facial yoga routine (yes, I do this and yes, it looks silly- who cares lol).
Whatever you do, just make sure that you’re washing your face, every night.
2. WORK OUT ONCE A DAY
This one is hard to do at first, and then… fun! Well. Not fun *per se* but definitely… rewarding.
Every single day, I try to fit in at least 10 minutes of a workout- whether it’s a brisk walk around the block, jogging on my parents treadmill, or a quick youtube ab workout.
It’s hard- and it’s definitely not been an easy habit to form- but I’ve absolutely been surprised by the results. I have more energy, I feel better overall, I sleep longer at night, and I naturally tend to eat healthier when I’m working out every day.
“AFTER A MONTH OR TWO OF WORKING OUT 30 MINUTES A DAY, YOU MAY HAVE INCREASED CONFIDENCE, A BOOST IN MOOD, BETTER SLEEP, AND ENHANCED MUSCLE TONE AND CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH. YOU MAY HAVE LOST SOME FAT, AND CLOTHES MIGHT FIT BETTER. WITHIN THREE OR FOUR MONTHS, YOU’LL SEE IMPROVED MUSCLE DEFINITION AND TONE.” –LIVESTRONG.COM
3. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR FINANCES
If a bill comes in the mail, add it to a folder designated for “bills and important papers”. If the bill needs to be paid immediately- DO IT. If it’s something you need to call the company about, DO IT. These things don’t go away, I’ve learned.
I’ve also experimented with a few savings/budgeting apps in efforts to be more fiscally responsible. Currently, what works best for me is simply setting aside a % of what I make each month into a Chime account (not sponsored) with the intention of using it for emergencies only.
It also helps to be aware of where you’re spending your money. How many times a week are you eating out? Do you really need to Uber everywhere?
Being financially responsible is a new concept to me- but at 28 I’m realizing that it’s never too late to start, and that the results will be wildly empowering.
4. CLEAN YOUR LIVING SPACE OFTEN
I always get a little anxiety about cleaning because it feels like I need to tackle every part of my house all in one go, and make a whole day of it. So I just avoid it- and then get more anxiety because my space becomes an absolute disaster.
But the trick is to take a few minutes each day to tidy in the morning and then again in the evening- this has really changed my mindset and made it more pleasant to live in my space.
Even just the act of making your bed in the morning can set you day off on an entirely different foot.
Curious minds need to know, what do YOU do to get your life together, that helps you feel like you “have it all together”?
