As a Decluttering and Organising coach, it’s a big part of my job to guide others in creating calmer, more streamlined lives. But here’s a little secret – I’ve got a few unconventional tools in my personal toolkit that keep me balanced, productive, and ready to tackle whatever the day throws my way. Some might surprise you! Here are twelve things I turn to that can make all the difference.
1. Acupuncture and Energy Healing
Yes, you read that right! To me, wellbeing isn’t just physical – it’s energy, too. Regular acupuncture and energy healing sessions help keep me in tune with my own needs and stay centered. If I’m grounded, I’m much better at helping others do the same. And I find this kind of care keeps my mind clear and my energy stable. When you’re in the business of helping others clear out mental clutter, clearing your own is essential!
Try it yourself: Even if acupuncture isn’t your thing, consider finding a regular practice – like yoga, stretching, or breathwork – to keep your energy balanced. Consistency is key to seeing (and feeling) the benefits.
2. Visualisation and Guided Meditation
Visualisation is powerful, whether I’m setting goals for my clients, planning my own day/week/year, or just trying to settle my mind for a good sleep. A quick guided meditation sets a calm, focused tone, giving me a clear vision of what I want to accomplish.
Try it yourself: Start your day with a 5-minute visualisation. Picture a calm, productive day and focus on what’s most important to you. There are great apps for this, or just sit quietly and imagine the day unfolding positively. You don’t need a fancy set up, I’ve done this while waiting in the carpark for my kids to finish school – engine off folks.
3. Essential Oils
I *might* have a bit of an essential oil problem. I have a whole drawer of them in my kitchen and a few bottles around the place too. They are so useful for any time I want to shift my mood or energy. A quick sniff of citrus for energy or lavender for calm is a simple, effective reset.
Try it yourself: You probably already own an oil diffuser or have been gifted a roller bottle of magic at some point. USE IT! If you’re on the go, pop a small vial of essential oil in your bag. When you need a little pick-me-up or a calm moment, take a few deep breaths. It’s like a mini-break in a bottle.
4. My Trusty Ear Pods
These little devices are my portable productivity tool. Whether I’m listening to a podcast, an audio book, a motivational playlist, or taking a quick break to centre myself, my ear pods keep me connected, inspired, and in my zone.
Try it yourself: Load up a playlist that motivates you or a podcast that aligns with your goals. Use those in-between moments – waiting in line, commuting, or walking – to fuel your mind or unwind.
5. Curated Playlists to Set the Mood
Most of us know the power of music to set the mood in the gym or the bedroom 😉, but the right playlist can work wonders in other areas of life too. I use instrumental tracks with a laidback beat to help me focus at my desk, upbeat sing-alongs for cleaning the kitchen, and calming vibrations for a relaxing bath. I even have a playlist full of songs that make me feel strong, empowered, and ready to manifest good things into my life. Music is like a secret weapon for shifting your mindset and energy instantly.
Try it yourself: Create playlists for different moods or tasks. Need to focus? Try instrumental or lo-fi beats. Tackling chores? Queue up your favourite sing-alongs. For unwinding, experiment with meditative sounds or healing frequencies. A few tailored playlists can turn everyday moments into powerful, mood-boosting rituals. If you’re just starting out, most streaming music services have playlists curated for you. For example, I’m listening to this one on Spotify now.
6. Good Bra and Comfortable Shoes
It sounds basic, but when you’re on your feet and running between clients, comfort is everything. A good bra and supportive shoes are my personal essentials. Oh! And don’t put up with sh!tty socks that fall down or bunch up either!
Try it yourself: Don’t overlook the basics! Invest in comfortable, high-quality basics, especially for the parts of your day that demand the most from you. Your future self will thank you.
If “comfortable bra” feels like an oxymoron, I hear you! My girl, Aristea, changed that for me – thank me later.
7. Walking with Friends
Walking is good for the body, but walking with a friend? That’s nothing short of therapy baby. It’s time to connect, unwind, and get moving.
Try it yourself: Find a friend who’s game for a regular walk-and-talk. You’ll get fresh air, exercise, and some solid connection time – all wrapped up in one.
8. Cooler Bag with Snacks
Remember when you used to get your lunch packed for you and you didn’t have to think about what you wanted, it just happened? When I’ve got a busy day, having snacks in a cooler bag in the car keeps me going without needing to stop or grab unhealthy choices. Mothering myself and making sure future-me is taken care of – past me can be so lovely ❤️.
Try it yourself: Keep a small cooler bag with simple, energising snacks like nuts, fruit, those little tins of tuna or beans, ready meals that don’t need heating or refrigeration or a favourite protein bar. It’s a lifesaver on long days and keeps your energy (and mood) steady.
9. Regular Personal Appointments
Keeping regular “me-time” appointments like an eyebrow excavation every four weeks is a small ritual that keeps me refreshed and prioritising myself. These routines remind me to take care of myself amidst the busyness.
Try it yourself: Schedule small personal appointments or self-care rituals that make you feel your best. Whether it’s a haircut, a massage, or a coffee date with a friend, regular appointments keep you grounded and renewed.
10. Pre-Determined Boundaries
Boundaries aren’t just important with people – they’re important for my daily routine, too. Setting clear limits on my work hours, protecting my exercise time, or even what I say yes to helps me avoid burnout. These little boundaries are like guardrails, so I can move through the day without feeling stretched thin.
Try it yourself: Decide on a few boundaries that will help protect your time and energy, like setting phone-free times or limiting how many commitments you take on in a day or week. Once you’ve got those boundaries in place, decision-making becomes simpler, and your mental load lighter.
11. Signature Colours to Streamline Choices
Having a set palette of colours is more than just branding – it’s a mental shortcut that simplifies decisions. From choosing what to wear to creating branded materials, I’ve got my go-to colours. Sticking with these makes styling and content creation feel effortless and cohesive, saving my energy for bigger decisions.
Try it yourself: Pick a few colours you love and that make you feel confident. Let these become your “signature.” They’ll help you build a wardrobe or style that reflects who you are without all the guesswork.
12. Decluttering Your Time with Quick Resets
I often tell clients that decluttering isn’t a one-time thing, and the same goes for time management. By building small, intentional “resets” into my day, I keep my focus sharp and avoid overwhelm.
Try it yourself: Schedule brief breaks between tasks or at the beginning or end of the day to mentally reset. Use these resets to stretch, breathe, eat, or quickly tidy your space. You’ll come back more focused and energised.