Daylight Savings Time…A Time to Check Your Battery
Each year at the daylight savings time switch we are reminded to check our smoke alarm batteries. Connecting the two activities helps us remember to do this vital home safety check. I think this is also a good time of year to step back and check our own personal “batteries”.
Have you been running on empty? Are you up a creek without a paddle? Has the well gone dry? Have you given so much that you just can’t give anymore?
Then take a moment to schedule some time to just Be. Be quiet. Be with yourself. Be with your thoughts. But just Be. Stop “doing” even if it is for an hour. Reflect and rejuvenate. Focus on just being. Giving yourself permission to have some quiet time will help you to adjust your internal compass. It will recharge your battery. In fact you will probably find that you are more productive after you slow down and take some time for yourself.
So schedule some “me time”….how about today?
What You Can Do Before the Holidays To Stress Less - Part 2
Here are five more tips to help you achieve the calm and peaceful holiday you have always wished for:
- Schedule time in your calendar now for holiday baking and cooking. Begin recipe collection and ingredient purchases for staples. Also plan to prepare and freeze a few make-ahead meals for busy days.
- If you plan to shower your loved ones with homemade gifts. Start your list now, inventory supplies, purchase additional materials, schedule craft time and determine a deadline.
- Inventory holiday decorations and supplies within the next week. Determine your shopping list and map out a timeline. Don’t forget to delegate or enlist help. Make decorating this year a family affair and even part of the holiday festivities.
- Begin gift shopping now if you haven’t already. Don’t forget to get those gifts that need to be mailed purchased first. Check the postal service website for package mailing deadlines.
- Start planning holiday storage for next year as you take things out. Resolve to put like things together. Determine new storage needs for current possessions and make a list for necessary storage containers. Organize storage areas in preparation for post celebration pack up.
Following even a few the the tips share in this post and the previous one can keep stress at bay this holiday season. Wishing you and yours a stress-less holiday!
What You Can Do Before the Holidays To Stress Less - Part 1
Organizing several tasks weeks prior to the December can reduce some of your holiday stress. So take some time now to plan for a calmer, more joyous holiday. Here are some ideas of tasks that you can begin accomplishing now:
- Determine your holiday travel plans now. Make reservations now. If you aren’t traveling, but planning holiday activities purchase those tickets now.
- Decide on dates and times for all holiday entertainment: parties, dinners and family gatherings. Email “save the date” messages to potential attendees. Start gathering recipes and lists.
- Make a list of gift recipients on an index card or in your planner. Include gift ideas and sizes. Request wish lists if you need help. Begin buying gifts and store them in a designated spot.
- Gather gift wrapping supplies. Create a wrapping station or make organize a tote with essential supplies. Simplify wrapping by using one color scheme. Start wrapping (don’t forget the tags) as you bring gifts home.
- Begin getting the holiday card process under control. Purchase cards early if your inventory is low. Schedule time to address cards over a few days. If you send a holiday letter, begin drafting it soon. Select a deadline to mail cards. And most importantly start updating your address list now.
By creating your holiday to-do list now, you can manage and avoid stress as well as enjoy the season.
Topics for Speaking Engagements
…providing education, inspiration and empowerment.
Michaeline is delighted to offer you a speaking service designed to support your specific event or program.
Most popular topics:
- Conquering Clutter
- Managing Stress and Clutter…What are Your Beliefs?
- Surviving the Holidays
- Personal Growth - Are You on the Right Ladder?
- Stress Management 101
- Move Your Stuff and Change Your Life
- Healthy Resolutions
- Manage Your Energy Not Your Time
- Healthy Habits
All topics are available as seminars, keynotes and training workshops.
“I want my presentations to inspire people in a personal way. I intend to empower them to think, feel and change.” ~Michaeline
The “Present ” Moment
Are you living in the present moment?
Many of us live in the “busyness” of today. Thinking about what didn’t get done or what we need to do tomorrow. So rarely are we present in the day. Maybe you are living with regrets for things that you haven’t accomplished or you are impatient for tomorrow?
Sometimes we just need to slow down and be “here” today. One way to do that is to sit quiet for 10 minutes. Focus on nothing, but your breath. Being with yourself for even this short time can energize and refresh you as well as center you.
Living in the “present” is a gift you can give yourself today. It is just 10 minutes. Try it.
About Michaeline Raczka, RD
Certified Life Coach, Motivational Speaker and Registered Dietitian
I believe that everyone has untapped potential. Our beliefs and our attitudes can significantly impact what we can achieve in our personal and professional life. That is why I am so dedicated to being a life coach.
As a registered dietitian (R.D.) I have provided individual and group nutrition coaching to support people as they made the changes necessary to live a healthier life. I have facilitated nutrition programs and taught nutrition at a local community college. I expanded my boundaries and started practicing “multi-skilling” before it was popular by becoming a health education coordinator and then a manager for community education and volunteers at a local hospital that is part of a major metropolitan health system. All these experiences helped me realize that a healthy body, mind and spirit together created unlimited possibilities.
During the last 10 years I became very interested in “clutter control” as part of stress management and developed a seminar Conquering Clutter. Doing the research and the work inspired me to gain control of the clutter or “stuff” that I have obtained from others and from my own life. It has also given me a unique perspective in supporting others as they seek to become “unstuck”. As they say…the rest is history.
My pursuit of becoming a life coach was the next obvious step for me and I am certified through Coach Training Alliance. I am a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the Professional Coaches Association of Michigan (PCAM). I am also a member of the local, state and national dietetic organizations and I have served on various boards including being elected president of my local and state associations.
I am passionate about supporting and empowering others to be the best that they can be. My mission is to inspire you to become unstuck by clearing clutter from your mind, body and space to conquer chaos and create harmony in your life.
Coaching is ideal for:
- Making meaningful choices through life’s transitions.
- Designing your ideal personal and business life.
- Decreasing stress and finding balance.
- Obtaining your goal weight or desired activity level.
- Focusing on possibilities and attracting what you want in life.