lifestyle - Shayo Blooms

Sorting out the clutter within and around your workspace may seem less like a tool to improve your efficiency as a remote worker, but it is what it is.

Decluttering can be satisfying and when properly done, it gives you a sense of control that is absolutely empowering.

A lot of times we keep things around because we used to need them or think we might need them but that’s not how it always goes and most of these things just end up taking space. When this happens, the joy of having them around fades into some sort of irritation and frustration but by then, we are already too attached to let go. Still, you have to.

Living with or working around excessive stuff can cause you to constantly feel overwhelmed and lead you to procrastination because you already feel exhausted before getting to the things that need to be done.

So, first, think of decluttering your workspace as a way to put your life in order. The same reason why you wouldn’t want irrelevant things or persons to get attached to you is the same reason why you need to let go of anything in your workspace that no longer serves you. And, that reason is as simple as you need to breathe.

Although papers always seem handy and useful, they are one of the easiest ways to clog your workspace and since you work at home with no janitor to pick up after you, it’s very easy to pile them up.

Gather all the papers and carefully look through them to determine what stays and what goes. You may want to keep that piece you doodled on while having a crazy negotiation but remember that if it is not important, it has to go.

If you’re the type who manages stress by doodling, you should consider getting a sketch pad to keep all your doodles in one place instead of having pieces of paper or sticky notes filled with them lying around.

Getting rid of pens can be quite challenging but not only does keeping old pens around take up space, they can be very frustrating when you need one the most. So, save yourself the stress of having to search for a pen that works from a pile of old pens in the middle of a meeting on a sunny Monday afternoon.

Breaking ties with the past can be very difficult but letting go of damaged cables, outdated documents, broken gadgets and lots more, can show you that it’s okay to let go of other bigger things in your life that you’ve held onto for so long.

Also note that decluttering doesn’t always mean throwing things away. Sometimes, all you need to do is sort and organize things accordingly. Doing this helps you to know where to look when you need a thing instead of wasting your time.

Decluttering helps you get organized, manage space appropriately, save time, and working in such an environment is great for your ultimate productivity. Find time to declutter this month, you’d be glad you did.

If you love the content you get from Shayo Blooms, recommend it using the social share buttons below. Want to get expert advice about Network Marketing and working from home? Then leave a comment below or contact me for speaking engagements. Don't forget to subscribe to my mailing list.

Everyone loves a day off but not everyone spends the day productively. Just because it’s a no work day doesn’t mean you can’t do something exciting and productive. After all, being productive is not limited to your day job alone.

I understand that for a lot of people work is only fulfilling and enjoyable as long as it pays the bills, and as a result you may be not be thrilled at the thought of a day off.

This is absolutely relatable especially if you’ve got your hands full with kids and a side hustle or small business running aiming to thrive at all cost, then chances are you never truly get the day off because you either spend your days off checking your social media analytics, working on your accounts, or attending to emails from school teacher to suppliers.

Let’s not get into how unhealthy it is for you mentally and emotionally to not cut yourself some slacks and take a break. I’m sure you know your general wellbeing is affected when you don’t find time to relax.

So, in this piece, we’re going to explore 3 highly productive and exciting ways for you to enjoy your days off as a 9 to 5 worker.

First, do something you love. Day in day out, you are stuck with things you have to do – to survive. This time, do something you love to do, something that would be worth remembering in years to come.

If there’s a cause you’re passionate about, make enquiries about volunteering opportunities in that regard that fall on your day off and just do it. It may sound like work but if you’re really passionate about it, you’d take it as an opportunity to help the world in your own way,

You may also schedule some random acts of kindness that don’t require you to be part of any organization. For example, you may want to lend a hand in a community project, visit a children’s hospital, or care home, to read them stories or play any instrument of your choice to put a smile on their faces and yours.

Another way you can productively manage your day off is to schedule some me time. This maybe a little difficult if you have kids but with adequate preparation, you can sort that. You can start the day with scented candles, calming music, and deep meditation then take a trip to the spa for some relaxing massage – your joints and muscles will be grateful! Or, go shopping – buy yourself something that you have always wanted. You can also cook your favorite meal or try a new recipe if that’s something you’d love.

Lastly, go on a road trip. Nothing beats new sights, scenes, places, people, etc. Don’t think about it too much, just pack a bag and some groceries, get on a train or drive yourself, alone or with your family and/or friends, and go somewhere you’ve never been too.

This is a perfect way to spend your day off productively because you leave everything behind and get lost in the beauty of the roads ahead. It is re-energizing and can help you clear your head for fresh ideas.

In essence, the next time you get a day off, don’t just spend the entire day in front of the TV on the couch, do something different.

It is summer and kids are eager to play and exercise outside, however this is extremely dangerous for some kids, especially in the United Kingdom. The past few weeks have been critical for citizens in the United Kingdom as they recorded temperatures over 40C (104F), which led to fire blazes. High temperatures are dangerous, making healthy living difficult for both children and their caregivers. However, it is possible to stay safe during this heatwave.

Firstly, parents are encouraged to keep an eye on any symptoms. Hot weather causes loss of body fluids which can lead to dehydration, skin rash, irritability or weakness. As soon as you notice any unusual symptoms, contact your paediatrician.

Other symptoms in babies include:

Refusal to drink
Dry skin
Dizziness
Extreme exhaustion
Fever
Vomiting

All of these are symptoms that you should look out for in your children, as ignoring them can lead to more complications. While this blog post does not prescribe any form of treatment for these symptoms, you will learn a few tips to combat the heat and protect your children from heat-treated diseases. 'Water is life', you must have heard this a couple of times. Well, water is much needed at a time like this. So, keep your kids hydrated. Encourage them to drink water and ensure that it is easily available. If you are going out, take along some water bottles.

Children who are breastfeeding should be fed more frequently, especially for mothers practicing exclusive breastfeeding. Besides water, getting sunscreen is important. Sunscreen with an SPF is recommended for children above the age of six months. Whenever you are going out, apply sunscreen on your kids and yourself and save yourself from skin burn. Furthermore, when you are indoors, keep your rooms cool by closing curtains, especially if your room is facing the sun. Using a fan or air conditioner in the room is beneficial.

According to a speech by the UK Cabinet Office Minister, “People need to take care, do all the stuff they would do when it is very hot – wear a hat, drink water – but critically also the most vulnerable groups – the elderly, those with cardiovascular problems and the very young – that people look out for them and take care."Finally, the NHS advises parents to give babies a cool bath before bedtime and keep nightwear to a minimum. Ensure that your baby sleeps at a room temperature between 16C and 20C, you can monitor the room's temperature with a nursery temperature.

Have you ever considered why you miss deadlines and fail at certain routines? Whether as a student, 9-5er, or freelancer, you are probably looking for the best ways to achieve your daily goals within 24 hours. What if I told you 24 hours is enough to achieve your goals? Yes, you read that right. Whatever you want to achieve, or become, there is enough time.

The truth is proper time management is essential to growth. Using an effective time planner, schedule list, and setting reminders can help you achieve any goal you have in mind. Spending each minute in the day properly will help you experience maximum productivity and enjoy great personal organization. Ideally, everyone is capable of time management if they practice healthy habits. Nevertheless, if you don't have enough discipline to help you become efficient, you need time management. Most importantly, you may need some time management resources to help you plan your time and daily activities.

Here are some time management tips for you.

1. Use a time planner

The first time management tool you need is a time planner. You need to organize your day, schedules, activities, and many more. There are several available options for time planners, which includes the electronic versions available for smartphones. Interestingly, these time planners can be used for all activities. For example, executives may need planners for their meetings, conferences, or reminders for follow-up. On the other hand, remote workers or stay-at-home mums might need planners for daily exercise reminders, etc.

2. Work From A List

Every successful executive works from a duly master list. Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Mitchell Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and many others have often shared how they spend each. Having a daily list is a powerful tool because it helps you discover your minimum and maximum productivity level in the day. To create your daily list, start by writing down each task you plan to achieve at the end of the day. This will increase your effectiveness by 25%.

3. Focus on things that matter.

According to Eisenhower's decision strategy, it is possible to stay productive every day of the year with simple organizations. Using the decision matrix, you can separate your actions based on four possibilities:

Urgent and important (tasks you will do immediately).
Important, but not urgent (tasks you will schedule to do later).
Urgent, but not important (tasks you will delegate to someone else).
Neither urgent nor important (tasks that you will eliminate).

Examples of urgent and important tasks may include making breakfast for your kids or delivering a pitch to a prospective client who is never available. While some tasks may seem very urgent, they are not important, hence you must understand where each task falls. Setting your work schedules every day helps you prioritize the important activities.

3. Leverage project management apps.

Several project management apps allow you to create detailed projects that you want to assign to your team or complete. Whether you need apps for team structuring, management, or virtual meeting reminders, there are all available for smartphones.

For example, Trello allows you to work on tasks alongside your team. It has some features that allow you to divide your tasks into 'to do, 'in progress, and 'completed'.

Another app to help you break down large tasks into smaller milestones is the My Life Organized. If you get easily overwhelmed with your daily tasks, you might need the MyLifeOrganized app to navigate your daily activities. Utilizing time management apps is important, more so, many of them are free of charge. This way, nothing is stopping you from checking them out.

Finally, if you are looking for the best way to improve your daily productivity, you should identify priorities, and avoid distractions.

It is summer, another time for water play, playground activities, and some family fun. While summer is a time for some fun, playing, and catching up with friends in the neighborhood, it can be difficult for parents. Starting with home accidents, sunburn, and dehydration, these things can happen during summer. This is because summer is warmer, and many children have the backyard, playground, and pets to themselves. However, there are certain items that you need to put in place to help your kids make the best use of summer.

Firstly, there is a need to protect your kids' skin from the sun. While spending time in the sun is good, the excess sun can be harmful to your skin. Hence, there is a need for some sunscreen to protect their skin from getting sunburns. On the other hand, the skin is not the only thing to protect during summer. If your kids love water play, getting them water shoes is a must-have. Water shows protect their little feet from getting wet and cold. Interestingly, water shoes are always handy even if your kids don’t like water plays. This is because they are sturdy and slip-resistant when the ground is wet.

Are you considering visiting the park any time soon? You need a bug spray (mosquito repellant). There are several mosquito repellants in the stores, but the ideal product is a hypoallergenic and DEET-free bud spray. However, if you want your kids to spend the summer indoors, because of accidents and falls, an indoor playground is essential. The playground can be kept in your playroom, so your kids can play during the rain or when it is hot. Most playgrounds are mobile, and they are durable and sturdy.

Meanwhile, if your kids are under 3 years, getting them a balance bike can make their summer the most enjoyable. Your kids can drive through the street and your compound without getting injured or falling. A balance bike is the perfect “first bike” for every child. For kids who do not fancy bikes, getting them a scooter is important. While scooters are for everyone, both adults and children, allowing your kids to own a scooter can be a great way to keep them busy during summer.

Finally, if you are worried about your kids' health this summer, you might consider visiting the hospital to discuss the best ways to prevent different child diseases. Vaccinating your children against certain epidemic diseases such as chicken pox, and flu (influenza) during this summer is also important.

Working from home to stay, and we are here for it. If you happen to enjoy not having to deal with the stress of commuting or tolerating annoying co-workers for at least eight hours every work day, you’re going to love this piece.

Despite being a great feeling to work from home, oftentimes it can be bothersome having to set up a place to work inside the house because at the office, all you need to be productive and comfortable is usually provided by the management. But when you are a remote worker, it is all up to you.

So, how do you make your office space more attractive and comfortable?

The first thing to consider is the amount of space you need to design your office and work with it. You don’t have to use up all the space there is, nor do you have to give up on owning a home office due to lack of space.

Once you have figured out how much space you need and compared it to what you have, next think of the lighting. Some people love dark mode and their creative juices flow better in a dark room, but it’s not the same for everyone. Also, you may need to jump on video meetings once in a while, and you don’t want to appear like a shadow on the call.

So, you might want to consider picking a space close to a dependable source of lighting – be it artificial and natural. Once settled, pick your colors. Most offices are painted in the brand’s colors or grey or white etc., but you may want to do something entirely far from that, especially if bad memories from working in an office still haunt you. So, pick a color that allows you to breathe and be your best while at work.

Another thing to consider is the nearness of cable ports. Depending on the kind of job that you do, you might need to plug in a lot of stuff and you don’t want to be travelling around the house to connect your computer or print out a mail. So, ensure the sockets are close by.

Next, invest in your comfort and get yourself a comfy chair and table. You are probably going to spend the most time sitting at your table, so don’t skip this part. One of the ways to remain productive at work is to be in good health, and you don’t want to be dealing with any form of discomfort in your back, neck, or buttocks while at it. Also, consider getting a back pillow for additional comfort.

Once you have your table and chair, set up your table by arranging your stationery and other necessities for easier reach. Also, endeavor to make the room as personal as possible (there’s no nosy co-worker to deal with, so why not?). This part is necessary because you need to feel at home in your workplace, and bringing a few personal things to the space can ridiculously transform your remote office.

Bring some nature into the room with some green plants, like the Spider plant and peperomia plant. Having some plants will spice up your mood and brighten your day. Moreover, placing some inspiring art and quotes on your mood is also capable of elevating your mood. Coffee lover? Bring in a coffee maker and a music player to get over those anxieties and creative blocks while working.

Do you know pleasant scents can influence your brain activity and improve productivity? Whether you like some essential oil, air fresheners or candles, amazing scents can make your office comfortable.

In summary, if you consider carefully the options listed above, your office space will look professional yet give you room to be as casual as possible. Just ensure you never get caught in a video meeting in your pajamas.

Rest is good for the body, but if we are being honest, a lot of us have become couch potatoes in the name of resting. Truthfully, there is a thin line between what we call resting and a sedentary lifestyle. But our bodies are not meant to decide for us what to do with them, instead, it should be the other way round. We are in the best position to take care of our bodies, and today we are going to look at some simple exercises to combat a sedentary lifestyle and improve activeness.

But first, why is a sedentary lifestyle detrimental to our bodies?

According to National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPH), not getting enough physical activity can lead to heart disease, raise a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, or increase the risk of many cancers, including cancers of the breast, colon, and uterus. Also note that living a sedentary lifestyle can cause you to burn a few calories less than your body requires, leading to weight gain. You can also lose muscle strength due to not using your muscles enough. Poor blood circulation, weak bones, and not-so-strong immune systems are also some other downsides of being inactive physically.

Now, this is not to scare you, but as much as we always keep it positive on this end, we need to keep it real as well. We need our bodies in the right shape to be able to function in business, family, careers, etc. and as such we have to wage war against physical inactivity. As we already know, the disadvantages of a sedentary lifestyle include health risks as we have mentioned earlier and that means that getting it fixed promises us a healthier lifestyle.

However, creating a new normal is going to require some conscious effort. If you have a daily routine of moving less and sitting or lying more, try to cultivate the habit of taking a walk. The goal is to transition from immobile to mobile, so get up and walk. You can walk around your house or down the street or from one room to the other, just ensure you get up from that bed or seat and walk. This may sound simple, but it is very easy to forget that you need to walk so, set timers to remind you to walk – to get groceries or back from the movies. You can take a walk with friends, walk your dog, or walk alone, but if you work from home and have to sit throughout the day, this is highly recommended.

Likewise, if you spend most of the time in an office with a bit of movement here and there, you might want to use the stairs – if available – rather than an elevator or escalator. Your body needs an adequate amount of movement to stay in shape and as much as you want to live the soft life you have been working for, you cannot afford to be too soft on your body. Another thing to do is to develop a new hobby that would grant you enough room for physical activities such as gardening, swimming, jogging, dancing, or biking.

Lastly, suppose you are finding it difficult to combat your sedentary lifestyle and improve activeness with any of these tips, you can try making yourself accountable to a friend or relative who can keep tabs on you. After all, what are friends for?

Running a business, and managing a career, can be a burden for anyone. For most career women, their days feel filled with so many interruptions like meetings with the boards, interviews, and pitches. Besides these workloads, women constantly juggle between their commitments to their families and work, making balance difficult. Owning to the fact many women are climbing the strata of success in the corporate world, questions on work-life balance has become a major issue for women in general.

Over the years, different women across the globe have succeeded in maximizing both their personal and professional life. Some of these women are business leaders, entertainment moguls, fashionistas, athletes, and entrepreneurs. This article is focused on sharing lessons on how the 3 most influential women manage their lives.

Michelle Obama: Former First Lady of The United States of America.

Have you ever imagined what it would feel like to be the First lady of a country? The national responsibilities to shoulder. Regardless, of these roles, Michelle has proved that a work-life balance is possible. The big question is how did she achieve that?

To begin, prioritize the help of people around you. These people could be your partner, parents, or siblings. This allows room for you to keep an eye on your physical and mental health. Like Michelle once said. ‘If I am healthy and happy, then I am going to be a better support to my spouse and children'. Therefore, start by working on your physical and mental health. Create some personal rules to govern your choices, and learn to consider your kids as you climb your strides.

Sheryl Sandberg, Former COO of Facebook

Most workplaces place a disproportionate burden on female workers. Meanwhile, women are still fighting labor and salary disparity in their organizations. However, Sheryl has not only succeeded in a male-dominated industry but also managed to inspire younger women on the best ways to lean in and explore their potential.

Every woman is capable of becoming frontiers in their organization. Consequently, making child support or hiring extra staff accessible. Undoubtedly, managing the home proves to be difficult because of financial restrictions. Hence, scaling your career to increase your income makes work-life balance realistic. In the same manner, negotiate with your colleagues and bosses to provide opportunities that improve your relationship with your spouse and kids.

Melinda Gates, Cofounder Gates Foundation

Career advancement is a big deal, especially for women with younger children. Sometimes, these women are trying to fit into an aggressive environment and intense work. On a contrary, you can experience a great career push without an aggressive-toxic environment. Moreover, you must discover where you fit in. Ask questions about your industry, explore options and make the right choices. Learn to trust your instincts, find your way and develop your leadership style. Do not be scared of leaving when you don’t fit in.

In summary, it is refreshing to see women leading. Thus, I believe finding work-life balance is possible with a handful of successful women across the globe.

There are a couple of reasons why your skin may be looking dull and aged, regardless of your skin type. Having dry skin is usually a sign that your skin is not retaining moisture. This could be a result of using soaps that are harsh on your skin, constant bathing, the weather, or some medical conditions.

The skin mostly reflects the level of humidity around it, and low humidity, whether indoors or outdoors can dry up the skin. If you live in very cold climes, your skin may become dry in winter regardless of whether it is oily, combination, or naturally dry skin.

According to a post by the American Association of Dermatology, dry skin can flake, itch, crack and even bleed. If you're dealing with any of these symptoms, one of the best ways to relieve the skin of this discomfort is by moisturizing.

Moisturizing is necessary because it helps to rehydrate the topmost layer of your skin cells and seal in the moisture. Skin experts have warned against taking steamy hot showers or too many baths in a day because they tend to strip your skin of its oily layer which causes it to lose moisture.

It has been advised that you should limit your showers to nothing more than 5-10 minutes daily and you should also use warm water rather than hot water to keep your skin's natural oils and maintain moist and smooth skin.

Asides from hot baths, another thing you should avoid or limit is your use of soaps. If necessary, wash with soaps free of fragrance. Perfumed soaps. deodorant soaps or alcohol-based products can strip your skin of its natural oils and we want to ensure that they stay intact.

The same goes for your laundry; avoid detergents with fragrance and fabric softeners, or ensure you don't use them on clothes that have direct contact with your skin. Remember, you can't control the weather but you can choose your soap.

Also, bath sponges, scrubs, and washcloths are another set of seemingly not harmful things that hurt your skin and leave your skin dry and should be avoided or swapped for products with a lighter touch and that gentle feel on your skin. Although you may be used to rubbing your towel roughly all over your skin after a shower, try patting gently as you wipe going forward and you'd feel the difference. Once done, liberally apply your moisturizer to your damp skin and let it soak in.

However, if you don't already have a moisturizer, here are a few DIY moisturizing tips for you that can be easily put together from your pantry.

• Coconut oil - This contains fatty acids with emollient properties i.e fat or oil that acts as a moisturizer by filling the gap between skin cells and creating a smooth surface. You don't have to mix it with anything and it can be used daily even on sensitive areas of the body such as underneath your eyes and around your mouth.

• Honey - Honey is beneficial to the skin in more ways than one. It has moisturizing, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. As a completely natural product, honey is safe to use on the skin.

• Oatmeal - Whether you are adding it to your bath or purchasing a cream that contains it, oatmeal is another great source of antioxidant and anti-inflammation that can help relieve dry skin, especially if it's itching.

• Petroleum jelly - You probably have one lying around somewhere in your apartment right now but are you aware that as mineral oil, petroleum jelly helps to cover your skin in a protective layer that traps moisture underneath? Well, it does and the result is a relief from dry and irritated skin patches.

This list could go on but even with all of these options, if you're not actively looking out for your skin at all times, they may not work for you. Lastly, extreme dryness of your skin may be an indication of a serious medical condition. So, if the home remedies aren't working, please see a doctor.

Fashion is as old as the mountains of the world and it has evolved with a man over decades and centuries, yet there is still an unending struggle to get it right. Oftentimes, in a bid to look elegant and stylish, most people step out of their apartments looking the opposite of what they had in mind.

But, what exactly does it mean to make a fashion statement? In my opinion, it is a bold way of dressing up and showing up without looking ridiculous or out of place yet still leaving a lasting impression in the minds of everyone. It is also the fine art of not blending into the crowd; the act of standing out.

A friend once told me of a young couple who showed up to an engagement party in matching grey shorts, dark green tees, brown cowboy hats, and black boots. They looked great in their fit but the room
was filled with men and women of different races and tribes swaying to the tune of a classic jazz performance, all dressed in elegant black evening dresses and stylish tuxedos. Of course, they stood out like a sore thumb and heads turned in their direction but they were denied access to the rest of the party.

Although it's great to stand out, the ultimate key to making a fashion statement is ensuring that your look fits the occasion. I’m sure you know that you can’t turn up to a wedding in a bikini or the gym in a pair of blazers even if you feel like it. In essence, making a fashion statement is not just about wearing what feels right for you.

Another tip is to dress comfortably. While it is okay to explore fashion and step out of your comfort zone once in a while, the trick is to know how to balance it out. Imagine pitching to an audience of potential investors about your business and they can hardly concentrate on your pitch deck because your eyes are teary from wearing faux lashes for the first time.

That’s not a good one.

Always ensure that your dressing leaves room for you to breathe, move, and shine without obstructions.

Finally, master your style.

Everyone has a style. It is our means of expressing our true selves through various mediums, including but not limited to our choice of fabrics, colors, patterns, hairstyles, accessories, and more. Still, it is unfortunate that as unique as our styles are, most people often choose to walk in the shadows of other people's styles. While it’s not wrong to hop on a fashion trend, I think trends should fit into your style and not the other way round.

If you want to make a statement at any event, you need to create your style and own it. And repetition is key to owning a style.

The same way you repeatedly and consistently put your business in the face of people so that they can remember you as the owner is the same way you should slip your style into any look for any occasion, every time. Remember, fashion statements can be great or naaahhhh but you have a choice to decide which one it gets to be.

Here are some time management tips for you.

Menu