It’s a mad, mad world.
(queue Gary Jules ‘Mad World’ song…now.)
We live in a time when we are forever “plugged in.”
And it’s exhausting!
Here are a few of my tips I use to keep myself sane as the world spins around me.
- Kroger’s CheckList- Many Kroger stores are now allowing customers to place their orders online or through their app via CheckList. It is so amazing! The first 3 times are free, then it’s only $4.99.
Basically, you place your order online, set a pickup time, drive to the CheckList drive up area, call the number that the pickup area specifies and they load your groceries in your car. I’m not sure I’ll ever go into a store again.Yes, they still accept coupons, all my produce items have been good, and if they are out of an item they will upgrade you to a similar product for the cheaper price. They will go over upgraded items or out of stock items when they speak with you and they will be highlighted on your receipt.
Also, if you don’t already use the Kroger app it has tons of coupons you can automatically add to your Kroger Plus card. I’m always surprised at how many people have no clue this is available.
- Turn Off Notifications- As a business owner, and someone who works from home, it is easy to blur the lines between work time and at home/relax time. It is a constant struggle for me. It is also difficult to take yourself “off the clock” when you are constantly getting email reminders on your phone during dinner. Email is so readily available and when I read an email, but can’t respond right away, it stresses me to the max. So, I just recently turned off my email notifications. I also try not to look at email on my days off, which are Saturday-Monday (except when I have weddings.) Not to say I don’t cheat here and there, but I’m trying to make this the norm.
- Crockpot Meals- I loooove crockpots and this time of year is perfect to take advantage of how easy the meals are to make. I don’t always cook on the evenings I have photo sessions, since my husband is awesome and will cook too, but it’s so nice to throw all the ingredients in the crockpot, turn it on and have a meal ready when we get home.
Just search “crockpot meals” on Pinterest and go to town.
- Amazon’s Subscribe and Save- How many of you love buying that enormous value pack of toilet paper at the store?
That’s what I thought. No one does. They are huge, awkward in your cart and no matter what, you always feel like other shoppers are judging you. You think… “These people think I never leave the bathroom”
Anyway, here are just a few things on my Subscribe & Save list-
Tide pods, dish soap, Ziploc bags, magic erasers, k-cups, toothpaste, granola bars, tissues and yes, toilet paper.
Things you use all the time are perfect for this. Delivery dates are easy to change and you can always skip a month. Also, each item can be skipped and scheduled to come every month, every other month, every 4 months, or even every 6 months. It it totally customizable and you are never locked in.
You also get free shipping and save 15% if you have 5 or more items with your delivery. I was nervous to start, thinking I didn’t want to be obligated to place an order every month, but you don’t have to and it is so easy to find things you need to fill an order. - Roomba- My mom bought my husband and me a Roomba sweeper a few years ago for Christmas and it is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. I love him (yes, I’ve given our Roomba a gender and talk to him often).
We have mainly hardwood floors and it does a great job. It is also great with pet hair. This has changed my life as a pet owner and I will always have one of these little guys in my house. They are pricey, but in my opinion it is so worth it.
- Make a list- I am an avid list maker. If you could receive belts for various skill levels in list making, I would have a black or a red belt.
Now that I have you all very impressed and maybe a little intimidated… Okay, maybe not. Anyway, I constantly have a multitude of things to do and making a list is the only way I can remember to get anything done.
I have recently learned that it is best to keep your lists to about 6 items a day, so you don’t get too overwhelmed. It’s also good to start with the most important/time sensitive item, then tackle the most dreaded item on your list, so you can get them out of the way.
If you like making lists too, check out these two List project books…
The 52 Lists Project & 52 Lists for Happiness - Say “No”- I’m a people pleaser, and over time I have found that everyone, and I mean everyone, wants something from you, but there is only so much we each have to give. Now I’m not saying to only do things you want to do all the time. That “do only what makes you happy” mentality is not really one I try to live by. In my opinion, we are all on this planet for a reason and to do as many self serving things as possible is not that reason.
In a society that is constantly glorifying selfishness, I think we need to take a step back and try to think about others and help when we can, but know your limits. Try to balance your life by helping out whenever you can, but being able to kindly refuse and not let the guilt consume you when you do.
I know it may be hard for some of you to make “No.” a complete sentence. If someone asks something of me, I find it very difficult to say that single scary word, “No.”, but it is possible. It just takes practice.Hope these help you to live life a little more peacefully.