We spend one-third of our lives sleeping. But what if you are one of those people who has trouble winding down at the end of the day? What can you do to make yourself better able to shut down...so falling asleep is less of a challenge? Having a regular nighttime routine and sticking to it can work wonders when it comes to mentally shutting down at the end of the day.

For me, this involves a few things.

1) From about 8:30 on, I stop 'working.' This means no more making lists, writing, cleaning, brainstorming, or anything else that will make me feel like it is still go-time.

2) Doing something relaxing, such as sipping a cup of warm tea or soaking in a hot tub of bubbles helps to calm me and removes the stresses of the day.

3) I change out of my daytime clothes and into my pajamas which sends a message to my brain that it is time to unwind. I always wear 'real' pajamas with matching tops and bottoms, an outfit that I reserve ONLY for sleeping. Putting on sweatpants and T-shirts does not give me the same end-of-day feeling as a nice pair of PJs does.

4) Next, I go to my nightly skincare regimen of removing my makeup, washing, and moisturizing, followed by brushing my teeth.

5) When all of this is completed, I usually read for about 20 minutes. Although I read all types of books, I only read certain ones at this time of day. I never choose to read anything too heavy when I am in wind-down mode. How-to books, instruction manuals, or anything that requires a lot of concentration is always reserved for a time when I am not attempting to clear my head.

6) Reading with a book light (or nightstand light), instead of an overhead light, also tends to make me feel more sleepy and ready to call it a day. Although experts advise against it, I do sometimes read through my Facebook feed as a wind-down technique. I do, however, make sure that I significantly lower the brightness on my tablet since our sleep cycles are related to daylight and light in general.

7) If you sleep better with a little bit of background noise, a low running fan or quietly playing a sound machine can create just enough of a distraction to block out any disturbing outside noises and successfully lull you to the wonderful world of sleep. Every now and then, I'll actually use an app on my iPhone called 'Relax Melodies'...and I'll set it on a timer of 15 minutes to the sounds of a river, an ocean, or rain.

Wishing you peaceful and restful evenings ahead.

Be Your Very Best Self with
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Our lives pull is in many different directions. It's on these paths that we find joy, inner peace, laughter, wisdom, compassion, serenity, balance, love, creativity, motivation, inspiration, and fulfillment.

It's very easy to step off these paths and spend the majority of our time hanging out in the alleys of TO DOs, obligations, and chores. Of course, we have to hang out in those areas for a little while each day, but life can be so much more than that...if we allow it.

I love to write about things that take our thoughts and minds 'beyond the alleys' so to speak...perspectives and ideas that inspire and entertain.

In light of this, my ANYTHING and EVERYTHING resource is filled to the brim with personal stories, humor, countless ideas that anyone can benefit from, easy creativity projects, delicious foods, monthly assignments for a more balanced life, very cool things I've learned, recommendations on movies I've watched, books I've read, and products I've used, ways to enjoy your social time...and your time with friends and family, what I do to make my own life easier and more fun, unique adventures you can take right in your own town or nearby, ways to stay fit and healthy, ideas to look and feel your very best...it's way too much to even list!

ANYTHING and EVERYTHING is created in full color...you can print it out if you'd like...or read it on your tablet or laptop. Each month, you can relax and enjoy it while snuggled on your sofa with a cup of tea, outside on your patio in the fresh air, in a park while you're listening to the birds sing--whatever strikes your fancy.

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In a nutshell, ANYTHING and EVERYTHING is your perfect companion for being your best self...and living the life you were meant to live...the beautiful life!

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Organizing Kids: Make Your child's teacher a Teacher Survival Kit
getorganizednow.com/organizing-kids-teacher-survival-kit.html



Organizing Men: Become an involved father or grandfather.here's how
getorganizednow.com/organizing-men-involved-father-grandfather.html



Dirty Little Secret 1: Feeling under the weather? Here's my go-to soup for colds...made in minutes
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-soup-colds.html



Dirty Little Secret 2: My socks and tights are beautifully organized in my drawer. Here's what I do...
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-socks-tights.html



Dirty Little Secret 3: After applying my makeup, I do this one thing so everything blends perfectly. Here's what it is...
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-makeup-blends.html



Organizing Quick Tip: Be more positive.attack negativity with this simple tool
getorganizednow.com/organizing-quick-tip-negativity.html



Mini Challenges: September is a super time to do some updating...here are 5 challenges related to updates you can do easily. Have fun getting them done
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In ADDITION, on our home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

Social Media Spotlight: Rather than buying tons of wrapping paper, do this
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New Web Poll? What social media do you use? Take our web poll and let us know. It only takes a second, and you'll be able to see up-to-the-minute results
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September Checklist: Autumn is the perfect time of year to turn over a new leaf and get organized. Start today with our NEW September 2017 Organizing Checklist
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Theme of the Week: Quiet. Enjoy our home page quotes, that reflect our theme, for added inspiration and motivation this week
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1. Clean and refill bird feeders. If your bird feeders have been empty for awhile, take a few moments to clean them out this week. Many are dishwasher safe. If yours aren't, you can clean them with dish soap and very hot water. Once dry, fill with bird food for your feathered friends.

Note: If your feeder is not empty and the food has been in there for an unusually long time, it's possible the seed is spoiled. If it is spoiled, birds typically avoid it as it can be toxic if ingested. If this is the case, dump it out, clean it, and refill it with new seed.

2. Inspect your fire extinguisher. Most fire extinguishers should work for a range of 5 to 15 years. Check the pressure gauge. If the needle is in the green area, it should be functional. If not, it may be time to replace it. No gauge on yours? It should then be checked by a professional. Google 'fire extinguishers' in your area to find a store that will check it for you.

In addition, if you notice any of these problems on your fire extinguisher, have it serviced or replaced right away:

1. The hose or nozzle is cracked, ripped or clogged
2. The pin is missing or unsealed
3. The handle is broken or wobbly
4. The inspection tag is missing

Finally, be sure your family knows where your fire extinguisher is...and how it works. Every home should have at least one in an area that can be easily and quickly accessed from all points in the house...especially the kitchen. If your home has more than one floor, it is recommended you have a fire extinguisher on each level.

3. Dust a dusty houseplant or two. For smooth leaves, wipe with a disposable electrostatic or reusable microfiber cloth. For hairy leaves or cactus plants, use canned compressed air to remove dust.

4. Start a declutter mission. Designate an empty box 'Donations' and place it in a very visible area where you and your family will see it every single day. At the end of the day, each person is responsible for placing at least one unused/unloved item into it...every single day for three weeks. At the end of the three weeks, bring the box to a local charity, or request donation pick-up if a charity in your area offers that service.

5. Set an apple picking date. Almost all 50 states have pick your own (PYO) apple picking orchards. Check locations and schedules, and set two dates for apple picking this month...one main date, and one rain date.

In the meantime, find two new apple recipes you want to make this fall. Once you have your apples, give those recipes a whirl.

There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep.

--Homer, The Odyssey




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And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

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