Lifestyle Blog 14: Tips for making your Schedule Suit your Personality

 Hello, my Wonderful Readers! 

Scheduling and working a schedule can be difficult sometimes, especially if you're a procrastinator like me. Sticking to a routine can seem hard, but it doesn't need to be. Below, I want to give tips to make your scheduling easier, by making your schedule suit your personality better. Whether you're a procrastinator or a workaholic, these tips will help you to feel more motivated and right at home within your own schedule. 

1. Make your most difficult tasks during your most productive time of day 

By this, I mean that if you're a morning person, make your hardest tasks due in the mornings when you're most awake and productive. If you're a night owl, make your hardest tasks due in the evenings, when you're more efficient. This way the tasks will be done more effectively and you'll feel better doing them. 

2. If you're a procrastinator, batch your due dates to make yourself more focused 

If you're a procrastinator, it can help to batch all your due dates together, so you're more motivated to get things done, as your deadlines are closer together. This way you also batch your tasks and get them done all at once instead of individually. You'll feel more productive in no time with this method 

3. Find what days of the week you're most productive and schedule meetings/tasks then 

I know for me personally, I can get a bit unmotivated by Fridays in particular, so I try to schedule all my serious business meetings earlier in the week when I'm more focused and motivated. It just helps me to keep better energy for my work, as well as avoid burnout. 

While there are many more tips to help schedule your life to be more productive, I hope these tips helped you. Feel free to reach out on my socials and website if you have any questions or concerns. 

Until next time! 

Katie 

Lifestyle Blog 13: How Not to be Depressed From Watching the News or Social Media

 Happy Monday readers! 

In this current political and social climate of the election, COVID-19 shutdowns, stress, and even Thanksgiving, I think that this blog topic will hopefully be relevant for most of us. It can be easy to watch the news, or scroll through your social media over and over again, and get depressed or anxious about what's happening around you. Often these anxious or depressive thoughts can be triggered by a scary event, or the lack of "likes" you might have expected on a post. The tips I give below about how not to be depressed from watching the news or social media will hopefully be practical and easy enough for you to work on in your daily routine. 

Remember that it's okay to be depressed or anxious when reading the news, or looking at your social media, and is quite common. You're not the only one going through this problem, and you can ask for help and talk to friends and family about it. If you're going through a really hard time, reach out to a therapist or expert that can give you the help you need and deserve. 

1. Understand why you're feeling anxious or depressed 

Going to the root of the problem and understanding what triggers these negative emotions is helpful in moving forward. If you're upset because you didn't get as many likes on a post, or upset because someone posted a negative post about your favorite political candidate, understand why these things upset you. This can help you modify your behavior, and change your expectations about social media. Starting here, and knowing why these things upset you will help you to understand your own motivations for being on social media, or watching the news. 

2. Limit your exposure 

Whether it's to watching the news, or being on Facebook, limiting how much time you spend on each can easily help you with your depression or anxiety. It can be difficult to do, as being on our phones and being on social media, in particular, is quite addicting and has become a norm for conversation, but it will seriously help you to not stress as much. By turning your TV off, putting your phone away, or taking a break from social media, you can allow yourself to relax and spend time with yourself. 

3. Focus on the things you CAN control 

This is specifically for news, but if you're depressed or anxious about what's going on around you, focus on what you can control to help relieve that stress. For example, sometimes I get worried about the environment, so I work on what I can control by using recyclable and compostable products and buying more eco-friendly items. These things will make me feel more in control and happier because I know I'm making a difference. 

4. Try looking for news outlets that are positive 

This can help break up the bad news cycle that might cause you some stress. Finding good news outlets are helpful in boosting your positivity and reminding you there are good people out there. These positive news outlets might be hashtags, like #goodnews #goodnewsoutlet that you may find on social media. Just remember to keep being positive, even if you're looking at negative news 

5. Distract yourself from the news and social media by doing other things 

Distracting yourself from the news and social media can help to decrease stress in your life, but also allow you to focus on things that make you happy, such as hobbies, skills, or learning something new. Take time to read, learn, or spend time with family and friends. This will also help distract you from the news or social media and make you more positive. 

There are plenty of ways to increase your positivity and not get depressed from watching the news or social media, but I hope these tips help you to decrease the stress in your life. Remember that it's okay to ask for help and that you have a support group around you. Feel free to reach out on my social media for any questions or ideas you may have. 

Until next time! 

Katie 

Blog 35: How to Resign from a Job

 Happy Friday Readers! 

Today I want to talk about the best habits to have when you're going to resign from your job. Resigning may seem like a negative step, but for many people, it can be a new beginning. People leave their jobs for many reasons, such as family, change in career, or even things like mental health. It's important however to understand the best ways to leave your current job, so you can easily ask for a reference for looking for any future jobs. Below are the tips I want to give so you can leave your current job respectfully and maintain good relationships with your former employers and coworkers. 

1. Talk to your superior before penning your resignation letter 

The best way to leave your job is to not shock your boss, or leave a gaping hole behind, but to be respectful of the company that has employed you, and give them enough time to find someone else to fill your position. This starts with speaking to your employer, telling them about your thoughts and motivations to leave. Often, they might try to help you stay, even offering some benefits. After speaking to your employer, you can then pen your resignation letter to make it official. 

2. When writing your resignation letter, give a specific time you'll be leaving

People often just write something simple such as: "I quit" for their resignation letter. Instead, make your letter personal. Talk about why you're leaving and what this job has meant to you. Make sure to post when specifically you'll be leaving, and make sure to give your job enough room for them to find someone to replace you.

3. Make sure to sort out and finish any projects you may have 

It's important to not leave your previous company in the lurch when you resign, so make sure you get all your current projects sorted out, whether you finish them, or delegate them to other people. It shows consideration for your current company. 

4. Keep up good relations after you leave 

Make sure to leave in a respectful way, so that you can continue checking in and keeping up a good relationship with your previous employers so that they can easily write you a future reference, should you need it. 

Leaving a job can be stressful, especially if you've made strong relationships with your boss and coworkers. These tips will help you to make the transition between jobs smoother and easier, saving you time and stress. Reach out on my social media or website with any questions you may have. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Lifestyle Blog 12: How to get Better Sleep at Night

 Happy Monday Readers! 

Sleep is a topic that has become more popular to research and talk about in the last decade. Getting a better night's sleep can plague all of us occasionally, and it's important to have methods on hand to help you improve your sleep. Especially in this time of COVID-19, stress has risen dramatically, and so too has sleepless nights. The tips below on how to get better sleep at night will hopefully help you to relax and recharge your batteries, ready to face the next day with new energy. 

1. No screens before bed. 

This is a common tip given for improving sleep, but one that many people ignore. It can be an easy habit to get into to look at your phone before bed, but the blue light from your phone can train your eyes and brain to feel more awake and sharp. Blue light as well can cause eye strain, so if you have to look at your screens before bed, whether it's your phone, computer, or tablet, be sure to wear blue-light blocking glasses to help give your eyes a break. It's best however if you try to avoid screens before bed, at least a half-hour before trying to fall asleep. This will help you to better relax and get comfortable. Instead, try reading a book. 

2. Drink some tea to help naturally boost sleepiness 

There are many teas that can help you to feel more relaxed and sleepy. Drinking teas such as chamomile, peppermint, lavender, or catnip before bed can help you to relax easier. Tea drinking can also provide warmth and comfort to your body, helping you to calm yourself. 

3. Don't get addicted to natural sleep aids such as melatonin 

Melatonin, and other natural sleep aids, can be helpful in aiding your sleep, but can also be easily addictive to use. Using an external sleep aid for a longer period of time trains your body to depend on these external aids to produce melatonin in your body, the protein that makes you sleepy. If you bring external melatonin to your body for long periods of time, your body reprograms itself to use this external melatonin instead of producing its own melatonin naturally. Make sure to keep your body healthy by only using these natural aids periodically, and not over sustained periods. 

I know there are plenty of more health tips out there for helping you to get better sleep at night. I hope that these tips help you to relax and recharge your energy. Reach out with any questions on my social media or website. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Blog 34: How to Fit into a New Job

 Happy Friday Readers! 

Today I want to talk about how best to fit into a new job. Having a new job can be exciting, but nerve-wracking if it's your first week and you're not sure how best to present yourself. Settling into a new job can be bumpy, especially if you're unsure exactly what you're doing, or who to report to. But don't worry, everyone has this type of start. The tips below will hopefully help you to transition smoothly into your new position, as well as give good impressions to your new coworkers and boss. 

1. Give off the right attitude 

When you're in your new job, make sure to show you're ready to work, open to suggestions, humble, and friendly. First impressions can help build those relationships with your coworkers, and it's important to get off on the right foot. 

2. Avoid Office Politics 

This can be more difficult than it seems but is crucial in standing out and being successful. Many offices can have competition, drama, or politics, which can be stressful for employees. Show that you're above these things, as a newbie, and that you don't take sides. This will help you be appreciated and respected by all your coworkers, not just a few. 

3. Communicate 

It's okay to ask for help on your first day, or the first even month even. Show that you are an effective communicator by asking clarifying questions of the tasks required of you, as well as asking for help when you're confused. This shows you can communicate effectively with others and will make a good impression. 

4. Be Yourself 

The first days on the job can be rough or make you stressed and nervous. Do yourself a favor and remind yourself to be yourself. Don't put on an act or pretend to be someone you're not. You got this job with your qualities, so be yourself and show people how successful you are! 

I hope these tips help you to better transition into a new job, and to remember to stay positive and be calm. You're going to do great! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me over social media or my website. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Blog 33: Budgeting Tips that will Save you Stress

 Happy Monday Readers! 

Today I want to talk about budgeting, as it's a key component to financial planning, and a great way to help you achieve your financial goals. When people think of budgeting, they might think of balancing a budget or having a list of things bought, but it's a lot more than that. Budgeting is a process, similar to exercise, where you will always be working at it to improve. It's not a one-and-done deal. Budgeting doesn't have to be scary or stressful, especially if you approach it with the tips I have below. Feel free to reach out to me on social media or my website for more information or any questions you may have. 

1. Try using a Financial Advisor 

Not many people think about getting a financial advisor, either because they seem too expensive or because it's too much work. Financial advisors may not be as expensive as you think, and can easily help you to see places where you can increase your savings, as well as places for investment opportunities, budgeting strategies, and new goals. Financial advisors are great to have and are worth it in the long run. They help you get a new perspective on your finances and allow you to move toward your goals. 

2. Prioritize Your Needs over Your Wants 

This can be difficult, especially if you're an emotional spender. But making your needs, such as food, gas, or rent a priority over your wants, will help you to better budget your income. It can be easy to spend on your wants, but spending on your needs allows you to save for the future, and take care of yourself financially. 

3. Budget for "extra" charges 

There may be charges that pop up unexpectedly, such as car maintenance, or an emergency. Make sure you give yourself a financial cushion and allow part of your budget to be allocated for extra expenses. These can even be things like Christmas shopping, extra charges during the holiday season. 

There are many more tips out there to help with budgeting, and feel free to contact me with any questions you have. I hope these budgeting tips save you stress in the long run, and remind you that your financial goals are possible! 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Blog 32: Financial Planning Tips You May Be Missing Out On

 Hello, My amazing Readers, and Happy Friday! 

Today I want to talk about financial planning, and some tips for financial planning that you may not have thought about. I have a few other blogs here that talk about financial planning, so if you're curious to know more about financial planning, check out my other blogs on the topic. In this blog, I want to talk about ways to help with financial planning that you may not have looked into. Not necessarily "miracle cures" for saving money, but more of things you didn't realize. Financial planning is not a one-and-done process, but rather is always changing and improving. My suggestions below on financial planning tips you may be missing out on are just other improvements you can try to make your financial planning even more focused and optimized. 

1. The 30/50/20 Budget Rule 

Budgeting is a foundation for good financial planning, but budgeting can be difficult without a guide. Use the 30/50/20 rule to outline your budget. The rule goes as follows: 30% of your income goes to wants, such as entertainment, shopping, or hobbies. 50% of your income goes to things you need, like groceries, rent/mortgage, or health care. The last 20% goes towards paying off loans or putting in savings or investments. This way you can easily parcel out your income and may sure you're not going over your budget. 

2. Know your financial enemies 

By this I mean psychological things that you can do to yourself to go over budget or ruin your financial planning. These things can be greed, impatience, fear, wanting to look cool, impressing someone, etc. Make sure you understand your psychology with your money, and how your feelings act on your spending. Knowing where your psychological triggers are on how you spend money is essential in making sure your financial plan works around these things. 

3. Taxes 

Not everyone puts taxes on their financial plan, but it is important to calculate for. Depending on the year, your taxes may vary, but keeping that in mind will help you direct your thinking to achieve your financial goals. 

There are many other financial tips I can recommend, and be sure to look at my other blogs if you're interested. Reach out via social media with any questions you may have. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Blog 31: How to be a Better Communicator

 Happy Monday everyone! 

Today I want to give a practical guide about how to be a better communicator. Communication is essential for every job, no matter what field. Being an effective communicator can give success and open up opportunities for job and life advancement. What exactly do I mean by "effective communicator?" I mean someone who can clearly and concisely speak on a subject, and adapt their message to their specific target audience. For example, an effective communicator will adapt their message of being a successful delegator from a job interview to a board meeting, because their audience changes. Being an effective communicator isn't as hard as it looks, and with the tips I give below, it'll become easier as you use these tips over time. 

1. Good Communicators know how to "read" their audience 

By "reading" an audience, I mean knowing what their audience is looking for. If you're in a board meeting, you can read your audience and know that they're looking to see your progress, the results, and the outcomes of your tasks. If you're in a job interview, you can read your audience and know they're looking for examples of previous experiences, as well as how you are as a candidate. Good communicators can read their audience and craft their messages to fit the wants and needs of their audience, allowing their message to come across clearly. 

2. Good Communicators know to put their phones down 

This should be a no-brainer, but due to our dependence on technology, particularly our phones, I have to talk about this one. Our phones have become a symbol to others that you're too busy to talk to them, or you're not listening. Either way shows disrespect towards your colleagues. Make sure to maintain eye contact and give your coworkers the respect they deserve. Putting down your phone will also minimize distractions and allow you to focus on the tasks at hand, coming away with a better idea of what your tasks are. 

3. Good Communicators avoid assumptions 

Assumptions can be beneficial, but not all the time. Don't just assume something about your coworkers because they act or say something particular. It's better to leave the assumptions be, and through effective communication, work to a result. The best way to get rid of assumptions is to ask questions. Asking lots of questions shows you're interested and that you're listening, which in turn makes your coworkers feel respected and heard. 

4. Good Communicators use body language to their advantage 

Body language is important, as it shows how something is being said. Make sure to pay attention to how your body appears to others. If you have your arms crossed, you tend to look more aggressive, and your body language negative. This can dissuade good communication, even without you realizing it. Make sure you're body language is more positive and open, with your arms open, and good eye contact. This will help you appear more positive and open to talking. 

5. Good Communications express gratitude 

Gratitude can often get overlooked in a busy work environment but is important in keeping up morale and motivation. Being an effective communicator means giving credit where it's due, and showing your appreciation to your coworkers and team members. This will help them to respect you more, and show you appreciation in return. 

6. Good Communicators are empathetic 

Empathy is a skill that is often overlooked in leadership and communication. Being able to relate to others and their problems allow you to be more considerate and helpful in working with your coworkers. It also helps you to know what is the best thing to say in a hard situation, as well as the best course of action. 

7. Good Communicators are sincere: 

The most effective communicators are sincere in their feelings. No one enjoys talking to someone pretending to be in a mood that they aren't. Be sincere with your feelings, and don't be afraid to tell someone you don't like something. It's better than wasting time and energy pretending. 

There are many more ways to be an effective communicator, but these tips will help you to increase your communication skills, and become a better leader and speaker. Reach out to me on social media or through my website with any questions or concerns. 

Until next time, 

Katie