Home Archive by category 'Lifestyle'

Lifestyle

  • Business, Lifestyle, Mental wellbeing

    Success defined. Be the change you wish to see.

    It’s a fact. Most people don’t like change. Change has two very different sides. On the one hand, it can be positive, exciting and joyful; on the other hand, too much change feels overwhelming, messy, time-consuming, and takes up a lot of energy we simply don’t feel we have. It means jumping out of our deeply rooted comfort zone. Deep down, we might still long for change and a desire to feel more successful, happy, and content with our choices in life.

    So what can we do if we desire change but don’t want all the discomfort that comes with it?

    We must STOP the inner chatterbox and break down our LIMITING BELIEFS. We need to start LISTENING inwards rather than just ACTING.

    We need to LET GO and subtract before we can ADD. We need to BALANCE our feminine (being) and masculine energies (doing).

     

    They say to make a vision board and start goal setting. I say…

    …get out of your head and take a day or two to get blissfully pampered! Yes, I mean it, literally. Focus on YOU and your heart’s and body’s deepest desires. Give yourself that luxury treatment, that first-class experience you might only dream of giving yourself and yet we all deserve so profoundly, regularly. What you decide to pamper yourself with is irrelevant as long as you deeply enjoy it, may it be a bath, a walk, an uninterrupted long night’s sleep at a hotel, a concert or a massage. 

    At first, it might feel strange to care for yourself so profoundly, especially if you’re not used to it. Try to get into the FEELING of change rather than forcing and creating change with your MENTAL knowledge. That part comes, but only later.

     

    What is Change?

    When we talk about change, it’s quite often all about those big, stepping-up visual goals like changing jobs, moving houses, losing weight or running a marathon. We don’t really talk about the small changes behind closed doors within us, and I want to shed light on those. Because those tiny changes are the ones that genuinely help us initiate change for good. And they are the motors for the big changes. 

     

    You Already Know

    I wish I could tell you that all you need to do is a 10 min meditation, scribble down a few ideas on a piece of paper and glue those cool dreams on your vision board and you’re done manifesting change for the new year.  

    I wish I could tell you that you could delegate implementing change to a partner or a therapist, or a coach like myself. 

    I wish I could tell you it doesn’t matter where you look for inspiration and goal setting. 

    I wish I could tell you that hiring the “best” therapist or joining that “best” education program is the answer. 

    I wish I could tell you that trying harder, doing it all by yourself, working more and performing your life is the answer to bringing about change.

    It just doesn’t work that way.

     

    There Is Only One Answer

     And that answer is YOU – Trusting yourself and your inner wisdom and listening deeply. Journal if that’s your thing. Get a coach to help sort things out.

     Creating that mental space. Seeing, validating, and understanding yourself and your own unique human design, desires and natural talents and gifts. 

    Creating from within. 

    Creating and living Your success story.

    Creating space for a life you LOVE. 

      

    The Outside Affects The Inside 

    Look around your home or your office. Look more closely at the space and the objects, the people and the environment that surrounds you. How does it make you feel? Ask yourself: 

    • Are you relaxed and at peace? Does it uplift you and make you smile?
    • Is it beautiful, tidy, and organised?
    • Do the people around you make you feel seen, heard and loved?
    • Are you anxious and stressed by unfinished tasks?
    • Is it messy and chaotic? Cluttered?
    • Is clutter causing tension in your home/your office/your relationships?
    • Do the people around you cause you stress and pressure?

    We start feeling out of control whenever we feel overwhelmed by clutter or emotional stress. We don’t know where to start or how to fix things, and we freeze—paralysis analysis. We do nothing. 

    I know these feelings better than you can imagine. Why? Because I’ve been there too. When your stuff (physical and/or emotional) takes over, it’s hard to truly feel at ease. When you lose control, it’s hard to know where to start. 

    When the external and/or internal mess piles up, it’s hard to feel at home. Within your physical home and your bodily home, and your own skin. 

    Make sure to find a way to create environments that lift you up and take good care of all homes – your body, your living spaces and your work environment.

     

    Mental Health Check-In For An Amazing Life

    • I’m feeling great
    • I’m doing ok
    • I’m starting to struggle
    • I’m having a hard time
    • I need to reach out for support

     

    Let Go and Live More Simply

    In today’s consumerism society, it’s hard to be heard if you feel and think differently. I dare to challenge this and invite you to my world and the philosophy of life that We already have all we need and where we allow ourselves to let go of all that doesn’t serve us.

    Guilt free.

    Shame free.

    Of course, we will need to acquire certain things from time to time, but on a general level, we have more than we need of everything. And at the end of the day, this movement of transforming your physical and mental environments translates into

    • More freedom to do what you love
    • More time to focus on loved ones
    • More harmonious relationships
    • Less anxiety and overwhelm
    • More space to receive what you desire

    I know I certainly don’t have it all figured out, but being more aware is the first and most crucial step. 

    So, what does your success look like? I would love to hear all about them. 

    Happy creating, and all my love.

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  • Lifestyle, Mental wellbeing, Tips

    How to BE more and DO less this autumn

    Life can get so cluttered, both physically and mentally, that you don’t even realise it. One of my immediate goals in life is to be able to have more freedom. It includes simplifying my living spaces and mind so that I have less stuff to manage daily, both physically and emotionally. Because at the end of the day, this way of life, or lifestyle, also gives me precious time back. What I say yes to are things that I really value, and that means something to me on a deep intuitive level.

    How about we all focus this summer on living more simply? Read on for some tips on how to feel lighter and more content with life.


    Simplify your home

    When you choose to own less, you choose to own your possessions too, instead of the other way around. You will have more time for what you really care for and more money to spend on the things you truly value.

    “Owning less means less cleaning, less burden, less anxiety, and less stress each and every day.”
    -Unknown

    You can always start small and declutter one tiny area each day, i.e. your wallet, car, beauty products, bags, beach gear, garden shed, water bottles etc. Give it no more than 15 mins per day and then go out, have fun and celebrate your accomplishment!

    However, if you’re totally new to decluttering, do ping me with a message so I can help you get started, as it might be an overwhelming task, and all you get is more stress, which we certainly don’t want.


    Focus on the essentials and get out of debt

    Living simply is as much about honouring our environment as it is about honouring ourselves and our values. Could you challenge yourself to only focus on the essentials for one season and not buy more unnecessary things?

    Everyone has a different comfort level regarding the ideal amount of possessions, so do remember not to force your level of comfort onto other people. Find your own contentment level, and you’ll feel more aligned with yourself.


    Be selective about what you say yes to

    Being selective isn’t always a walk in the park. It’s a tough one, especially for those of us living far away from friends and family and going back home seasonally. So many friends and family members to see and parties and get-togethers to attend…but all of this goodness might also become a trap. Bless them; what your friends and family don’t think about is that you have already organised your home and family for the holidays, packed, travelled and finally settled into your temporary accommodation. You might need a break too!

    Of course, you also want to see your people, that’s part of why you go back home, but it might just all become too much. And the last thing you want and need is conflicts with your near and dear ones.

    So how can you solve it? It’s pretty simple. By being extremely and harshly selective. By organising maybe one get together with more people instead of separate meetings with them all. Not everyone will like it, but this is about honouring your boundaries and what makes you feel good. Trust your instincts.

    Or as Greg Mckeown so aptly puts it: “If it isn’t a clear yes, it’s a clear no.”

     

    Schedule empty days

    If you’re new to the concept of scheduling empty hours in your calendar during the week, this is the next level of the fantastic deep work you can access by choosing emptiness. It is the ultimate self-care for autumn. Your time to do absolutely nothing but what your heart desires. Put away your phone and read, swim, meditate, journal, stare at the stars…and be conscious about the changes within you that will take place, slowly but surely.

    Focus on sleep and nourishing your best YOU

    I don’t know who needs to hear this, but sleep is vital for everything in life! And I confess that I don’t sleep enough. So I’ve committed to focusing on sleep and eating foods that make me happy and nourish me. What healthy habits can you focus on during the autumn? Just a tiny habit that can tremendously impact the rest of your life? Sleep, nutrition, exercise, drinking more water, meditation, journaling, calling a friend, hiring a coach…It can really be anything that makes you feel amazing about yourself. Sleep on it and feel into what’s the right thing just for you. Asking someone else and focusing on their goals is not an aligned decision. Make sure you ask your own body for what it needs to serve you at its best.


    Create boundaries for tech

    We all know how addictive tech devices can be. They drain us of energy and make us waste a lot of time. On your journey to living a simpler life, this certainly is a topic needing attention. What can you do to change your tech habits?

     

    Here are a few tips:

    – Create boundaries for how much you consume news or social media daily. You can simply turn on the limitations already installed on your phone.

    – Create boundaries for when you use your tech devices and stick to these timings

    – Consider making all meals tech-free. This way, we act as the best role models for ourselves and our kids.

    Notice and track how the different tech platforms, news or social media make you feel. If they drain you of energy and all you get is more stress, it’s maybe time for a reset. The first step is to become aware of it and then take appropriate action towards less.


    Lastly, do things and meet with people who uplift you, energise you and make you feel seen. This is what nourishes our body, mind and soul.

    Be your authentic you. Be more by doing less.

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  • Family, Lifestyle, Tips

    Digital organisation – 5 tips to share your life

    Lately I’ve been brainstorming a lot about how to truly help and support people to thrive and live a life that’s calm, enjoyable, meaningful, and fulfilling. My mission is to help you get there, by simplifying, decluttering and organising every area of your home, business, and life so that you can design and create your own ideal way of living. This all becomes one step tougher being an expat without a support network.

    Yes, it for sure takes time for most of us to figure out how to thrive and what our true purpose in life is. What is absolutely certain, however, is that it cannot become clear if we hide behind our past, our physical stuff, our digital clutter or excuses of any sort. Physical or mental clutter, visual or hidden…it’s all the same block hindering us seeing the forest for the trees.

    What I’ve learned from many of my expat friends and clients (and from myself too!) is that sometimes after a huge effort, like settling into a new country, exhausted after a big move and all that it entails, we experience analysis paralysis. Instead of organising ourselves, taking action to move forward towards that joyful and meaningful life, we do nothing. Nada. Zip zero. And that’s totally OK! Accept it, acknowledge it and embrace it. Once this period of recovery is over, however, it’s time to get out there.

    Digital organisation
    Tip 1: Find your tribe away from home

    Community is one of the most important, if not THE most important aspects of expat life. Find your tribe, big or small, as long as you have someone to share life’s ups and downs with and get you out of the house locally. If you’re new to Switzerland, check out a few of the below amazing expat initiatives:

    Firstly, there is our own Coffee with a purpose organised by Pragati and My Swiss Story. The objective is very simple – every month a small group of women will come together over a cup of coffee and practice meaningful networking.

    Another community initiative is The Happy Hub (of which I’m a happy sisterhood member too!), where you can connect and meet (online and/or in-person) with like-minded women.

     

    Tip 2: Explore, create memories, take pictures

    Creating memories is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Memories are what we cherish the most and keep with us in our hearts, no matter where and how far away we are from our loved ones. With today’s tech overload we’re able to take pictures just about anywhere and anytime.

    Explore your surroundings, take those pictures, and make sure you’re in some of them too! It’s also a digital legacy we leave for future generations and this legacy needs to be taken care of with respect, care, and some discipline. Why discipline? Well, read on.

    Tip 3: Digital organisation made simple

    If you think about future generations, are your digital files and photos organised so that your loved ones are able to access your precious photos and important documents? Or are they just left unorganised on a hard drive behind unknown passwords? Have a think about your current digital organisation systems and storage solutions. 50K+ pictures “just stored” on your phone do not serve anyone, do they?! Thousands of emails in an overflowing inbox, a desktop with hundreds of files on top of each other…a phone with so many unused apps and clutter that you’ve given up on where to start.

    I know, it makes you feel anxious and overwhelmed. I know, because I’ve been there. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

    Ultimately, in order to keep your digital files organised, you will also need cloud syncing, a backup system and preferably an external hard drive too. And PS: Just ask for help if this sounds like an obstacle you are unable to get your head around.

    Tip 4: Share and create

    Your family and friends living far away from you want to hear from you. They really do! There are so many options and possibilities you can do these days, the list is indefinite. However, what many of us underestimate is the power of physical photos. Have the best ones printed and send them off, or make a photo book for Christmas or as a gift. It is truly an expression and gift of love.

    Examples of how to share your digital photos:

    • Email/messaging/social media
    • Print outs
    • Online family galleries
    • Digital photo frame (you can upload new ones remotely)
    • Photo books (monthly, yearly)
    • Printed photo calendars
    • Photo products (mugs, pillows, key rings, etc.)

     

    little girl with her grandparents
    Tip 5: Delete, maintain, organise

    If you want your digital photos to stay organised the first thing we need is a change of mindset and daily habits. What is that supposed to mean? Well, rather than scrolling social media when you pick up your phone for the 256th time during the day, go into your Photos app and DELETE anything you don’t need from the previous 24 hours! For most of us 5 mins per day is enough and you’re done. Choose a timing, set a reminder, sleep and repeat.

    Delete ruthlessly and fearlessly the following:

    Duplicates
    Bad/blurry shots
    Screenshots you no longer want/need

    If you have an iPhone select ONE out of 100 bursts pictures and make sure to choose a ‘key photo’ of any live photos you’ve made. They will be taking up so much less space than the tiny live photo videos do.

    This way your photos are always updated, chosen with joy, and already selected as top ones for potential future photo books. And your phone memory will thank you.

    Do you feel overwhelmed and anxious when thinking about your digital files?
    Make sure to download my app and get started with the digital decluttering challenge!
    The goal is to regain control over your tech and feel peace and calm within.

    LET’S DO IT

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  • Home in Balance, Lifestyle, Organising, Simplicity

    4 Simple Steps to Clutter-Free Living

    Many people think they actually need to get rid of more or less everything they own in order to become clutter-free. Is that true? No, absolutely not! It’s a myth, and I will bust it right here for you, so read on.

    What is clutter-free living?

    I get a lot of questions about whether clutter-free living equals minimalism. There’s actually a big difference between the two. Are you attracted to minimalism and to owning as little as possible? Or do you love having a lot of things around you to feel extra homey and cosy? Either way is right! However, most people are somewhere in between minimalism and maximalism. I call it LAGOM. It’s Swedish (my native language) and means “just right”.

    I invite you right here and now to define your own ideal home and lifestyle. Write it down and keep it in mind. Mine is called “simply lagom”. It’s all about a simplified way of life with just the right balance in all that we are, own and do. What is yours?

    The struggle to become clutter-free

    Clutter-free living to me is living a life surrounded by things you highly value and that makes you happy. It really is quite simple.

    However, for many people it’s a struggle to get there. How come? Well, the path is actually made up of five different parts:

    • >how to find the time and energy to declutter, ie. commitment
    • >figuring out where to start
    • >how to know what really sparks joy out of all the numerous possessions
    • >how to store items so you can always easily find what you’re looking for and
    • >how to maintain the order

    I will teach you four steps below to find your own clutter-free lifestyle and start living a life with less so you can focus on what matters most to you.

    Step 1: Vision

    It was only after going through this process myself, around 6 years ago, that I understood that it is absolutely crucial to first find out what kind of life you wish to lead before getting into decluttering. Even if I had done vision work with my life coaching clients previously, I couldn’t see the same importance within home organising before going through it myself.

    So, what are the most important parts of this vision work?

    Mindset

    Commitment to doing both deep inner and outer work and being in the right place mentally is key.

    Current life assessment
    Acknowledging where there is satisfaction and dissatisfaction and deciding which areas of life to focus on.

    Finding your dream goals
    Why and how do you want to change your home? What is the ultimate goal of decluttering?

    Visualising your dream home and life
    This is where the fun begins. You are allowed to dream as big as you can and deeply look into your personal values, feelings, desires and your ultimate wishes, dreams and ideal lifestyle.

    Step 2: Make a plan, and stick to it

    Acknowledge your limitations
    Some people can, but a lot of people can’t do it all alone. Sometimes external help is needed and required for us to feel in control and happy about our lives.

    Bring in a professional
    This is the step I was struggling with the most during my own decluttering process. I SHOULD be able to do this on my own, right? How hard can it be? Trust me. It’s not a sign of failure to ask for help, it’s a sign of strength and bravery. Think of it as a love letter to yourself. Bringing in a professional organiser was a game changer for me personally, which actually led to me becoming one myself a few years later.

    Commit to the process

    I know, committing to a big, overwhelming process like this might feel daunting. It requires a lot of hard work, time and energy. But it’s so worth it in the end and the end-result is simply priceless.

    Step 3: Declutter your home and let go of everything that no longer serves you

    The book shelves and the internet are full of different decluttering books and methods. There is no one size fits all. However, being a certified KonMari Consultant myself, I am a big fan of using categories. It makes the whole thing so much easier to grasp. However, no matter which decluttering method you decide to follow, the most important rule is this: Focus on what you wish to keep.

    It’s super scary at first to think that you need to let go of a whole lot to reach  your goals. But it’s actually the opposite. It’s really simple once you get the hang of it. Keep only what you love and feel strongly about and let go of the rest (plus some tax papers and other necessities). That’s it.

    Remember: only YOU are in charge of creating Your best life.

    Step 4: Reconsider your (consuming) habits

    Once you’ve successfully decluttered what you wanted and needed to declutter it’s time for the next step. This is a very important step in order for you to be able to maintain your living space clutter-free. The one that keeps the clutter from building up again.

    Clear rules for buying new things

    After finishing this big decluttering feast you might not even want to hit the shops, but the temptation will be there to replace items you discarded once the dust has settled. You might find that there is a need for new rules about bringing new stuff into the house arising. Here are a few situations which you might want to consider creating your own rules for:

    Wardrobe renewal
    Inherited/donated stuff
    Gifts (birthdays/Christmas etc.)
    Online shopping
    Kids’ toys

    What kind of rules would be useful?

    Consider these 4 essential rules first:

    1. Decide if, when and how many new things you will allow into your home at any given moment.
    2. When it comes to kids, remember that the parents are the gatekeepers, at all times.
    3. Consider applying the “one-in one-out principle” or do a seasonal detox for your clothes.
    4. Ask “why” before buying anything. Sleep on it before pressing the “order” button. Remind yourself that everything is 100% off if you don’t buy it at all. And most buys happen for an emotional reason anyway.

    No home can function well without rules and systems. Once all your belongings have a set home and all household members have their own areas of responsibility it will lead to consistent feelings of calm and being at peace in your home. After all, being able to relax more and enjoy peaceful relationships in your own sanctuary is way more attractive than constantly tidying up and looking at random piles. So…when shall we get started?

    “Buy less.
    Choose well.
    Make it last. Quality, not quantity.
    Everybody’s buying far too many clothes.”
    Vivienne Westwood

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  • Lifestyle, Mental wellbeing, Social Media

    Social media detox: creating mental space

    You matter. I matter. People matter.

    I took some social media detox this summer. It wasn’t really intended, it just happened and to be honest, it was needed too. It was for the best of reasons. Real life meetings. We went home to Finland for a full month and celebrated life. Meeting, (re)connecting, laughing, crying, sharing meals, saunas and sunsets, drinking way too much bubbly and catching up on all things crazy human and beyond. At first I felt a rush of guilt shower over me for leaving my business account unattended until one day when I couldn’t feel anything but calm. I had silenced the constant chatter and created space in my mind and my heart for what matters most.

    The usage of technology and social media is a huge benefit as well as an enormous challenge for our society as a whole. I really enjoy being creative on Instagram, connecting with people and inspiring others and being inspired in return, but at the same time it’s a love-hate relationship too. I hope this short guide below inspires you to declutter, setting limits and boundaries for your own health and wellbeing in times of constant digital availability.

    social media detox

    Happiness is to have near and dear ones
    to share your life’s ups and downs with.
    Real people in real life
    who see, hear and love you for who you are.

    A screen can never hug you anyway.

    HELENA ZACHARIASSEN

    #1 Setting limits and boundaries for your own wellbeing

    If we want technology to be helpful instead of painful, we need to set clear boundaries. Both for ourselves and our kids. Lead by example and show your offspring that you’re making real life connections a priority, every day. Use screen time limiting apps or any other solutions that you feel comfortable with.

    Which areas of your life and home should be off limits for any tech devices? In my family it’s the dinner table and all bedrooms. An old fashioned alarm clock works just fine for waking you up anyway. Instead of checking emails first thing in the morning, give yourself permission to spend that first special golden hour without any devices and you’ll notice how gratefully your mood and body react to the calm start of the day.

    Another healthy option is to set up a joint charging station and a shut off time for screens every night at a certain time to give way for more in-person connectivity time. At least my kids start talking like crazy when they’re tucked in and about to fall asleep, no external stimuli disturbing their deepest thoughts and feelings.

    social media detox
    kid sleeping
    #2 Declutter: deactivate, delete and downshift

    When was the last time you did a digital clear out? If it’s been a while the following check list might be worth looking through. And remember, digital and social media decluttering needs ongoing maintenance, like any household. By incorporating a few habits into your schedule you’ll be able to reduce your digital footprint and get an organised and easy to care for digital life.

    • Reflect on your ideal network. What kind of social media network do you want? What kind of connections make you feel your best? Keep only the good ones and those you really like.
    • Deactivate and delete any unused and forgotten accounts. Hint: search your email for any welcome emails to see if you’re subscribed to sites you don’t use anymore. You may also do a check for (compromised) passwords, these passwords might be very old, and often belong to unused sites and platforms.
    • Delete any followers/profiles who look like scam or are uninteresting to you. Check them out and delete relentlessly any suspicious ones.
    • Turn off social media notifications. The lack of beeping will instantly improve your concentration and quality of work and life.
    • Downshift your social media usage. For example: limit the amount of platforms you’re active on to max 2. No more social media after dinner and only 30 mins per day in total. Make sure you get a sparring partner to help you out and to hold you accountable for your choices.

    #3 Be aware of the biggest time thieves and take action

    Mindless scrolling doesn’t make anyone happy, it only triggers feeling of guilt. There are functions on your phone where you can check your usage as well as limit your usage for a certain app, give these a go so you know exactly which apps are the biggest thieves. If you already know, great!
    Self discipline is your best friend when it comes to freeing up time from social media. Check and be aware of how much time you’ve “lost” in the past week, month, year and make a choice for an alternative activity and time limit plan.

    screen
    plants
    #4 Log off social media completely for a few weeks

    This is the ultimate detox tip for you who are ready to challenge yourself to make sustainable habitual changes and get out of the hamster wheel in one go. Letting it all go and trusting that everything you need will still be provided outside of social media. Let your friends know in advance and enjoy the freedom. The first days are the hardest, then it becomes easier day by day. Slowly you’ll reach a state of inner calm, where all the mental clutter has vanished.

    take a break
    #5 Use social media with intention and clarity

    Reflect on your social media use. You don’t need to delete all social media apps in one go (unless you want to!) but be conscious and aware of what eats up your time every day. Ask yourself why you want to check social media? And if you had x hours more, what could you possibly spend those hours on instead? And why?

    If you have your business on social media make a detailed and clear plan of how to use it, when and why. Having clear intentions of how social media should work for you, and not the other way around, contributes to a greater sense of contentment and happiness. And it spreads into any area of your life when you allow your intuition to speak freely to your intentions.

    Welcome back to work and school – enjoy getting back to routines again!

    If you’ve ever done a huge SO(CRU)CIAL MEDIA DETOX, please share your experience with us in the comments. What worked? What didn’t work? What was the result?

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  • Business, Home, Lifestyle

    The Minimalist Mompreneur. How To Juggle a Home, Business and Family Life

    Sunday, May 9th is Mother’s Day, both here in Switzerland as well as in many other countries worldwide. If you’re a mom yourself, you know how unique a mother’s love is. There is nothing like it. Parenting is the greatest gift of all, and the biggest challenge of a lifetime. Playing on repeat every single day.

    Adding a business to the family equation may be crazy, but my family is the reason I decided to start my business in the first place. I wanted to be able to spend more time with the kids during the week and be able to be a part of their daily life, like my own mother used to be when I grew up . As a child I wanted my mom to go to work like “all the other moms” but isn’t it funny how we may have disliked parts of our childhood as children but we grow up to love them as adults? For the past few years being a mompreneur, which is short for mom and entrepreneur, I have through trial and error, sweat and tears, become both painfully and happily aware of what works and what doesn’t in terms of combining these huge roles. Voilà, I present you my biggest learnings and why becoming minimalist has been the best solution ever.

    Work less, work smarter

    There’s only so much we can do in 24 hours. Lowering expectations and prioritising becomes essential. What do you need to get done daily in the business and in your home?

    List max. 5 realistic business tasks that move your business a step forward. Then list all the necessary (no, not the nice to haves!) things that need to happen in the home to get through the day. Share some of the tasks with your partner (mine cooks), if you are able to, hire help and/or delegate some of the home chores. Order your groceries online, get help with meal planning or cleaning, and only do laundry once a week. Whatever works for you. We don’t need to be superwomen, even if that would be super cool..!

    Minimise your schedule

    Minimise your game and plan ahead; daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly. Schedule your day the day before and make sure you’re able to finish the tasks you’ve set for the day, even if it’s only one or two business tasks. Otherwise you will forever feel behind and not enough on any level. This took me a long time to feel at peace with.

    However, every time I minimised my to-do list, I felt better and was able to accomplish what I really needed to steer the business in the right direction. And it freed up valuable time to spend with the kids in the afternoons. It’s certainly not always 100% undistracted time, but moms are only human, and we do the best we can. Always.

    Becoming minimalist

    Becoming minimalist was nothing I ever strived for. After having trained with Marie Kondo to become a KonMari Consultant a few years ago, my personal minimalism grew, developed and thrived within and beyond me. And maybe my minimalism actually is something I define in my own way? But it most certainly isn’t about depriving oneself of anything or owning only 2 pairs of shoes or 5 books.

    On the contrary, minimalism for me is all about being present, authentic, raw and real, with yourself and people around you. It enables you to deepen your relationships. Knowing what your true core values are and focusing on what matters most in your life. Being surrounded only with the things you love. My minimalism is all about curating a minimal, simple lifestyle with maximal purpose. It creates positive changes and makes life solid, satisfying, rich, easy and open for more true connectivity, love and experiences. 

    Simplicity is key when ruhelena zachariassen joynning a business and managing a home and family at the same time. It’s a little bit like pushing the reset button of your life and getting a whole new, fresh start. Your whole life and mindset changes. You become more aware of what makes you happy and joyful, as well as what your kids and loved ones need from you. Start with letting go of things that no longer serve you, may it be physical belongings, social media, attitudes or relationships. Say no to everything that doesn’t take you closer to your ideal lifestyle or where you aspire to go in life.

    Lagom

    means not too much and not too little, in my native language Swedish. It’s the perfect definition of how any busy mom is able to juggle all these roles we’re supposed to carry on our shoulders. You don’t need to be anything else than you already are, lagom is the new now.

    When you feel loved you have more strength than you know

    As moms we tend to juggle so many roles that we’re all worth medals for just that! If you want to care for your busy mom friends, entrepreneurs or not, make sure to send them a text, ask them how they are, take them out for a walk, offer them a cup, or bring them fresh flowers for no reason. If they struggle maybe you can offer a helping hand with their kids or cook a meal, or even better, take them out for a drink. No matter how small the deed, it might make a world of a difference.

    Yet, despite all the struggles, we wouldn’t want to have it any other way, would we?! The same kids make us totally lose it as well as hold it all together. For love.

    Small kids shower you with their love in return, while older ones might be turning their teenage backs at you for a while. Whatever life throws at you, love never ceases to exist.

    Happy Mother’s Day to all of you Super Moms out there!

     This article was first published on the expat blog My Swiss Story, where I am part of the expert editorial panel as the Home and Lifestyle Expert. Would you like to contribute as a guest writer? Please contact me.

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  • Home, Lifestyle, Tips

    Simplify your kitchen and get ready to party

    It’s time. It’s getting warmer and we are slowly getting back from Covid isolation to soon being able to host guests again. Simple fact: your kitchen is one of the most used rooms in your home by now. Starting to simplify and reorganise the heart of the home is one of the best decisions you could ever make! Why? Because a tidy, clutter-free kitchen does make you happier. Can you trust me on this one?

    Who confesses they have had some, if not all, of the following thoughts when trying to figure out the best way to organise their kitchen?

    * My kitchen is way too small, it’s an impossible task to get organised and fit everything in.
    * I can’t find anything, I just throw things in wherever I find a gap.
    * I have no clue what is hidden in the cupboards, behind the stuff I use most frequently.
    * It’s such an ordeal to clean my kitchen, my counters are full of stuff that has no home.
    * I don’t know what we have when I go grocery shopping, and I frequently end up with multiple identical items.
    * I never bake (anymore), it’s so difficult to get my baking items out of different cupboards.

    Well, who doesn’t have a dream about a designer kitchen with space for everything you can dream of and more. We’re not here to smash those dreams, let’s just make the absolute best out of what we have right now until that dream kitchen comes along. All you need is 3 things: a good playlist, some undisturbed time and a big dose of commitment. We will declutter, we will let go of the excess, we will simplify and we will reorganise. Are you with me?

    #1 Back to basics

    A kitchen with less stuff will look cleaner, more inspirational and more satisfyingly calm. If you wish to get a properly organised kitchen, once and for all, with space for all you really want and need in there, have a think about the following:

    Look through your appliances and gadgets.
    Chances are you’re not even close to using all you have.

    Life is to be enjoyed, use only your favourite tableware.
    Let go of dishes you don’t use or dislike.

    Keep only quality cookware.
    You know you will only use those few favourites anyway.

    Store things with ease of access in mind.
    If your xx items are hard to reach you will not take them out. Ever.
    My Happy home

    #2 Clear countertops

    The countertops are for holding your essentials only. And besides, the clearer the counters the easier they are to clean! Display only frequently used appliances (unless they fit in a cupboard) and things you enjoy looking at, like a favourite cutting board or a bowl of fruit. Or fresh flowers. Whatever makes everyday life a little easier and a little bit more happy for you. And if you’re one of those piling up mail and papers on the kitchen counters, we need to talk ;) Let’s designate a mail area, rather than cluttering up your zen looking kitchen!

    #3 Pantry – decanting and seeing exactly what you have

    It took me years to see the point of decanting. Decanting by the way means taking food out of its’ original packaging and placing it in another container. I always thought it’s a waste of time and then you lose the information on the package. Little did I know what a big impact it was about to have on me. When I finally ditched the plastic packages and the visual clutter, I couldn’t stop looking at my gorgeous glass jars! And it made me so happy to see what I had so I automatically used more and some of the items in totally new ways. And since it’s so easy to see the contents of a jar or a bottle, as soon as the level reaches low you can put it on your shopping list. And remember, there’s no need to go out and buy a lot of new jars, just repurpose any glass jars you already have at home and your pantry will look like an attractive zero waste grocery store.

    #4 Cupboard and drawer organisation

    If you have lots of big drawers in your kitchen, consider yourself lucky! They’re the best kitchen storage solution you can have. But most of us aren’t blessed with huge drawers all around so let’s look at a few tips for shelves:

    • * Store items by category
    • * Use dividers for cutlery and utensils
    • * Heavy items further down and lighter items higher up
    • * Pay attention to materials and frequency of use
    • * If you have high shelves you might want to put in a little extra shelf unit to use as a double shelf.

    #5 Contain likes with likes

    Storing similar items together in a container will be a game changer. Make a breakfast bin (with amazing berry goodies from Pure Nordic), a snack bin, a coffee/tea bin, a baking bin..all you need for your everyday moments. Simply take out the bin, make your breakfast and back with the bin. If you place the bin low enough even smaller kids could be given the responsibility to bring out a bin of choice, just don’t place any raw eggs in that bin!

    Get creative in your kitchen, dance around to good music, have fun, enjoy good food in good company and remember :

    What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.
    RALPH MARSTON

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  • Home, Lifestyle, Mental wellbeing

    From overwhelm to organised life mastery in 5 simple steps

    Already at the beginning of this year I was exhausted, overwhelmed and I felt hugely frustrated that I couldn’t just get it all together. I felt like I worked so hard but it was never enough on any level and yet I was needed everywhere at the same time! Sound familiar? Having two young kids, a business to run, a busy husband, a household to manage incl. cooking lunches and dinners and turning into a taxi driver for the afternoon hobbies…not to forget the constant unrest the global pandemic was and still is adding to the game. No wonder I thought I was about to get burned out.

    Well, struggle is part of growing. Accepting all feelings as they were and are, knowing I’m so much more than just those feelings of inadequacy slowly made everything ‘figureoutable’, as Marie Forleo so aptly calls her bestselling book and philosophy. It is a word that makes you realise nothing is impossible — it only takes some time, effort, and sometimes ingenuity, to get things done differently.

     

    “I’m a lost case. I don’t know how to organise my stuff, let alone myself”

    Nope. Let’s start with the GOOD NEWS. What if I told you it’s possible to clear the clutter and simplify your life, both on the inside as well as on the outside? Well, it is. Anyone can learn to be organised! Even as a KonMari Consultant & Life Coach I’m still figuring things out myself, so take my word for it. If I can do it, you can do it too.

    The next step is all about mindset and intention. Initialising and internalising a mindset change that you have the ability to be organised and you have the tools to overcome any obstacle or overwhelm will make a huge difference. Knowledge and the ability to change is key. When you know what to do, you’ll be a master of your own life in no time. And if you feel or get stuck, I’m just a message away. 

    1. Spring clear your home and mind

    What does it even mean to clear your home and mind? Think of it as a brain dump or download. Write down all the tasks that need to happen in your home and family on a daily and weekly basis. A rough example could look something like this:

    Daily tasks

    • make beds
    • breakfast
    • kitchen quick clean up
    • load dishwasher
    • cooking
    • work/homework
    • quality time with kids/partner
    • logistics, ie. kids, pets
    • quick tidy up
    • etc.

    Weekly tasks

    • prep for the week
    • meal plan
    • quality time with kids/partner
    • self care
    • admin
    • laundry
    • grocery shopping
    • cleaning
    • house/car/sports equipment maintenance
    • etc.

    In other words, make a clear plan of what is needed in your home and life for your life to function well and for everyone living in that home to feel happy and balanced. It means to have a rough, clear plan of when things need to be taken care of, and by whom, so they don’t pile up and become a daunting task you just want to ignore forever.

    2. Say no – design a simplified, minimal & joyful lifestyle

    Let go of unnecessary mental clutter and start prioritising YOU by setting clear boundaries. Say no to everything that doesn’t bring you closer to your real and ideal life. I used to say yes to way more than was ever healthy or sane, always trying to help and please others. Keep your energy and precious time to yourself, and don’t let so called energy thieves drain you of what belongs to you.

    And remember – say YES to everything you do want and need in order to feel good about yourself and your life! What you will gain is a life filled with peace, calm, gratitude, joy and time for the things that truly matter to you.

    3. Simplify and organise your entrance

    Our entrance is our business card to the world – and when it’s filled with visual clutter it drains our energy and increases our stress levels. It’s the first thing you (and any potential visitor) see each time you return home and each time you leave. It’s an important space that should make you feel welcome and relaxed every time. Make sure to only keep essential, frequently used items in the entrance area and that each family member has a designated drawer or area for his/her own things to keep everything manageable. And don’t forget the area around the front door – a tidy space and a seasonal flower or a wreath creates an instant mood booster.

     
    A tidy, clutter free, organised entrance area makes daily life simple and effortless. It creates a beautiful, welcoming gateway to your most
    intimate space – your home.

    HELENA ZACHARIASSEN

    4. Tidy kitchen tops & paper clutter

    The less visual clutter and appliances is out on the kitchen counters, the easier it is to keep the kitchen clean, clear and tidy. Loading the dishwasher or washing the dishes immediately after a meal is equally key to a tidy kitchen.

    What does paper have to do with kitchen organisation? Well, I’ve noticed that a lot of people have this undefined paper pile, usually on the kitchen counter. My best tip is to handle any physical mail immediately as it comes in. A lot of it can be recycled instantly. If there is something to action it can be moved to an admin folder to be dealt with weekly.

    5. Tame the daily mess in just 10 minutes

    After dinner, put on some relaxing music and engage your family to tidy up the day for 10 mins only. Anything that has been left out during the day; remote controls, toys, newspapers, home work, clothes… and return all of the items to their homes before heading to bed. It’s a game changer which will set the tone for the next day so you can all start fresh with a tidy mind in a tidy home.

     
    This article was first published on the expat blog My Swiss Story, where I am part of the expert editorial panel as the Home and Lifestyle Expert. Would you like to contribute as a guest writer? Please contact me.

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  • Family, Home, Lifestyle

    KonMari your relationship

    The moment you choose to discover and accept your most authentic self, magic happens. You will liberate yourself, peel off the inessential, and become free to fully own your life. So what does it have to do with your relationship? Well, it all starts with loving yourself. Without self love, there is no capacity to genuinely love another.

    Remember, when we were still able to travel by plane….? Put on the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others. Or, putting it in KonMari and decluttering terms: you can’t KonMari anyone else before you’ve KonMari’d yourself.

    When it comes to intimate relationships, knowing what does and does not spark joy isn’t as simple as it is for objects, but the KonMari philosophy is the same.

    MARIE KONDO

    Introspection – happiness comes from within

    Taking care of your inner world is crucial for achieving happiness. According to positive psychology researcher Sonya Lybomirsky, “happiness is the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile”. External factors also shape the way we think and feel about life, ourselves, and our partner, especially now, having lived with a global pandemic for a year.

    So what is the reason we should look deep within ourselves first before looking after our partner? It’s not uncommon that we project our feelings and see our own flaws in others, resulting in unfair criticism. Yeah, most of us have done it at some point in time. So go back, look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself if there are areas within you needing some (more) decluttering, love and care. Here’s how:

    Take care of yourself

    Spend time in nature. Exercise regularly. Eat healthy and nutritious food. Make time for yourself and spend time doing what you love, also alone. Be grateful for what you have and exercise mindfulness in a way that resonates with you. Rest and sleep enough, it makes all the difference for your mood and mindset (especially if you have kids!). A healthy body leads to a healthy mind which also reflects in your relationship.

    Detox your life from anything that doesn’t serve you

    Just like you would KonMari your clothes and any other belongings, take a look at all areas in your life with the same spark joy mentality in mind. Surround yourself and your partner only with people that support, uplift, and nourish you. Assess your home, health, relationships, purpose and work life, finances, commitments, lifestyle, consumption, fun, and values. Letting go of anything that drains you of energy, toxic even, will create more space for you and your partner to live with less stress and enjoy more tranquility and quality of life.

     

     

     

     

     

     


    Invite fresh joy into your relationship with these 4 tips

    Whether you feel like embarking on a joint decluttering journey or just wish to communicate better make sure to discuss your vision, ideal lifestyle, and common goals. Listen, learn and care about your partner’s dreams, hopes and wishes – you might be surprised at what you hear and it might just be the motivator you need to start that long due project.

    1# Prioritise by creating uninterrupted date space in your diary

    No more excuses. In other words, ruthlessly declutter your calendar from insignificant commitments that you simply don’t enjoy but feel you need to attend for various reasons. You actually need to invest time in your relationship and prioritise your partner if you want your relationship to work! Schedule a regular weekly date, whether you stay home for take away dinner or take a walk around the block. Take turns in organising something fun for each other, be creative. Try a new hobby together. Make it simple, especially now when options are limited anyway, it doesn’t need to be complicated to spend quality time together, as long as it’s without any distractions.

    #2 Declutter your bedroom

    Maybe you would be keen on more romance but your partner’s clothes are piled up all over the bedroom? The bedside tables full of visual clutter? You may not even realise how much this affects you subconsciously by increasing your stress levels. If you want your bedroom to feel calm and be an inviting place where you can rest and recharge the most powerful thing you can do for yourselves is to tidy up. Fold that laundry, clear those surfaces and wash those sheets and bedding on a regular basis. Make your bedroom your own, fresh haven of harmony and happiness.


    #3 Unplug from your tech devices

    The wasted time scrolling on social media is never coming back to you. Maybe those messages and emails can wait until tomorrow? One of the most appreciative and caring things you can do for your partner is to turn off your devices at a certain time each day (unless you’re expecting an important call/message) and be available and present in the moment.

    #4 Surprise your partner

    Do you know what your partner likes? What makes him/her tick? Surprise your partner from time to time by doing just that. Whether it’s cooking an amazing meal, hugging, kissing, wearing sexy underwear, or leaving hidden love notes for your partner to find. Whatever you do, never take your partner for granted, stay positive and grateful, always. That is truly attractive.

     This article was first published on the expat blog My Swiss Story, where I am part of the expert editorial panel as the Home Expert. Would you like to contribute as a guest writer? Please contact me.

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  • Home, Lifestyle, Organising

    8 steps to curating a wardrobe you love. Top tips from stylist Monika Mueller.

    Covid, lockdowns and many of us mainly working from home has immensely changed the way we dress and show up every day. However, we can and should get up every day, get out of our pyjamas and choose to show up, as if we weren’t staying home all day. In addition, it has a massive impact on our mental wellbeing if we choose to dress with joyful pieces of clothing from a curated, well organised wardrobe, and act as if every day is a fantastic opportunity to shine (which it is)!

    Top tips for an organised, joyful and curated closet

    If you’ve followed my blog posts and KonMari tips over the past year your wardrobe must be decluttered and perfectly organised by now! And if it’s not, don’t worry, here are some simple tips to bring joy and more order to it!

    • RUTHLESSLY EDIT
      I hate to tell you this, but your wardrobe will never be perfect, ever. We are all human, and we will continue to make mistakes and shopping errors and our bodies will change. And that’s OK! Just make sure to continuously declutter and edit what you own. The perfect timing is always right before a season change.
    • LET GO OF EVERYTHING THAT DOESN’T FIT
      It’s finally time to let go of those unfitting items that are at the back of the closet waiting for a different body shape. The truth is, you will feel so much better when all you have in your closet sparks joy, has a perfect fit and is comfortable to wear!
    • DONATE, SELL AND GIVE AWAY ITEMS OFTEN
      It will make you feel so good to give things away to a new home, where they can be reused and appreciated.
    • USE MATCHING HANGERS
      This tip will make your closet smile back at you every time you open it. My favourites are the thin velvet ones, which keep slippery items in place, as well as look gorgeous and tidy.
    • FILE FOLD
      Folding makes such a big difference when it comes to smaller items. Try file folding at least with your jeans, sweaters, t-shirts and underwear. You will notice how much calmer your drawers/shelves will look and you will easily be able to see all your favourites at a glance! And you don’t need to go out and buy specific boxes or containers for your folded items. Use what you’ve got in your home (shoe boxes are great!) or let the items stand alone on a shelf, supported by other clothing items.
    • ADD A LITTLE SOMETHING YOU LOVE
      Whether it’s a picture of a loved one, a drawing your child gave you or your wedding shoes – display them so that you get a smile on your lips every time you open your closet.

    Opening up your closet should be like arriving at a really good party where everyone you see is someone you like.

    AMY FINE COLLINS

    8 Top stylist tips from Monika Mueller on how to refresh your wardrobe

     

    I teamed up with the lovely Monika Mueller, founder of Signature Five, a personal stylist service in Zurich and asked her all about how we can style our current wardrobe with a little more happiness and sparkle in these challenging times. Enjoy her tips!

     

    Tip 1: How do I know which colours suit me best?

    MM: I’m sure you’ve experienced walking into a store, loving a certain colour and when you try it on it either makes your skin glow and radiate or it does the opposite, makes your skin look dull and causes shadows.  Colour reflects differently on different skin tones and characteristics.  Having been trained by Colour Me Beautiful for every skin tone there is a spectrum of colours that work best.  What I mean by that is colours that create balance and harmony and compliment your skin tone.

    So, for example, if you have a warm skin tone, colours that would work best for you are shades which have a yellow base.  If you have a cooler skin tone, colours with a blue base would work better for you.

    Tip 2: What is the best way to determine my own unique style?

    MM: I always like to think how do you want to turn up in the world? How do you envision yourself? That is the starting point. Because our style should encapsulate the best version of ourselves and tell everyone what we’re about.

    We all have a certain style we gravitate towards, even if people say they don’t have style, they do but maybe it’s not the style they would like. As there is so much choice now a days and also lots of information on what we should be wearing, we can get lost in having a style that truly represents US.

    With my clients, I do a style personality test which identifies what overall style appeals to them. And another important aspect I look at is my client’s lifestyle.

    If for example you love Meghan Markle and Victoria Beckham’s style but you are a stay-at-home mom with little kids, this look wouldn’t fit into your daily life but you can take inspiration from this.  You probably want to feel more put together, have clothes that are flattering and good quality and look chic during the day. So, I would incorporate elements of this to make you feel good but also have clothes that are practical for your lifestyle. As mentioned before I also look at what are my clients overall goals and I make sure their outer appearance represents this.

    Tip 3: How would you advise people working from home to dress in both a comfy way but also appropriate for online meetings?

    MM: Well, I have two free handy guides; one giving suggestions on what to wear for video conferencing and the other one is Work From Home outfit formulas.  I also share tips on setting the stage for your video conferencing as you always want to make sure you are giving off a professional image even if you are working from home.

    Tip 4: I have a closet full of clothes but nothing inspires me. Is there a way to combine the items differently or should I just discard what doesn’t speak to me?

    MM: If your closet is full and you’re not utilizing more than 80% of it then I would definitely do a wardrobe detox and get rid of any clothes that aren’t serving you. However, prior to doing that, think of it as a project. When you have a project, you start with a plan and what you want the end result to be. The same thing applies to your style. Think about what kind of style do you want? How do you want your mornings to be when getting ready? And how do you want to turn up?

    The second step, get your style juices going. Getting some inspiration of style and clothes helps with ultimately seeing what type of garments we want to see hanging in our wardrobe. I’m a big fan of Pinterest.

    I would also experiment with your clothes. We tend to wear our clothes the same way, again you can use Pinterest for outfit inspiration.  Try combining your clothes differently and play around with accessories.  Just adding a belt can make the world of difference.

    Tip 5: How can I make smarter and more mindful choices when shopping?

    MM: Buy with purpose and intention. Basically, before you hit the shops think about what you need.  I always recommend keeping a list in your wallet of items you would like. So next time you hit the shops, you just whip out the list stopping you from making any impulse purchases.

    Another handy tip when buying something ask yourself ‘can I style this two different ways with items in my wardrobe?’  If the answer is no, then the chances of you getting the most wears out of this item is slim.

    And for staple pieces or pieces that you know will live in your wardrobe for a while I would say buy the best quality you can afford. To be mindful and to shop smarter always think less is more, and quality over quantity.

    Tip 6: Would you recommend having a capsule wardrobe, i.e. having a few selected items that all work together?

    MM: For many when using the word ‘capsule’ they automatically think omg this means I can only have a few clothes in my wardrobe on rotation.

    For me what’s important is that you utilize your wardrobe to the fullest. You could have lots of clothes or you could just have a few clothes, but what’s important is that you get the most wear out of your clothes and have a wardrobe that you can easily mix and match.  I recommend having a functional cohesive wardrobe whatever the size. When you have this, getting ready every morning becomes easy & effortless.

    Tip 7: How can I spice up my current wardrobe with little investment?

    MM: Accessories – just adding accessories can make the world of difference and also add versatility into your wardrobe. Another thing that can spice up your wardrobe but depending on your style personality and lifestyle is a statement blazer or jacket. Just having a well-fitted blazer or a beautiful jacket can instantly up-level your style. Also having variation in shoes can dress up and dress down any outfit.

    Tip 8: If I want to get myself a new spring wardrobe – how shall I choose what staple items to buy?

    MM: I would firstly look at what you already have in your wardrobe and what you feel is missing. I would also look for inspiration, again Pinterest is great for this.  Even magazines or influencers etc.

    I personally don’t like to give a generic list of staple pieces, because it should be dependent on your style personality, and lifestyle, and clothes that flatter your body. By getting some inspiration and seeing what you would get the most wear out of, these are the items I would say buy.

    Try not to go for what’s on-trend unless it’s something that you really like and know you can pull it off. Otherwise, I would invest in pieces that you know you will wear for many springs.

    This article was first published on the expat blog My Swiss Story, where I am part of the expert editorial panel as the Home Expert. Would you like to contribute as a guest writer? Please contact me.

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