6 Simple Choices You Can Control Every Day (even today)
On trying to stay semi-grounded
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How is everyone holding up?
It’s election day in the US (you can still make a voting plan here) and things feel…noisy. I considered just hibernating today, but decided instead to share a go-to strategy I use to regain a sense of control when things feel extra intense in the world.
Here are 6 simple choices you can control every day:
What You Read, Watch, and Give Your Attention To
Repeat after me: you don’t have to keep up with the news 24/7 or endlessly scroll social media just because it’s what everyone else is doing. Instead, choose to set healthy screen time limits (check out the Freedom app), curate sources intentionally, or take a break altogether. Prioritize what’s best for your mental health and unplug as needed.
How You Invest Your Time and Resources
Voting is one important way to shape our future, but there are plenty of other things you can do on a smaller scale including making or creating something, volunteering your time, donating to organizations you believe in, or even investing in your local community by shopping small, picking up trash, or helping out at a community center or garden.
The Foods You Eat
I’m tempted to mainline Ben & Jerry’s right now, but I’m aiming to keep the house stocked with nourishing foods, lots of fresh produce, and healthy snacks. It’s going to be an uphill battle, but I’m doing my best over here.
How You Care For Your Environment
Piles of dishes and laundry never made anyone feel empowered. Try committing to a quick daily declutter—even five minutes before bed can make a big difference. Gather mail and bills in one spot, put dirty dishes in the sink, and toss laundry in the hamper. A simple surface wipe-down and a small treat, like fresh flowers by your bed, can brighten your mood and help create a calm and uplifting space to wake up to.
How You Treat Others
No matter how divided things feel, kindness is a choice. Make someone’s day, share a smile, or lend a helping hand. Small gestures can shift the energy around us.
How You Treat Yourself
Don’t skip this one. When things get stressful self-care can go straight out the window. Now is the time to practice good boundaries, self-compassion, stay hydrated, eat well, and rest up.
That’s what I’ve got for you today. Hope these ideas will feel practical and empowering. Praying for some peace and unity for our country. Hang in there, everyone.
Fun Finds: This oversized unisex sweater, the best clean mascara I've ever tried, and these cute and comfy track pants. Also, A HUGE can of fancy potato chips!!
New Podcast: I was thrilled to be a guest on the wildly popular ClutterBug podcast. We’re chatting about practical organizing solutions and small changes that make a big difference. Listen here.
Truly Obsessed: I just signed up for the Freedom app a productivity tool that helps block distracting apps and websites for designated blocks of time to improve focus and basically save you from yourself. Just a week in, but it is truly saving my sanity. Check it out.
🎉 11/18: Meet me at Marché - a curated holiday marketplace celebrating women-owned brands (SF Bay Area). I’ll be posted at the Saffron and Poe booth signing copies of Minimalista and Organized Living and gifting exclusive advanced copies of LifeStyled every hour! Tix here.
🎉 12/6 SF Bay Area Book Launch Celebration: Only a handful of tickets left for my book launch party at the Erica Tanov design studio + showroom with curated holiday shopping and sips from Sophie James wine. Join the fun.
Get Organized Master Class: Learn how to edit, organize, and elevate your home like a pro. To the course
Work With Me 1:1: No-fluff strategy and support to help you tackle your large and small goals. Get support here
Curated Product Recs: My fewer better faves for your home, life, and wardrobe. To the recs
Get the Books: Actionable strategies to clear clutter, get organized, & elevate your home and life. To the books
Pre-order LifeStyled now from your favorite bookshop! bookshop | target | amazon | barnes and noble | signed copies - so grateful for your support!
Shira offers practical and manageable tips and guidance for everyday situations that make a significant impact and improvement to our daily lives. She has a special knack for expressing fundamental ideas in simple, easy to follow steps. She's a great resource for creating quality environments that enhance our ability to eliminate the noise and focus on what's most important.
We've got this! The carnival show will end. Get the ice cream and chips. We're not going back.