Tips & Tricks
Many of you might just see what I post on Instagram but not really know much about me personally. So I want to give you a tiny peak into my everyday life and share some tips about time management and the disciplines that I've found that make my life a little easier. What do I do for work you ask? I'm a Nanny to four children - yes count them, four! They are the sweetest little humans that have ever landed on this planet, in my opinion. They are almost 1 month old, 5, 7, and 9 years old! I also clean/organize houses regularly and I'm also the Executive Assistant to my Pastor! I'm in the process of raising money to return to Peru and continue my missionary work! I'm a full time student as well while blogging and expressing myself through Haute & Soul. This is a lot for one person; however, I absolutely love all that I'm involved in. Here's a little peak into how I do all that I'm involved in while keeping my sanity and enjoying life. Here are 10 things I've found super helpful when implemented into my everyday life:
**First of all, if you haven't seen Girlboss on Netflix then watch that first aaaaaand get back to me.**
Second, there's nothing better or more rewarding for me personally, than some self-discipline. Like, doing the things you wouldn't regularly do that takes some effort and it changes you - I love that!
- Workout - (No this isn't to remind you of your New Years resolution) When I was in ministry school, we were forced to work out and if anyone had a deep disdain for getting up at 5am to go workout half asleep, it was me. Talk about bitter and grumpy - don't mess with my sleep, okay? However, now in my (free will) I find working out so relaxing and I love feeling like I have accomplished something. I started out boxing which initially got me motivated, and now I feel confident in the gym and have a routine. Set goals for your workout and work until you see results. If not physically, stretch your mind to do more mentally.
- Stop eating drive through and drinking soda, hello! Do I really need to elaborate? I mean you get out what you put in and I really want to be the best to myself because I want, my best self.
- Have a time each day where you connect with the Lord intimately. Many people enjoy waking up and reading a verse or two in the morning before school or work. I personally am a night owl and I'll go into my prayer closet and stay for hours. But no worries, this time looks different for everyone! Some resources I would recommend are the "first 5 app" or "she reads truth" or the You version "bible" app! They each have plans and topics you can choose from to guide this time!
- Have a clean room and make your bed. (This is not your mother taking over the internet) I learned while living in Peru that little wins add up and so do the losses. The little wins for example is feeling like you can breathe when you go into your safe zone - which should be your room. I like to keep mine as much of an oasis as possible! The little things matter at the end of the day. Keeping your car clean and taking care of it reduces stress and anxiety. When my room, car and bathroom are a total mess, I feel like I can't breathe or even function.
- Know yourself. Are you an external processor or internal? Have someone to talk to about your feelings. I personally have a counselor that I see and she is amazing. I think everyone should have that person who they can spill to or talk things through with especially if you're an external processor. She's like my bff - she literally knows everything about me!
- Read. In my fast paced little world I hardly have time for mindless entertainment. When I do, I tend to hop on Netflix and watch one of my murder mystery series (hello this isn't mindless entertainment). I finally realized I was wasting time watching more episodes of A Killing than I was educating myself. I want to be a leader and leaders are readers. Set limits and restrictions on how you spend your free time.
- Invest in family time. Time is best spent with those you love and I firmly believe that. Take time to build relationships because people aren't here forever, take time to learn from the wise.
- Write it down and grow in your thankfulness. I love writing down exactly how I feel because I can look back and see where God was faithful and that makes me flourish in thankfulness.
- Treat yo'self! I feel 100% better when I wash my face at night and have healthy happy skin! And the worst part you ask?... not having my nails done. Now, I know what you're thinking "McKayla pays to get her nails done each week" - WRONG. I'm cheap and love saving my money so I do my own! I just make sure they're taken care of because I feel horrible when I haven't polished them or haven't filed them.
- Have a nightly routine. This has changed for me over time. At one point I loved washing my face, running a bath, grabbing my iPad, lighting my fav candle and watching Lost in the tub. Then, I broke up with Netflix and I listened to Frank Sinatra while eating a salad with ginger dressing paired with a glass of wine in the tub by candlelight. Then at some point I transitioned to just dancing and singing like Beyoncé before bed and laughed at myself (ps. if you don't know how to laugh at yourself, that's your next step). Sounds crazy I know but it's healthy for you. Now my routine looks like running a bath listening to rain sounds on spotify or Norah Jones(she's an angel) and putting lavender oil on, I use dōTERRA before bed while defusing it as well. This routine changes over time, but you have to be in tune enough with yourself to know what you need, and when you need it!
When you take care of yourself you can take care of others better. I hope this encourages you to maybe treat yourself or take action to start healthier habits to make your life a little less stressful!
