Declutter

I have always found that a good way to start a New Year is with a clean desk, sorted files and emails and a good organising system. It makes me feel fresh and ready for anything.

Of course, as the weeks go by and life speeds up again, things slowly build up and old habits creep in. And usually, creativity and energy suffer.

So if you’re feeling a bit cloudy of mind and stuck in a rut, take a look around you. It might be that a good clean up will do the trick. Set aside an hour – mark it in your calendar if you have to – and get stuck in. Do it at a time when you are most energetic and you will be amazed by how much you can get done.

If it’s your home that is out of control, why not pop on some upbeat music and bop along while you work (or whatever other physical movement goes with your chosen style of music). I found it’s a good idea to play the same album each time I clean up so my brain automatically goes into “cleaning mode”. Vika and Linda’s self-titled album is my personal preference, but anything uplifting and energising will do the job. If you can sing along, it’s even better.

Then enjoy the fruits of your labour and get back to work (or whatever else you were doing).