Simple Basics Yield Long Term Effects

As we journey through life, it's all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, missing the small moments that truly make life beautiful. With each new day, we have an opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate the richness around us. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that cultivating gratitude can bring clarity and joy to our lives, allowing us to see the beauty in each moment. In this blog, well explore the empowering practice of gratitude as a tool for mindfulness and fulfillment, and share actionable tips to help you embrace a mindset of appreciation in the midst of a busy life.The Impact of Gratitude on Our LivesGratitude extends beyond just saying thank you. Its a profound practice that can transform our outlook on life by inviting positivity and enhancing our overall well-being. Here, we delve into how gratitude can influence your life:Emotional ResilienceShift in Perspective: Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we already possess. This simple shift in perspective can help alleviate feelings of dissatisfaction or envy, enabling us to find joy in lifes everyday moments.Enhances Mental Health: Numerous studies have shown that practicing gratitude can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. By focusing on positive aspects, we nurture a sense of emotional well-being that serves us intimately in difficult times.Strengthening ConnectionsBuilding Relationships: Expressing gratitude fosters connection with others. When we express appreciation for the people in our livesfamily, friends, coworkerswe reinforce our bonds and create a more supportive community.Promoting Kindness: Acts of gratitude can inspire a ripple effect, encouraging others to practice gratitude and kindness as well. This cycle enriches our lives as we contribute positively to the well-being of those around us.Tips for Cultivating an Attitude of GratitudeIncorporating gratitude into your daily routine doesnt have to be complicated. Here are some practical tips to help you nurture a mindset of appreciation and find beauty in everyday life:Step 1: Start a Gratitude JournalDaily Reflections: Dedicate a few minutes each day to write down three things you are grateful for. This practice encourages mindfulness and prompts you to recognize the positive moments, no matter how small.Be Specific: Instead of general statements, be specific in your gratitude. For instance, instead of simply writing Im grateful for my family, say Im grateful for the laughter shared over dinner with my family last night. This specificity fosters a deeper emotional connection.Step 2: Set Reminders to PauseMindful Moments: Choose specific times throughout your day to pause and reflect on what youre grateful for. Whether its during your morning coffee, a lunchtime walk, or before bed, allowing yourself these mindful moments can ground you in the present.Visual Cues: Place reminders in conspicuous placessticky notes on your bathroom mirror, in your workspace, or on your fridge. These visual cues can jog your memory to express gratitude as you go about your day.Step 3: Express Your GratitudeReach Out: Take time to express gratitude to those around you. Send a heartfelt message, write a thank-you note, or verbally express your appreciation to someone who has impacted your life positively. These interactions not only uplift the recipient but also create warmth in your heart.Create a Gratitude Jar: Set up a jar in your home where you and your loved ones can drop in notes of gratitude throughout the year. Encourage everyone to write down things they appreciate, then read them together during special occasions or at the end of the year. This practice can enhance your connections and foster a sense of community.Step 4: Embrace NatureConnect with Your Surroundings: Spend time outdoors and appreciate the beauty of nature. Whether its a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or simply enjoying the view from your window, immersing yourself in nature can profoundly boost your grateful mindset.Mindful Observation: Practice mindfulness by observing your environment with curiosity. Take note of the colors, sounds, and textures around you. Allow nature to inspire feelings of awe and gratitude for the worlds beauty.Step 5: Reflect on ChallengesGratitude for Growth: Its essential to recognize that challenges also contribute to our growth. Reflect on the obstacles youve faced and identify the lessons learned or strengths cultivated as a result. This perspective allows us to find gratitude even in difficult circumstances.Conclusion: Embracing the Beauty of LifeAt A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand that life is a tapestry woven from experiences, memories, and emotions. By fostering an attitude of gratitude, we can appreciate the beauty in both the simple and profound moments of our lives. Embracing gratitude allows us to cultivate joy, strengthen relationships, and navigate life with a deeper sense of purpose.As you embark on this journey toward gratitude, remember that every day holds opportunities for appreciation. By implementing the tips shared, youll find a newfound clarity that brings richness to your experiences. We invite you to explore the beauty of life with us and discover how the practice of gratitude can transform your perspective. If you ever feel overwhelmed or need support in organizing your gratitude practices or your life, A Call to Order is here to help you create clarity and structure. Together, lets celebrate the beauty in life, one grateful moment at a time.

Bring up the topic of decluttering in a conversation with older adults and youll get a variety of responses. For some, getting rid of things is easy; they may even respond with something like I love throwing things away! On the other hand, you have people who cant seem to throw anything away. You can actually see them shift into a state of panic at the thought of discarding their belongings. The majority fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, being able to confidently identify what is clearly trash, yet feeling certain about items theyre compelled to keep.Why Is It So Hard to Let Go?Clutter is common in the lives of so many. There is only one factor that makes the clutter of an older adult unique: time. The older you are, the longer youve had to accumulate things. As time passes, you attach meaning to those things which provoke certain emotions and these feelings may develop into a physical form of nostalgia. Many items can impact us emotionally, something renowned organizing and decluttering expert Marie Kondo calls objects that speak to the heart. These evoke a flood of memories and sentiment, something that provides even more significance and comfort as we age.Though it may be hard to discard possessions, holding onto too muchespecially as a senior with increasing needs for a safe environmentcan have dangerous results. What we accumulate can present challenges throughout the living environment. Clutter resulting from stacks of mail, paperwork, packages, books, magazines, holiday dcor, knickknacks, mementos, and more on and around surfaces and furniture can also contribute to feelings of confusion and overwhelm, increasing cortisol (the stress hormone) levels. Studies show clutter can also contribute to increasing dissatisfaction with life. Overall, these issues are something an older adultpossibly with increasing cognitive issuesneeds less, not more, of.Risks of Clutter and Life-Threatening InjuriesStatistics tell us that each year, 36 million Americans, or one in four adults over age 65, experience a fall. That number climbs every five years. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths for people over age 65.Increased risk of fallingWhile some falls are caused by physical decline, including balance and mobility issues, clutter in ones surroundings can raise the odds of an accident no matter what the seniors condition. It can present hazards to navigate, resulting in tripping and breaking a leg, arm, hip, neck, ribs, requiring stitches, sustaining head trauma, or suffering internal injuries.Confusion over medicationsCluttered medicine cabinets can be life-threatening for seniors. Decluttering your medicine cabinet is critical, especially for those with decreased vision. If a medicine cabinet is disorganized, it can be easy to confuse medicines ones life is dependent on. Throw away expired medications and keep them organized to reduce confusion.Limited mobilityExcess furniture can lead to many challenges for seniors with limited mobility. Not only can they have more trouble getting around on a daily basis, but this trouble can be serious if disaster strikes and they cant get through certain spaces.If doorways are blocked, or even partially blocked, first responders may have trouble entering the premises or getting into specific rooms. Also, if caregivers are working in the home, its especially important that they have a safe, adequate berth in which to maneuver and support the client. With challenges mounting as seniors age, the last thing a caregiver needs to worry about is steering a client around piles of personal belongings or oversized furniture too big for a space, or pieces of furniture placed too close together, or improperly stored equipment including walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen concentrators, shower chairs, and more.Health Benefits of DeclutteringThe benefits of having an organized space extend far beyond general safety conditions. Mental health experts and geriatric social workers concur that aging seniors with less clutter in their everyday lives enjoy many health benefits.Improved concentrationOne of the most noticeable differences you may experience after you declutter your living area is an improvement in your ability to concentrate. Although you may not realize it, the items in your space are constantly competing for your attention. When you are in a cluttered environment, you are essentially forcing your brain to multitask by giving it extra stimuli to filter through as you try to focus on your task at hand. As soon as you declutter your space, you will likely notice an immediate boost in your productivity.Better sleepMany older adults experience a surge in sleep disturbances as they age.Another great reason for seniors to declutter their space is that it can positively impact the quantity and quality of their sleep. You are probably familiar with the feeling you have when you get into your bed after you just cleaned your room. You feel noticeably more relaxed and ready for bed than the previous days.Interestingly enough, those with more clutter have been shown to have more difficulty not only falling asleep but also staying asleep. Those with clutter often have more sleep disturbances.Reduced stressAnother good reason to get rid of your clutter is to reduce your overall level of stress. Many studies have shown a negative correlation between those who keep their homes clutter-free and those who reside in well-organized homes. There are many reasons for this.As mentioned, having many items in your space places additional work on your brain as you force it to constantly work at filtering out irrelevant information so you can focus on whats important.There has been a study conducted that identified a relationship between homeowners and their density of household objects. They found that the higher the density of household objects, the higher their levels of cortisol tested thus indicating higher stress levels.Improved positivityWalking into a room where there is a lot of clutter can do more than add to your stress, it can also cause you to feel like you dont have your life together.If you think about it, looking at a pile of papers can easily remind you of all the things you havent completed yet, directing your attention away from everything you have accomplished. You know the phrase, out of sight out of mind. Well, that is certainly the case with a pile of papers, along with all other clutter.Using The Four Box Method for DeclutteringOne of the simplest strategies for decluttering your home is one referred to as the four box method. This method works great because it forces you to make decisions about everything you own.To use this method, you are simply going to take four boxes (trash bags can work too) and label them as one of the following.Keep/put awayDonate/sellTossStorageOne room at a time, you will use these boxes to help you categorize your belongings.For example, lets say you have made the decision to organize your home. And lets say you decided to start in your living room. You figure this is not only where you spend most of your waking hours, but it is also where you entertain your guests.When you are ready to begin, you will bring your four labeled boxes into the living room. You will then go through each item in the room and make a decision as to whether you need to keep it, donate it, throw it away, or store it.The Keep/Put Away BoxThe keep/put away box is designated for items you want to keep. Ideally, this should be the smallest box. If the item you want to keep belongs in the room you are working with, you are going immediately put it away. If the item you want to keep belongs in another room, you are going to place it in the box. This is going to help ensure you have enough space for all the items you want to keep.For example, there might be piles of magazines and miscellaneous papers on the table in your living room. In this case, you might want to sort through the pile. You may decide to keep the current magazines on the table and place the important papers in the keep box to be filed away. Any papers deemed unimportant can be placed in the trash box.The Donate/Sell BoxThe donate/sell box is going to be designated for items you want to donate or sell. These items should be in good condition. Ideally, they should be items you no longer find valuable but that may be valuable for someone else.You might have furniture in your living room taking up space. You might want to consider selling or donating it. You can even give it to someone in your family who would make better use of it.Also, take a look at unnecessary knick-knacks.The Toss BoxThe toss box is for items you decide to throw away. This should be anything you dont want any more that is unworthy of selling or donating. Think about damaged items or broken items you intended to fix but never got around to.The Storage BoxRefrain from thinking of storage as a place for items you dont know what to do with, but think of it as items you dont currently need.Seasonal items are a great example. Think about seasonal decor or holiday-specific decorations. These are items you dont need out at all times, only during the particular season or holiday time. Place the out of season items in the storage box.Clothing may be another item you may want to store. If you live in a seasonal area, you will have little to no use for a winter coat in the summer. This would be something you want to keep for the cooler months, but you dont need to have it handy in the summer. Place it in your seasonal box.Its Okay to Ask for HelpAt the end of the day, decluttering should be about letting go of the things you have weighing you down for the benefit of your quality of life. Mental health experts confirm, explaining that the process can result in feelings of accomplishment and control for seniors who are aging at home. In short, decluttering has a positive impact on so many levels.Frequently, the most difficult step is simply to start and that being the case, its okay to ask for help. Check with your county aging services department or community senior resource center on the availability of decluttering services. If youd like to learn more about how a trained caregiver can support a senior loved one to live safely at home, feel free to contact one of our friendly and resourceful Amada Senior Care advisors. Click here to find an Amada Senior Care location near you.

As we gracefully embrace the golden years, it becomes increasingly crucial to prioritize our health and well-being. Maintaining an active and independent lifestyle is within reach if we take proactive steps to protect our bodies from injuries. By adopting a few simple habits and making conscious choices, seniors can enhance their overall physical resilience and savor life to the fullest. Try to incorporate any of the following seven valuable strategies for safeguarding your body and ensuring a healthier and more independent future.The Need to Stay Physically Active as Seniors Get OlderRegular physical activity is the cornerstone of healthy aging. Engaging in low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Incorporate these activities into your daily routine to enhance overall fitness levels and reduce the risk of falls. Remember to consult your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen. Not sure where to start? CLICK HERE to read Your Everyday Guide to Exercise and Physical Activity from the National Institute on Aging.Prioritize Strength Training to Improve Your Senior FitnessAs we age, maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly important. Incorporate strength training exercises into your fitness routine to preserve muscle strength and bone density. Resistance bands, light weights, or bodyweight exercises can be beneficial for improving strength and mobility. Seek guidance from a qualified trainer or physical therapist to design a personalized strength training program. Not sure where to start? CLICK HERE to read Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Maintain a Balanced Diet in Your Golden YearsEating a well-balanced diet is vital for overall health and injury prevention. Ensure that your diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D can promote bone health, reducing the risk of fractures. Before starting any new diet, make sure to consult your physician or a registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance based on your specific needs.Protect Your Joints More Important as Seniors AgeJoint health plays a significant role in maintaining mobility and senior independence. To protect your joints, maintain a healthy weight to minimize stress on weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees. Engage in low-impact activities to reduce joint strain. If you experience joint pain or stiffness, consult your doctor for appropriate treatment options.Seniors: You Need to Mind Your Posture!Maintaining good posture is crucial for preventing injuries and minimizing discomfort. Practice proper alignment when sitting, standing, or walking. Use supportive chairs and ergonomic accessories that promote good posture. Engage in exercises that target core strength, which can improve posture and reduce the risk of falls.Create a Safe Living Environment to Age Well at HomeEnsure that your home is a safe haven by making necessary modifications. Remove clutter, secure rugs to prevent slipping, and install handrails in key areas, such as staircases and bathrooms. Adequate lighting throughout the house is essential for preventing falls. Consider utilizing assistive devices like grab bars and non-slip mats to enhance safety.Getting Enough Sleep Boosts Overall Senior HealthQuality sleep is vital for overall health and injury prevention. Aim for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Maintain a regular sleep routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and avoid stimulating activities close to bedtime. Consult your healthcare professional if you experience sleep-related difficulties. CLICK HERE to read Good Sleep for Good Health from the National Institutes of Health.Staying Socially Engaged Preserves Senior Mental and Physical HealthSocial connections contribute to our mental and emotional well-being, which indirectly affects our physical health. Engage in activities that foster social connections and combat loneliness. Join community groups, clubs, or volunteer organizations that align with your interests. Staying socially active can boost mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall vitality. CLICK HERE to read Best Practices for Helping Older Adults Stay Socially Engaged from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.Its Never Too Late for Seniors to Make Positive Lifestyle ChangesBy implementing these strategies, seniors can take proactive steps to protect their bodies from injury and maintain their independence. Prioritizing physical activity, strength training, balanced nutrition, and a safe living environment are fundamental pillars of healthy aging. By adopting these habits and staying socially engaged, seniors can lead fulfilling lives and embrace the joys of independence with confidence and vitality. Remember, its never too late to start making positive changes for your well-being. Embrace the journey.