Tip: Planning in the Fun

This week's tip has little to do with organizing and decluttering (stuff), but everything to do with creating a serene space. It centers around the stressful situations in life, and how to get through them without allowing the stress to take over.

How about some specifics, Maura?! You got it. Glad you asked! Here's the thing: our lives are filled with stress -- and some of it is good! My best friend is opening a wine shop right now and working at a breakneck speed as the grand opening approaches. It's stressful! But it's also her baby, and the excitement serves as a buffer between her and the stress.

But sometimes, stress is just... stressful. A gateway to heightened nerves and anxiety. I'm talking about a job interview, a doctor's appointment, or even a first date. I'm talking specifically about a stress that you know is on the horizon, and for which the outcome is unknown. 

For these situations, I like to plan something fun to do afterwards. Something to look forward to, regardless of the outcome. It could be as simple as treating myself to something sweet. I love movies - and I love seeing them in the theater - so planning to see a movie I've been looking forward to is often a go-to. A pedicure never disappointed me. And if money isn't an option, hello massage! No extra $$ for a massage? I draw myself a bath and have an at-home spa day. I have a friend who loves running (I love her but I.don't.understand.). It's her own time, just to herself. For a mother of two, I'm going to assume alone time is a prized commodity in her life. So a long run might be her treat. Another friend loves awful reality TV so catching up on The Bachelor might be her perfect fun. (Ok, I lied. That friend is me.) All that to say, whatever is fun for you is what's best to plan. Whatever you can add to your schedule that you will look forward to -- that is the Fun that I'm talking about.

I write a lot about creating a serene space from the outside in. And I believe in it! But just because I have a serene space to come home to, doesn't mean that the stresses from the outside world don't play a part in my life. Many of them we can't plan for. But those looming appointments or deadlines - the events that hover over our future like grey clouds over the distant horizon - those we can counter by planning a little fun into that foreboding day. 

What is your favorite Fun? Why wait for a stressful reason to add it in? Why not do it this very weekend. You deserve it. We all do.