When the school holidays roll around, it can be easy to lose track of time.
Alarm clocks go AWOL, the usual household menu is replaced with on-the-go or lazy options and there’s often a flurry of activity with family visits and socialising.
‘Staying organised’ quickly drops to the bottom of your to-do list (that is, if you decide to keep a list at all!)
Most people respond to holidays in one of two ways:
You do absolutely NOTHING
I’m talking unplugging from technology, lounging in your pyjamas until 10am, and little to no cooking or cleaning, etc.
OR
You try to do absolutely EVERYTHING
Bushwalking, swimming, adventuring, dancing, sleeping, relaxing, holidaying, dining out, traveling, meeting friends and family, etc.
The latter reaction always results in feeling frazzled and in need of another holiday when it comes time to return to school and work.
The first response is an attempt to remove anything – especially technology – that may distract you from being present.
Want to know what my secret weapon is for striking a balance between being present and purposeful? The Life Sorted app!
The wonderful thing about Life Sorted is that by using our organisational app, the complete opposite happens. Instead of feeling tied to technology, you feel free. Structure allows for spontaneity. It’s a strange concept to get your head around.
Let me give you an example… I’ve recently returned from a trip to Bali for some much-needed rest, relaxation and ‘off-the-grid’ time. I believe that when we find space – magic happens. Removing ourselves from usual repetitive routines enables spontaneity and creativity to enter our lives.
Despite the ever-growing to-do list, sometimes you just need to stop. I decided to take some time out and have a change in routine for a while. Note, that I didn’t say ‘no routine’.
There’s a difference.
Having an ‘altered routine’ – operating in a new space or starting the day at an earlier or later time than usual gives you fresh perspective.
Having ‘no routine’ on holidays – skipping meals, taking too much time away from regular exercise habits can result in you feeling ‘restless’ rather than ‘rested’.
I always use my Life Sorted App, especially when I’m travelling.
I was able to make this trip happen because I used the Life Sorted app to organise my pre-travel tasks such as locating family passports, purchasing travel goods, organising currency, packing and getting our family to the airport for departure.
Now, I’m not saying the app was the only reason I was able to organise my trip to Bali, but it certainly contributed to a stress-free and seamless experience. I also used Life Sorted to house the list of recommended restaurants, bars and homewares stores (a bit of an obsession) I wanted to visit in Seminyak which I was able to access while we were out and about.
Prioritising my travel to-do list and having a little structure to my days leading up to our departure, meant that we could enjoy being spontaneous on arrival with impromptu massages (ah, like every day), trips to the beach clubs pool at various times and exciting trips to places like the Rock Bar at Ayana (for a spectacular sunset), Monkey Forest in Ubud and Seafood Cafes on the beach at Jimbaran Bay.
In a sense, I used Life Sorted to plan for spontaneity.
Holidays bring with them a wonderful sense of calm, awareness, openness and readiness.
If you’re used to operating within a rigid routine, it can be challenging to find comfort within the discomfort of a changed schedule.
Similarly, you are not a holiday-making fraud if you use Life Sorted to keep some of your favourite routines while you’re away or even create new habits such as waking up for an early walk or doing a morning meditation.
The Life Sorted app will keep you feeling sorted while you’re at home and away. Don’t worry – I won’t tell anyone. It can be our little secret!
Jo X
Very well written Jo. Sounds like you had a relaxing time in Bali
Thanks Dani. We had a lovely time X