List-apalooza!

Thanks to Tervis for sponsoring my writing. Visit their website http://www.tervis.com to learn more about the world’s first smart cup.



Today's post is brought to you by Tervis, and it's all about smart lifestyle tips. I'm no lifestyle guru, but I have had many, many years of doing things the insane way. You know - doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I think I've finally learned my lesson and now live and die by lists.

Having a plan is the biggest and smartest lifestyle tip I know. Over the years, I've made thousands of lists. I love the feeling of writing something down and then feeling unburdened about needing to remember it. Grocery lists, to-do lists, lists of pros and cons (you know what I'm talking about ladies!). Lists are wonderful tools...if they get used.

Lists have their place...no really, they have their place; and it's probably not on the fridge. The most efficient list is the one you'll actually use. The list in my head is forgotten about as soon as I walk into another room; the list scribbled on the back of a receipt is thrown away in a fit of 'de-cluttering'; the list hanging on the refrigerator becomes part of the scenery and is never referred to or updated.

I need a list for all these lists!

Just about every list that's written down on paper or a dry erase board is one that doesn't fit a busy lifestyle. Think about it - how many places do you have a list written down? When you're at the store and the list is at home, how useful is that? What's the one thing that's always with you, always within arm's length? Your phone. If you have a smart phone, search for a free, To-Do list app and get ready to never forget needed groceries/craft supplies/tasks again. Make it a point to update it and before long it'll be second nature to check the list on the phone.

My actual to-do list; it actually does work for me, even though some of it is slightly non-specific ;)

How about a list for exercise? Recently, I ran my first half-marathon. The decision to run was made 11 weeks ago and I wasn't much more than a couch potato at the time. I found a 10-week half marathon training schedule online which is nothing more than a list of when to run and how long to run. It kept me on track and motivated. If the schedule said to run 10 miles, did it matter that it was 95 degrees out with 100% humidity? No, the schedule said 10 miles; 10 miles it is. 

With the support of my exercise-loving husband and the training schedule, I was able to go from not being able to run for 3 minutes straight to running the entire 13.1 miles in 2:43:39. 

Right after the half with my husband - I felt great!

Find or make an exercise schedule of your own, with your own favorite type of exercise (or at least the one you'll actually do), put it where you'll see it (maybe on your phone?), and regard it as a must-do. It's amazing what happens when exercise is a 'must-do' rather than a 'should-do'.

Lists won't solve all your problems, but they will lower stress levels. Checking something off a list is like a reward. Make lists, put them somewhere easy and convenient for reference/updating, and make it a habit! You'll be more organized, have less mind-clutter, have what you need in the fridge, in the pantry, in the craft room, and be healthier.

You're welcome ;)

I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. To learn more about Tervis, visit their website http://www.tervis.com.