Time. The best self care?

Well here we are - more than half way through January 2020! Don’t get me started about how time seems to fly. My dad sent me a quote years ago - “Time is like a circus - it keeps packing up and moving on”. I have a clearer understanding now what he was saying.

I often wish I could hear his “take” regarding the world today. A lot has changed in a relatively short period of time. A lot he would embrace - technology certainly. The encumbrances resulting from these advancements - not so much. You would think the way technology has made our lives easier we would have more time, instead many of us burn time on apps like Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Which then has us burning time to be creative DIYers, posting the perfect picture and saying it all in 120 characters or less!!

No wonder there is a self care awareness campaign in the media. My response was “Yea right! Who has the time for self care?!” That is when I thought self care should be time. As in take the time -

• Take the time to check in and connect with friends and family. Call or have lunch/dinner.

• Take the time to get outside - walk at the many beautiful parks, hike our wonderful trails or a walk around the neighborhood.

• Take the time for a class - there are freebies at Michaels, Home Depot or an evening discussion with an organization like Hendersonville Green Drinks.

• Take the time to travel a different route home from work, school, grocery etc. Get out of your bubble! There literally is another world around the corner.

• Take the time to compliment someone. Their haircut, blouse, shoes etc. The endorphin boost you get when they smile is priceless.

Just a few small things that take a small amount of time but have huge payoffs. After all isn’t self care supposed to make you feel good?

To help carve out small amounts of time try this trick: Take a picture of your to do list, including one of the above, whether it’s old school pen and paper or screen shot using your notes app. Then save the pic as your phone’s wallpaper, so every time you go to look at your phone you’ll see your to do list as a reminder to take the time.

Final Touch Cleaning can also help carve out time by taking care of your cleaning needs, Call today and take the time before it packs up and moves on - Tracy

Summer Time Saver

Enjoying the longer summer days outside doesn't leave much time to keep up with inside cleaning.  A well stocked tote/caddy will help so everything is in one spot and ready so you can take advantage of 15-20 minutes.  

1 - microfiber cloths - different colors so you assign colors for different tasks.

2 - scrub brush - nylon bristles with a rubber handle

3 - all purpose cleaner - Final Touch prefers Krud Kutter, biodegradable and doesn't have a harsh smell or smell like a "country meadow".

4 - window cleaner - Target or your local store brand is sufficient

5 - gloves - spend the extra money and get a box at your local home improvement store in the paint department.  They fit your hand better and are tighter around the wrist

6- toothbrush - recycle when you replace one

7 - squeegee - brass or stainless steel is best (hello streakless mirrors)

8 - scouring sponge - sponge on one side and non-scratch scrubber on the other

9 - Magic Erasure - wish I had invented them

10 - disinfecting wipes - store the canister upside down so wipes don't dry out

11 - vinegar - natural dsinfectant and great tile/hardwood/vinyl floor cleaner

12 - Dawn - a little dab on a warm rag can safely clean "goo" on many surfaces

13 - toilet brush - plastic cup in caddy = great brush holder

14 - Swiffer duster - as with Magic Erasures wish I'd invented them

15 - paper towel - Final Touch prefers Bounty

Along with the caddy have a sturdy mop bucket with a twist type mop that has a removable washable mop head, dust pan and broom.  Keep your upright vacuum in the same location.   Taking 15-20 minutes slots of cleaning instead of one big cleaning can help keep the house clean and you enjoying the beautiful weather we have here in the mountains.