#12 Become a Minute Manager at least once or twice a day

Become a minute manager once or twice a day.

Have you ever looked around your house, your desk, or your living space and wondered "where do I start?" I often find myself wondering this. Sometimes it feels that as fast as I tidy things up, little hands are messing up! That though, is the way it is, and the way it should be - children are mobile, curious, and quick!

To help get a handle on things when I don't know where to begin to make a "dent", I now set my egg timer to say, 10 minutes for instance, and devote that time to cleaning, organizing, doing errands, or whatever the task at hand is. I suppose it helps that I am a competitive person by nature and want to make that time count.

You will be surprised how you will undoubtedly accomplish more in a brief set time, then during a longer unfocused duration. It can actually be quiet relaxing to have a dedicated focus (well as dedicated as one can be with two toddlers running a muck!).

I used to use this tactic at work when I needed to multitask various projects, only instead of an eggtimer I'd use the timer on my computer. This helped me organize my time to check my morning emails, work on the introductory paragraph of a LOI (letter of inquiry), or create that special events timeline.

Give it a try!

Are you ready? On your mark, get set, go!


Photo courtesy of Dan:
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=587

#11 What do breasts and sheep have in common?

Q What do breasts and sheep have in common?

A Lanolin.

That is if you are breast feeding your little one and using one of the many nipple care products containing lanolin.

Lanolin is commonly used by women to prevent chaffed and cracked nipples while they are breastfeeding.

After learning the hard (and painful) way with my first baby, I, after a process of trial and use/error, finally found my preferred lanolin product (There are many nipple creams and pure lanolin products out there.). The lanolin brand that I prefer is Medela's Tender Care. Its consistency is smooth and soft unlike so many of the other brands, thus making it easier to apply. With one other popular brand, I found that straight out of the tube the ointment was thick, sticky and tacky in consistency and almost had to be warmed up in order to apply ( an extra step a nursing mom doesn't need to add to her all ready hectic regimen).

While I am still breast feeding our youngest, I realize now that lanolin will continue to have a place in our household even after I am no longer nursing.

Now - back to the sheep! You may be asking "OK, get on with it. What do sheep have to do with all of this?" Well, Lanolin is a mixture of wool fat and water, it is derived from the sheep's oil glands.

Lanolin is found to be very similar to the oils secreted by human skin. It protects the skin while allowing in air and letting your skin breathe. It has healing abilities largely because it:

- has antibacterial properties

- is water repellent, and it

- seals in moisture

So next time consider reaching for a tube of lanolin for those chapped lips, that little scrape, or that irritating pimple!

But for now, if you are nursing, DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT, take your ladies forgranted, take care of them and lanolinate them!

Do you have a favourite lanolin product? If so tell me, share with your comments!

Photo courtesy of Nicholas Tarling

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=129

#10 Light up your life.

Lighting a candle each day can be a wonderful way to feel renewed. It can be a ritual with so many meanings and so many benefits.

A candle is a representation of life and change. Coupled with a prayer, a few thoughts or quiet words spoken, this ritual can either jump start your day, or give you the grounding you so desire.

On a personal note, I will sometimes light a candle first thing in the morning and say a prayer for the new day. Sometimes I will light a candle to mark the significance of an event or past event. Other times, a candle will be aglow on the back counter (safely out of reach of little hands!) as I work in the kitchen, its flickering warmth catching my eye and warming my spirit.

Not all candles are created equal. My choice of candle is always bees wax. Not only do these candles have the sweet, soft smell of honey, but they are not toxic. Here is a link if you are interested in learning more:

http://www.purebeeswaxcandles.com/_blog/Beeswax_Blog/post/Is_a_Healthy_Home_important_to_you/


Photo courtesy of Carlos Porto:Http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=345

#9 A little bit of yoga that you can do!

This "yoga" is something that anyone can take part in. Give it a try!

Deep Breathing

- Relax as you sit straight in a chair.

- Close your eyes. Imagine a peaceful place.

- Slowly and smoothly, inhale and exhale, through your nose, each time letting your breath become longer and longer.

- After 20 repetitions, return your breath back to normal.

Benefits?

You increase the level of oxygen in your blood. This inturn, helps to inrease your mental focus and does wonders to alleviate stress.

Photo courtesy of Free Digital photos

Image'>http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2522">Image: sakhorn38 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net