thecoffeecupmethod

How to smash your to-do list

lynsey@thecoffeecupmethod.co.uk (Lynsey Castellini) — Wed, 25 May 2022 19:32:18 GMT

To - do lists... Surely we've all made one! I'm kind of of list obsessed some days if I'm honest, I just love them.

However, my to-do lists were always one of my weaknesses due to the fact, I thought I was Wonder Woman and could do a million things in one day... of course, I was wrong! And unticket tasks make me a misery...

So, after years of feeling 'shitty' for never finishing my to-do list in the time I had set myself, I knew something had to be done. I decided I needed to make a change, and get myself a system or method to ensure I'm using my time well, and being productive with my tasks.

After a few weeks, I noticed there were 5 things that ensured I was smashing my to-do lists EVERY SINGLE TIME!

1. I write down everything I would like done that day, then choose 2 -5 of the most important tasks. The bigger the tasks, the less I chose. Your time scale should be considered when choosing your tasks always!

2. Get rid of all distractions. Before I start, I also like to check my email and social media, get up to date, then put my phone away for each task.... I will literally watch 50 Tiktok videos or reels otherwise! (I know you do too! ha1)

3. Stay hydrated ! I ensure I have a bottle of water at hand, so I don't have to waste time getting a drink, which could lead me to get distracted somewhere else. I also keep healthy snacks around, not essential really, but being a business woman with an eating disorder, I find having healthy snacks about, really keeps me focused on what I am doing, much better than when I don't have them around.

4. Put on music, or listen to a podcast (or similar) For me personally, depending on the task, I do like background noise that helps me stay 'PUMPED!'. Of course there are specific tasks that needs concentration... so then it's best to give it a miss, and just focus on what needs doing in silence.

5. Start with the biggest task, or the task you're least looking forward. Once that's out of the way, it gets so much easier. I used to start with the smallest task thinking I'd get more done, but when left with the big task at the end, I never wanted to do it because I ran out of time, or I was too tired, or truthfully, I just couldn't be bothered then. So always start with the biggest is my best advice, as it can help you keep track of your time scale too.

Good Luck with you To-Do lists, remember DON'T OVERWHELM YOURSELF and create a system or method that works for YOU. If any of my methods help you, please feel free to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you.

Have a great day,

Lynsey x

How to ease overthinking

lynsey@thecoffeecupmethod.co.uk (Lynsey Castellini) — Thu, 12 May 2022 07:45:17 GMT

When your thoughts run your life...

Are you an over thinker?

Does your over thinking cause you anxiety?

Do you constantly have that annoying voice nagging at you?

Do you wish you could just shut them off? or mute them?

Do you just wish you knew how to get rid of how it makes you feel?

Well i've been there, and bought many T-Shirts. So, I thought it would be a good idea to give you 3 ways to ease over thinking, that I use myself...

So many of us suffer with over thinking, like many the pandemic made everything a lot worse in that area, and switching off all news reports was my only option in the end, to stop it, and it did actually help. I haven't watched any news since, apart from the Queens death being announced, and Sky Sports when Lewis Hamilton announced he was going to Ferrari.

But whilst it does take time to fully deal with and get rid of your over thinking, there are small methods that can help in a moment of an overthinking crisis.

1. Distract yourself: Sometimes all it takes is a little distraction from what's going on in your head. This can be done by doing something that requires your full attention such as cooking, cleaning or even playing a game, or watching a video on your phone. Allow the intensity pass, then gather yourself and continue.

2. Take some deep breaths: Deep breathing is a great way to calm yourself down, breathing deeply will lower the amount of stress hormones in your body and therefore make you feel more relaxed and less anxious about whatever is causing you that feeling in the first place.

3. Write it down: Writing down what's on your mind can significantly help with feeling over overwhelmed and anxious. This way you can see right in front of you what’s on your mind. Cross of anything you cannot control, and write down what you have to do, to sort out the other things. Brain dumping is such a great tool, that people don't use. If it's out on paper, it's not in your head.

Please share this blog with anyone you think it may help, and follow on social media ��

Have a fantastic day,

- Lynsey x

( IMPORTANT! - If you do ever find yourself feeling extremely distressed, then please reach out and get professional help. )

Affirmations to start your morning

lynsey@thecoffeecupmethod.co.uk (Lynsey Castellini) — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 12:29:32 GMT

Breathe, and repeat to yourself 3 times...

Affirmations, I am sure we all have our opinions on them, love them, or hate them, but many people couldn't imagine their life with out them.

So what is an affirmation? An affirmation is the action or process of affirming something to yourself or even others. It's telling yourself the things you need to hear, as we can often allow negative thoughts and intrusive words creep in to our minds, which then effects how we feel about ourselves.

Affirmations can be a personal thing, over time you create affirmations that relate to you, your life and your day ahead.

Do affirmations work? Yes, absolutely! The key is consistency and belief. The more often you say the words, the more meaning and power they have for you. When you say the words truly believe them, feel them, if you are saying " I am confident ", but thinking, " no I'm not ", it won't have the same impact.

So what are some of the best affirmations you can say to yourself each morning to feel great and have a fantastic day? Find a selection of them below...

- EVERY DAY IS A FRESH START

- TODAY IS GOING TO BE A GREAT DAY

- TODAY I AM CREATING A LIFE I LOVE

- I AM ALLOWED TO BE MYSELF

- I AM GOOD ENOUGH

- I AM WORTHY OF RESPECT / LOVE / HAPPINESS

- I AM GRATEFUL FOR THIS NEW DAY

- I AM A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS WOMAN

- HAPPINESS IS MINE

- I AM ABUNDANT IN EVERY WAY

- TODAY I HAVE FAITH IN MYSELF AND MY ABILITIES

- I AM CONFIDENT AND READY FOR THE DAY

- IT IS OK FOR ME TO HAVE EVERYTHING I WANT

Have you used any of these before? Are there some you are going to try? If so let me know, I love to hear from you.

Good luck, and have a great day.

Lynsey x

Get out of your Comfort Zone

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 11:55:55 GMT

Is it time for you to break FREE?

If you're sitting there thinking, "I wish I could change things in my life," or even, "How can I change my life? Then you're in the right place.

Because, it is absolutely time to leave your comfort zone.

What are the benefits of leaving your comfort zone? And why do we all need to get out of our comfort zones?

Here are a few reasons why: -

You'll be able to face your fears.

You'll start taking risks (and feeling good about it).

You'll learn to let go.

You'll discover new adventures.

You'll stop being stuck.

You'll stop being miserable.

20 Ways to Leave Your Comfort Zone Right Now

- Change up your Daily Routine.

- Learn something new.

- Join a new group. (In Person!)

- Volunteer.

- Face a fear you have. (Yes, that one!)

- Take one step at a time/ Don’t get overwhelmed.

- Start small. (A Bungee jump should probably be midway down the list if you're new to this!)

- Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

- Hang out with people who put themselves ‘out there’. (It will rub off in you!)

- Learn more about yourself and why you think certain things may seem scary to you.

- Introduce yourself to more people. (Even a quick hello to a stranger is a start)

- Change up your ‘normal’. Different supermarkets, Petrol stations, podcasts, books…

- Do something alone, coffee shop, restaurant, cinema etc.

- Let go of control. (Let is go Elsa style!)

- Make it fun, because boring is not appealing.

- Change up your make up, clothes or hair style… or go make - up / Filter free if you find yourself dependent on them.

- Embrace who you are.

- Eat something you have never tried before.

- Learn a new language, even if it's only 'Hello', or 1 - 10.

- Go for a walk somewhere different.

Stepping outside your comfort zone opens doors to new experiences, growth, and opportunities you never knew existed. It challenges you to confront fears, expand your horizons, and discover the full extent of your potential. Embracing discomfort fosters resilience, creativity, and a deeper understanding of yourself, ultimately leading to greater fulfillment and success in both personal and professional endeavors. So dare to take that leap, for it's in the discomfort where true transformation and achievement await.

Good Luck and have a fantastic day

- Lynsey x

How to be happier this year

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 11:18:58 GMT

Make 2024 your HAPPY YEAR...

Surely, being happier is something we are all working towards, the last few years have been heavy for many of us, even though you ,may not have noticed because in this day and age the news jumps from one emergency or disaster to the next. Its been pandemics, wars and cost of living crisis and who knows what's to come. but those things we can't control, so let's focus on what we can control and start living a happier life in 2024.

It may sound cliché, but the start of being happier this year is to start thinking happier, keep it positive and try and keep the glass half-full, not empty, don't suppress anything, that's toxic positivity, feel your feelings, but no dwelling or victim mode this year!

Although, positive thinking is not enough for a happiest year ever. Your gonna need more, a lot more...

Here are some tops tips to help -

- Find your passion and Joy in life, by learning more about YOU

- Invest in yourself and your future, whether is your career, your family or your health, go for it!

- Learn further skills, it can be random such as feng shui, or cooking, painting or skiing

- Take action towards your goals, make that goal list and put in the steps you need to take to complete it

- Have a gratitude attitude, stop moaning, or wishing for more all the time, be happy and grateful for what you have, more will soon follow

- Stay away from toxic people and situations, people's energy will pull you down, chose your company wisely

- Get outside more, whether it's 10 minutes or an hour, get fresh air, move your body and enjoy the day (Yes, even when it rains)

- Do more things you love, as you get older with more responsibility we tend to stop doing the things we love, change that this year

- Stop caring about other people’s opinions so much, honestly, I believe no one happy or doing more than you will ever bring you down

- Start a new group or class, dancing, fitness, art. The choice is yours. Ask yourself, what do you want to experience this year?

- Reading books that interest you, or even ones that you'd never think of reading. Expand your thoughts and delve into a great book

- Get up earlier, maybe an hour earlier some days, maybe REALLY early others, get up at 4am, and listen to how still the world feels

- Cook / Eat your favourite food, get the recipe and get cooking.

- Watch your favourite films. Maybe their old fave childhood films, or new ones you've been meaning to see. Go watch them!

- Take time for yourself. Slow down, and give yourself time to just be still. Look after yourself inside and out.

- Move your body. Walk, run, swim or gym... just move.

- Stay Hydrated. Boring yes,, but does cause happiness in the long run. A hydrated body is a happy one.

So, as you take your journey toward having the happiest year ever, remember that happiness is not a destination but a way of life. By embracing gratitude, cultivating positivity, and nurturing meaningful connections, you've laid the groundwork for a year filled with joy, fulfillment, and purpose.

Wishing you a year brimming with laughter, love, and endless possibilities. Cheers to your happiest year ever!"

What will you do this year to improve your happiness? Please get in touch to let me know. Remember it’s all about action, nothing happens when we sit about doing nothing… except more nothing.

Good Luck and have a fantastic day

- Lynsey x