reduce stress | List Producer

3 Solutions for Shipping Headaches

October 21, 2014/0 Comments/in Apps, Fab Find, Holidays, Saving Time, Shopping, Technology/by Paula Rizzo

I know people don’t want to talk about Christmas in October, but there are only nine weeks left. If you want to send presents in time for Hanukkah and Christmas you realistically only have about seven weeks left to find the perfect gift. (Even less if it’s international!)

If you follow this blog you probably know that I like to prepare for the holidays early to avoid the last-minute rush. I’m actually way behind on my shopping. I’m usually done by now so I need to get back on track myself. While I find that online shopping has made some things easier, it brings it’s own form of problems and headaches – mainly shipping. For many companies, finding auto transport leads is not too much of a problem. However, occasionally, we run into shipping issues that are simply too much for us to take.

Fortunately this year I have found a few shipping sites that can help ease the burden:

Shyp* – If you’ve found the perfect gift for your aunt but don’t want to be bothered going to the post office to ship it — no worries. Shyp will pick up your items, package them and send them anywhere in the world for the lowest cost. It’s currently only available in San Francisco and New York, but they plan to release it in Miami soon too. Read more

Productivity Tips You Learned in Kindergarten

October 19, 2014/0 Comments/in Children, Happiness, Home, Increase Productivity, People, Reduce Stress, School, Tool for Success/by Paula Rizzo

You don’t really realize it when your a kid, but kindergarten was probably the most important year in your school career in terms of development. Of course, that school is essential, but we don’t really pay much attention to grades like Pre-K and Kindergarten, but they are important just like any other grade in school. It is where we begin to make our friendships and interact with other kids. A friend of mine learned this when her children started Pre-K and Kindergarten at a school similar to Ravens Croft (RAVENSCROFT.ORG). She reminded me that we learned so much during that time, and not just how to read and write, but believe it or not we also learned plenty of productivity skills!

Here’s a look back at some stuff you learned in kindergarten that you can still use today: Read more

Why You Need an Emergency Packing List

October 12, 2014/2 Comments/in Benefits of List Making, Health, List Making, People, Reduce Stress/by Paula Rizzo

A few days ago my parents called me in the middle of the day at work and told me that my mom had to be taken to the hospital. She got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, blacked out and fell and hit her head badly. Eeek! I talked to her and she was fine but being admitted for all kinds of tests. So I wanted to be there with her. I left work and went home to pack an overnight bag and froze.

I couldn’t think of anything that I needed – and I should’ve known that I needed all the essentials. You know — pajamas, an outfit for the next day, toiletries, etc. But I couldn’t think of anything. When something like this happens your mind is thinking a hundred different things. It catches you off guard and your not able to think as rationally. Read more

How to Take a Break and Get Stuff Done

September 30, 2014/1 Comment/in Happiness, Increase Productivity, Oprah, People, Reduce Stress, Tool for Success/by Paula Rizzo

(Photo Credit: www.shutterstock.com)

Most days I’m so concerned with my lists and getting things done that when I do have some down time, I freeze. I think, “Shouldn’t I be doing something? There’s got to be something I can do right now.” I forget that it’s OK to just do nothing and not have something planned out for every second of every day.

On this blog I talk a lot about taking regular breaks. However, when you’re feeling busy and rushed off your feet — I get that it can be tough to take a moment to slow down. Most of us eat lunch at our desk or read emails while we make coffee and we feel as though we have to be accountable for every minute. But this frenzied work ethic can actually be harmful to your productivity. It’s time to join me and give yourself permission to relax during those down moments. It’s amazing how much of a boost in your efficiency you’ll feel if you just take it easy on yourself.

Because I can’t do anything — even taking a break — without a list, here are some ideas for you: Read more

Need More Friend Time? Unique Ways to Catch up

September 23, 2014/1 Comment/in Happiness, Increase Productivity, People, Relationships/by Paula Rizzo

photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When you were younger spending time with your friends was as easy as going to their house after school. But now coordinating schedules with our friends becomes more of a challenge. Making time for them is important not just because they make you happy, but friends can also provide positive encouragement and hold you accountable to reach your goals.

Here’s a unique list of ways you can spend more quality time with your friends:

Start a wine club – A wine club is basically an excuse to get drunk with friends, but with better PR. An invite to a “Wine Club” sounds far more sophisticated and professional than just inviting someone over for drinks. Other than the wine, organizing a monthly club has many additional benefits. Setting aside a particular date every month gives friends a chance to block that day out on their calendars in advance.

Plus, even if people have to skip a few months here and there, you’ll probably still see them more regularly than if you tried to arrange separate events. I got this idea from my new favorite podcast, Glambition Radio with Ali Brown. She spoke to the CEO of a group called Women of the Vine, which highlights women wine makers. They have a wine club with More Magazine called More Uncorked. All the wine is made by women. Love that! Read more

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