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Purge These Items From Your Office To Gain Zen, Boost Productivity, And Spark Creative Clarity
We all know that part of being productive and at our best when we're doing our work is creating an office space that accommodates greatness. For some of us, that simply means keeping things neat and organized in a chaotic, busy work environment; for others, it could be methodically managing an organized mess; and for others, it's all about steering clear of clutter and welcoming zen.
No matter what group you belong to, here are a few tips for things you need to get rid of today if you want your office space to be a place of peaceful productivity and calm inspiration:
How To Declutter Your Office Space in 2024
1. Outdated or miscellaneous files... whether digital or paper
Listen, I'm the first person to tell you that I am a digital file hoarder. I'll keep emails for more than a decade, save files on the cloud and forget about them for years, and don't even get me started on my digital photo albums. In my line of work there's a lot of downloading and uploading, so I empathize with anybody who can't bring themselves to delete things.
That being said, delete 'em. There are certain best practices when it comes to tax documents, accounting records, payroll stubs, invoices, and the like, and there's a lifespan for every file.
And if your company is into paper files, find out the procedures related to purging from your manager, HR rep, or other professional who knows more about the file-keeping and file-shredding protocols. Figure out an organization process and find ways to go digital when you can. Address this quarterly or even bi-monthly, and get some assistance. Either way, you want to get rid of file clutter and free up valuable space both on your tech devices and physically in your office.
2. Those extra knicknacks, mugs, children's drawings, or expired snacks in or on your desk
We all love those special drawings we get from the little loved ones in our lives, but you can't keep every scribble or class project at your desk. A great way to enjoy these while at work is to take photos of them and include them in a digital photo album on your desk or as your screensaver on your computer. You can also utilize wall space and frame them to put up.
Also, let's purge those little Rasta-man figurines from your last Jamaica vacation, those three impulse-buy Stanley mugs gathering dust in your bottom drawer, or at least throw away those stale snack cakes you were saving for a rainy day.
If you really love certain knicknacks, they'll be top-of-mind and useful. If you have the space, add a bookshelf or floating wall shelves that can house three to five select items that are simply there for mood-boosting or to spark inspiration. Otherwise, take them home, donate them, or sell them.
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3. Old tech or equipment
It's a good time to consider whether you need a tech upgrade or a total replacement, and this applies to your computer or laptop, your work phone, and other tools you use to do your job. (Here's a good guide on how to decide or at least what to consider when pitching to your manager or the IT team for the budget approval to do so.)
If you're using tech that's not helping you in the ease and efficiency departments and have the power to get rid of it or at least upgrade the components (i.e., programs, apps, or actual equipment), take the time to do that now. Do your research on the latest technology that will make you and/or your team more competitive, productive, and fulfilled, and tech that will save you time and stress in the job that you do.
Incorporate tech that will help you automate some parts of your job like scheduling meetings, responding to emails, or relaying information, and get rid of tech that's archaic, not a good fit for the people you work with or the job you do, or simply isn't a good product.
And you don't necessarily have to go big or expensive for this. It could be something as small as recycling or selling an old monitor to get a new, larger one with better resolution or trying a wireless mouse and a new mousepad. It could mean finally donating that old printer you've had in a corner, or calling your phone carrier to negotiate a deal on a newer phone. Look into the warranties that you might have on equipment, coupons, sales, or other ways to purge and replace.
4. That busted or uncomfortable desk-and-chair situation
This is often overlooked, but the comfort and set up of your office desk and chair can play a major role in negatively contributing to not only your productivity but your overall health as well---especially if you spend the majority of your time at a desk during your work day. It's very important to have a desk-and-chair setup that is ergonomically sound, and if you work for a company, this is something that should be a priority for them as well.
If your work chair is half broke-down, the seat or other padding is worn out, it's made of hard uncomfortable material, or it's not adjustable for your height, the height of your desk, and a comfortable eye level to your computer screen, it's time for an office makeover.
Maybe even consider a standing desk and a walking pad if you want options that will spark activity, productivity, and wellness while you work. Figure out the best positioning of your desk and chair or other nontraditional options for this. Trust me, your back and mental health will thank you in the long run.
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This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
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Mariee Revere On Her History-Making Million-Dollar Sales And The Future Of MoonXCosmetics
If the name Mariee Revere sounds familiar, it's probably because you heard of her beauty and skincare brand, MoonXCosmetics, or you may have heard about her history-making achievement of making $1.8 million in less than eight minutes. But before starting her million-dollar brand, Mariee was just a teenager trying to cure her acne.
While she grew up in the skincare capital of the world, South Korea, Mariee didn't really experience breakouts until her senior year of high school. Like many people who get their first breakout, she didn't know what to do, and there weren't many products out there at that time. So she decided to experiment. What she didn't know was that what she came up with would ultimately be her ticket to success.
"When I graduated high school, I moved back to America, Georgia, and I ended up making, like, the oil, the Rose Galore oil, which is like the staple product of my brand. I don't know what made me make it, but I did, and it literally cleared my face up," she tells xoNecole in an exclusive interview.
"I end up selling it as a body oil first because, obviously, I'm 17, [and] don't have any background as an esthetician or anything like that. I just made a product that worked for me, but people bought it and was using it, and I reformulated it, and then it just stuck like with me."
While MoonXCosmetics is known for its facial products, it wants to expand to body care and home. It just released its new product, Moon-Gel body wash, and it's only up from there. As Mariee continues to grow the brand, it's more than likely that she will see more history-making moments. And so far she has.
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When asked if she feels pressure to obtain more of those milestones, she says yes and no. "I did $1.8 [million] again, and then I did $2 million but I feel like now, currently, I don't look at that as one of my goals anymore because [of] the headache and just everything that came with it, but I was thankful and blessed to have that milestone, but now I'm looking for more," she says.
"I want to say more reach than more like fast-paced sales. I do want that. Obviously, every girl wants that, but I do want to have a better overall reach for my brand because I did take two years off so I was able to learn, [and] study a lot of different things. See how things have changed from 2020 to now."
"I did $1.8 [million] again, and then I did $2 million but I feel like now, currently, I don't look at that as one of my goals anymore because [of] the headache and just everything that came with it, but I was thankful and blessed to have that milestone, but now I'm looking for more."
Another part of expanding for any company is hiring people. Finding the right person to help you can be a hassle, especially for business owners who are used to doing all the work themselves. Mariee can relate to this, and she touched on this topic in her documentaryThe Million Dollar Story. She recommends having someone be your "right-hand man" who you trust to handle the ins and outs of the company.
"I could say, definitely get, like a right-hand man to help you within the process because that really was what helped me. I never had a job. I literally was 18 now, being like, you know, the boss of over 30+ employees at one point in time, and I didn't know anything. I didn't know anything about no W-2s, no taxes, no clock in, clock out because all I [have] ever known was my brand," she explains.
"So I definitely partner with people who are very skewed and versed in those areas, and they helped me get through it. Even to this day, I still have my same person helping me with hiring, firing, [and] doing everything that I can right now because I'm still learning. But obviously people get jobs young, so they have way more experience than me, but still learning."
And though she is still learning, one thing she makes sure to stay on top of is being consistent. Consistency is what trips many people up when it comes to achieving goals, but Mariee says it's all about scheduling. Whether it's when to post on social media or email marketing, scheduling it out can make a world of difference. That same practice also works when planning out her future goals for the company.
"Right now, future goals would be to drop at least five more products before the end of the year. We always do outreach, where we do drives and all that, but definitely do way more this year, she says. "Then really dive into body [care], and then hopefully open up MoonXBody underneath MoonXCosmetics to let that branch out and be open and definitely get back consistent."
For more information, visit moonxco.com.
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