Did you know that the first 10 minutes of your day are significant and starting on the right foot will set the tone for the whole day? You want to set a positive and productive tone in the morning immediately after waking up for a fantastic start. We discuss five things you should do every morning to start your day the right way.

Quit the Habit of Snoozing

We have all been culprits of this habit. The alarm beeps, and you're too lazy to get out of the bed. You convince yourself that it's still early and you can relax for a few minutes. So, you hit the snooze button and chill. The next time you wake up, you have less than ten minutes to prepare. Getting late for work or school only adds to the stress. So, set your feet on the floor immediately the alarm rings and goes off.

Let the Phone Be

The first thing most people do in the morning after waking up is to grab the phone and check the social media, news, email, and weather while still lying in bed. Save that ten minutes to doing something to help the rest of the day.

Stretch

A few stretches after waking up will get your blood circulating to the muscles and the brain, which will increase strength and concentration in the morning.

Focus on Today

At times, we get so hung up on what happened yesterday that we forget what’s done is done and there’s probably little we can do. So, do not get fixated and stressed by the past, but direct your attention to today and the future.

Drink a Glass of Water

Hydrate your body, fire your metabolism, flush out toxins and fuel your brain with a glass of water the moment you wake up.

How you begin your morning will influence how your day progresses, which is why you should adopt healthy morning habits. If you're looking for one of the available Flagstaff apartments, Highland Village Apartments are your best bet. For directions and floor plans, call us at (844) 819-1677.

The post Get Your Day Started the Right Way by Doing These 5 Things appeared first on Highland Village Apartments Blog.

Do you have a limited amount of time and too much to get done? If so, it’s time to learn how to manage your time. Let’s jump right into ten rapid-fire time management tips.

Add Time Limits to Tasks

As you create your to-do list, add an allotted amount of time to complete each task. This will keep you from getting absorbed in a specific task and keep you aware of the passing time.

Use a Calendar (Physical or Digital)

Keep track of your future commitments by maintaining a physical or digital calendar.

Understand Your Deadlines

Every task on your to-do list should have a deadline. If it doesn’t, assign a deadline or ask for a deadline from the person who gave you the task.

Create a Daily Plan

Craft a plan every day when you get into the office, or even when you wake up.

Have a Clock in Your Line of Sight

Whatever it is you're working on, add a clock (beyond the one on your computer) to your line of sight. This practice will make you intimately aware of the time, which in turn will keep you on task.

Practice Ignoring Distractions

Distractions are the enemy of time management. Become aware of your distractions and eliminate them.

Track How Much Time You Spend

How much time is each task taking you? Is it in line with the allotted time that you designated?

Eliminate Tasks that Waste Time

Don’t be afraid to cut a task, or reduce, such as checking email throughout the day.

Delegate When Possible

Can someone else take a task off your plate? Let them.

Prioritize Your To-Do List

Not all tasks have the same priority. As you create your to-do list, assign priorities.

Are you in the market for a new apartment in Flagstaff, AZ? We’d love to help you find it. Contact our office today to view our floor plans.

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This April our focus is RYAS: Rocking Your Apartment’s Socks! We’ll take you from recipes to try in the kitchen to thrifty apartment décor and much more!

One way to rock your apartment’s socks is to keep it organized! As much as we might hate cleaning, you can always make organization and tidiness a little more fun by finding unique and eye-catching ways to do it! Check out these ten life hacks that will keep your apartment organized and looking f-i-n-e!

1. Use soda can tabs to create closet space

Just slip the soda can tab over the hook of your hanger, and hang a second hanger on the open tab hole! You’ll fit twice the number of hangers in your closet without wasting money on pricey space-saving hangers.

2. Create magnetic spice jars

Instead of filling your precious cabinet space with all your spices, check out this guide to making magnetic spice jars! You can then stick them to the fridge for a unique look and a cute space saver!

3. Save dresser space with a new shirt fold

Fold and organize your shirts in rows rather than laying them flat! Not only will you create more space, but you’ll also be able to easily find your favorite shirts more easily! Learn how here.

4. Create a magnetic bathroom storage strip

Use a magnetic strip roll to create three storage strips in your bathroom medicine cabinet: one at the top, one toward the bottom, and one in the middle (make sure you avoid placing the strips at the same level as the shelf, as this might keep the cabinet from closing). You can use these to store tweezers, small clippers, and other metallic bathroom accessories … especially the ones you’re more likely to lose! We’re looking at you, bobby pins!

5. Use spice racks to organize your bedroom and bathroom

Need a low cost alternative to shelving for over bed storage? Or maybe you just need to organize your hair products, lotions, nail polishes, etc. Look no further than spice racks! They are small enough to not take up much room, but big enough to hold all your everyday items. And they’re super easy to install! Use them to create bathroom organization, or create an over-the-bed bookshelf or place to stick your glasses for the night!

6. Create unique storage with baskets

You can find beautiful wicker or faux-wicker baskets at a local craft store. Use them to create a unique storage option. You can easily hang them from the wall either facing up (for hats, scarves, etc.) or facing out (for books, vases, and other small items).

7. Use Dollar Store buckets for desk organization

The Dollar Store always has nifty knick-knacks … one of our favorites is their cute multicolored buckets and pails! They are not only adorable décor, but they also present fun desktop organization. Use them to store pens, markers, scissors, and other items. Stick one in the living room or kitchen to store your small hand tools, too!

8. Cereal containers double as trash cans

Another awesome Dollar Store find? Cereal containers. These not only give you a great way to keep your cereal fresh … they also provide the perfectly sized small trash bins you may need for each room. Tuck one down beneath your desk, beside the bed, or just inside the front door; it’s easily hidden, but big enough for small trash you don’t want to take a trip to your main trashcan for. (Bonus: Grab one for your car, too! No more loose straw rappers and unwanted receipts!)

9. Save closet storage space with baskets

Invest in some cloth collapsible baskets for your closet. Instead of stacking extra clothes or sheets on the top shelf, use these to create a more colorful and space saving organization system! One benefit to these is that you can stack them up or on their sides; lay a basket on its side for sheets, and stack baskets with extra shirts, socks, and other clothes on top of each other.

10. Use shower curtain rings to hang belts and scarves

Secure a rod (try an expandable curtain rod) inside your closet and hang as many shower curtain rings as you need. Use them to keep your belts and scarves organized! Learn how to make your own here!

Happy Organizing! And don’t forget to share your favorite organizational tips with us!

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