Tag: devoteelife

  • 3 Effective Ways To MANAGE YOUR TIME As A Homemaker |DEVOTEE LIFESTYLE

    3 Effective Ways To MANAGE YOUR TIME As A Homemaker |DEVOTEE LIFESTYLE

    As a (devotee) homemaker, we have many responsibilities. Along with household services and caring for our family, we need to ensure that our Bhakti sadhana is fulfilled meticulously. To accomplish everything you need to master skills and manage your time effectively.

    At the beginning of my devotee life, I couldn’t manage everything well.

    Some days I was all occupied with my household duties and my Sadhana was put aside. Other times my sadhana went well, but the housework lingered.

    I learned a lot from senior (Vaishnav) devotee homemakers on YouTube.

    I admire their hard work and dedication in managing home and sadhana so efficiently.

    Some challenges didn’t allow me to achieve everything. Analysing my time thoroughly I observed there were many silent time wasters.

    Today I’m specifying 3 major productivity-killing activities that occupy a larger part of your life.

    3 EFFECTIVE WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR TIME AS A HOMEMAKER

    Manage Your Time #1 Get off your phone/devices:

    The very first step to managing your time has to be ditching your phone/TV etc.

    Mobile phones have become a central aspect of our life. It’s easier to lose ourselves in endless connectivity.

    In the present era, there’s no big housebreaker like your screen time.

    Being a devotee, watching materialistic things is restricted. Still, even the Bhakti-related notifications/comments/topics can make us wander from the important task at hand at that very moment.

    We pause to check 1 or 2 notifications and before we know it hours pass.

    There are few things you can change for good. Since phone usage can impede concentration (destructive for our Bhakti).

    You can customize or turn off notifications from unwanted shopping apps, social media apps, etc

    You can remove pointless apps (which you haven’t opened in months) from your phone.

    Use your phone for Bhakti-related activities only. Set a time limit.

    See your phone after fulfilling your duties — Mangal Arati, bhog offering, Shringar sewa, Shayan sewa, cleaning sewa, family sewa, and all.

    You can use your phone during your breaks but make sure you return to service shortly after.

    Never forget, being a devotee, dependency on any materialistic thing isn’t advisable.

    Manage Your Time #2 Bucket System:

    Don’t let the clock dictate your life. Instead, have a bucket system.

    I don’t know what the world means by the bucket system of productivity.

    For me, it’s plain, simple, and efficient.

    My idea of a bucket system?

    I have 4 buckets (lists) for all the tasks that I carry out in a day.

    In other words, 4 categories/fields of tasks.

    For instance,

    • 1st bucket includes Bhakti Sadhana-related where I have grouped all the crucial sadhana activities (chanting, reading, hearing, Mangla, etc)
    • 2nd bucket is all about housework. All the daily/weekly cleaning duties and other important home-related sewa are listed here
    • 3rd bucket is family-related sewa (Individual care, festivities/occasions, outings (Dham visits, etc)
    • 4th bucket is self-related (exercise/grooming/haircare routine etc)

    My day-to-day routine consists of activities from all of these buckets.

    With this sort of bucket system, sorting or prioritizing the most important tasks for the day has become a breeze for me.

    RELATED:

    10 TOP TIME-MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR HOMEMAKERS

    16 INCREDIBLE TIME-SAVING TIPS FOR HOMEMAKERS

    Manage Your Time #3 Prioritize:

    Having a schedule is a must to increase your productivity and get things done.

    After categorizing tasks in different buckets, your list may seem overwhelming.

    So you must prioritize your duties as per their worth/significance.

    With buckets, writing a to-do list would just be a matter of minutes. Since you have a list ahead of you.

    Try to keep the to-do list short.

    Embrace the power of three.

    Meaning, picking only 3 tasks from each bucket. So that the list is brief. As fewer tasks are usually manageable.

    Bonus Tip:

    Organize your space once every week so that you can operate easily.

    Maintain a Work-life balance. Work efficiently while you’re working. Choose quality over quantity.

    Be sure to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. Thank you so much for reading. Happy Homemaking!

  • 8 Helpful MONSOON HOMEMAKING Hacks

    8 Helpful MONSOON HOMEMAKING Hacks

    Monsoon is a total bliss with all its adorable sound and green picturesque views. Many of us love the rainy season. We want to slow down and enjoy this special time of the year. However, like other seasons, monsoons come with their challenges too — moisture, dampened walls, and different insects.

    The rainy season calls for attention to maintain a healthy, hygienic, and pleasant atmosphere in your home while also relishing the lovely weather.

    That said, the wet and cloudy weather typically makes you feel lazy and sleepy. Bearing that in mind we have kept the homemaking routine and preventive arrangements simple and easy to follow.

    Today I have listed a few monsoon homemaking hacks that you might find helpful.

    8 HELPFUL MONSOON HOMEMAKING HACKS

    1| Replace thick fabric with lighter ones:

    The issue of stinky carpets/drapery is common in monsoons.

    Heavy rugs, doormats, curtains, and (too many) cushions/pillows retain moisture and give off a bad odor.

    Carpets/rugs/ sofa covers are free passes for the bugs too.

    So it’s logical to replace thicker fabric with thin, lightweight ones. As it’s even difficult to clean/wash and dry such items in rainy weather.

    It also makes sense to put away heavy, textured artwork that is complicated to clean and maintain.

    2| Keep kitchen sink dry:

    Excessive humidity enhances moisture levels in the kitchen.

    Also, it’s a trouble spot that attracts flies and yields a gross smell when dirty dishes are left longer.

    Doing the dishes a couple times a day and wiping the sink dry would prevent such issues.

    READ: HOW TO CLEAN YOUR KITCHEN IN 10 MINUTES OR LESS

    3| Dry mop:

    In monsoons, dry/spot mopping is recommended instead of traditional wet mopping.

    This helps avoid moisture buildup besides keeping the floor clean.

    I spray some vinegar and Dettol all over the floor, which cleans and disinfects the floor pretty well.

    4| Dry dust:

    Similarly using dry cloth over damp cloth for dusting the surfaces and knick-knacks allows them to remain dry and germ-free as wood tends to distend/swell in a wet atmosphere.

    5| Stock up only required groceries:

    Avoid stocking up on extra groceries mainly edible products.

    Many things perish soon in wet weather. Some things solidify, and others melt down, irrespective of the measures you take.

    6| Ventilate longer possible:

    Keeping windows open during monsoon can be challenging since it causes insect trouble.

    But you can open them using net shade.
    ventilation is crucial to keep the musty smell at bay and prevent moles and mildew in the home.

    7| Stay on top of laundry:

    Drying the clothes is a big concern in rainy weather.

    Smaller loads are easier to handle and dry faster during rains.

    Even if you have a big load of laundry, split them into two small piles. The clothes with smaller loads wash well, dry soon, and are easier to fold and put away.

    READ: HOW TO CREATE A LAUNDRY SYSTEM THAT WORKS

    8| Declutter and have minimum stuff:

    All of the above steps make sense when you declutter now and then and own less stuff.

    Organizing clutter is wearisome.

    Removing unwanted stuff from your home means creating more space to (neatly) organize your valuable possessions.

    Also, owning less stuff means fewer things to worry about and saving from mold and mildew in monsoon season.

    Additional Tips:

    • Have a shoe rack at the entrance so you can remove your wet shoes outside the door
    • Discard garbage daily to eliminate odor
    • Avoid standing water anywhere in the house
    • Place plants in open spaces outside the house as they cause wetness and attract bugs
    • Cooking and eating under bright light is recommended in cloudy weather.
    • Check electric power ties to ensure safety in case of leaks
    • Maintain a clean and dry bathroom to prevent mustiness. Disinfectant regularly for better hygiene
    • Switch on the fan to keep the surroundings dry and fresh

    Those are some important tips to take good care of your home and resolve weather-related issues.

    Don’t get so occupied that you miss out on enjoying this blissful time of the year (monsoon).

    Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Thank you so much for reading. Happy Homemaking!

  • How To MAKE YOUR HOME BEAUTIFUL Without Money | DEVOTEE LIFE

    How To MAKE YOUR HOME BEAUTIFUL Without Money | DEVOTEE LIFE

    Well, I think a devotee’s home must be decent over fancy. If you agree, I have a few suggestions to make your home beautiful without money.

    Have my word you’ll love the payoff.

    The main purpose of a devotee’s life is to overcome materialism and lead a God-centered life. To move our focus from materialistic possessions towards spiritual life.

    Even if you’re not a devotee, finding ways to make your home beautiful without money is a good call for the environment and your wallet.

    Speaking of consumerism buying fancy, expensive home decor heads the list.

    But I find neatness more appealing than fancy decor.

    A devotee’s home is keen on serving the Lord. Hence it should be neat, clean, and presentable.

    Despite spending a lot of time and money, we often don’t understand why our home doesn’t look or feel the way we want.


    These points may help you get a better perspective and save time and money.

    HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME BEAUTIFUL WITHOUT MONEY

    1| Clean kitchen countertop:

    Clean dishes drying on a rack. Empty sink. Clutter-free worktops make your kitchen look more beautiful than high-class decor.

    Definitely give it a try and let me know how you feel.

    For me, knick-knacks on the countertop add up to clutter.

    Instead, think outside.

    Try to arrange kitchen tools and appliances in a way that makes them look good and doesn’t create visual clutter.

    2| Clutter-free open spaces:

    The empty surfaces in our home do not necessarily mean storage spaces.

    You left the spot empty for a reason.

    Empty, open spaces provide breathing room to the eyes and calmness to the mind.

    They strike a balance in your home interior, making it more relaxing.

    This time try not to stuff every open space with something. Keep them empty and enjoy the aesthetic look.

    3| A picked-up living room (temple hall):

    After shringar sewa, bhog sewa our next responsibility must be to keep the living room (temple hall) neat and tidy.


    Picking up the room, dusting, sweeping-mopping are highly recommended.

    We need to make sure that the environment in our temple hall is calm and peaceful.

    The above-mentioned tasks are sufficient enough to make your living area look beautiful. No need for expensive stuff.

    4| Minimal decorations:

    Since we have lots and lots of household duties (sevaen) it is advisable to have minimal stuff in your house. So it’s easier to care for.

    Unwanted furniture, clothes, and belongings create chaos in our lives. It’s a sheer waste of time to care for unwanted items.

    Purging unwanted items from time to time is essential.

    Fewer distractions means plenty of time for sewa.

    You can utilise the extra time for Sadhana.

    5| Thorough dry bathroom:

    If you can only give your bathroom 1 minute daily, I suggest wiping it dry.

    A dry bathroom looks way cleaner than a damp one no matter how clean it is.

    Try it for yourself.


    Wipe down the sink area and walls with a dry cloth. And floor with a wiper. That’s all you have to do.

    And if you can spare another 30 seconds to put things back in the cabinets.

    Now relax, you’re fixed for a surprise drop-by.

    6| Good ventilation:

    Moisture can get trapped in the home and foster mold growth. Whether it’s your kitchen, bathroom, living room, or bedroom.

    Airing out eliminates indoor pollutants.

    It removes airborne contaminants and promotes fresh air.

    Optimal air quality is great for both physical and emotional well-being.

    It provides a positive atmosphere and makes your home feel beautiful.

    7| Decor pieces that come from nature:

    Another way to set out a serene, cozy ambiance in your home is by bringing the outdoors inside.

    Think air, water, earth, fire.

    Natural components like seashells, flowers, leaves, fruits, pebbles, rocks, stones, water fountains, sunshine, and fresh air.

    8| Repurposed/DIY storage items:

    Give your home that unique touch and personalized accent by finding new uses for old stuff in your home.

    Creating new things out of something old is a nice way to practice resourcefulness and minimize waste.

    With little creativity and thinking out of the box you can own exclusive storage items — furniture, gift/toy boxes, cartons, and so much more.

    You can revamp your space into a peaceful sanctuary with a fresh outlook.

    9| Set bed:

    The bed is the heart of your bedroom.

    You feel gentle and nice when your bed looks, feels, and smells fresh.


    Your family can relax and feel refreshed.

    Folding blankets, straightening pillows and tucking sheets nicely are all you have to do to make your room more restful.

    10| Soil-free entryway:

    Nothing feels bad like a muddy entryway especially for kids or husband coming home after a long day.

    Having a designated place for shoes, quick sweep/spot mop (if you’re pressed for time) can make all the difference.

    Final Words:

    Many times, maintaining stuff you already have and keeping it clean and organized is all you need to make your home look beautiful.

    On the other hand, if you buy expensive stuff but fail to keep it clean and organized your house will look cluttered and messy.

    Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Thank you so much for reading. Happy Homemaking!

  • Iskcon Prasadam Mira Road| Full Day Routine| Devotee Lifestyle

    Iskcon Prasadam Mira Road| Full Day Routine| Devotee Lifestyle

    Radhe Radhe Pranam to all devotees.

    Today was all about Iskcon prasadam, my favorite.

    My day started at 5:30 a.m.

    We had plans to visit Iskcon temple Mira Road so I had to complete my daily sadhana, household duties, and individual schedule early.

    Iskcon Prasadam Mira Road| Full Day Routine| Devotee Lifestyle

    First I did my sadhana.

    After that, I quickly cleaned the kitchen (post-breakfast), swept the floors, and finished my 10-minute home tidy-up routine to ensure everything was in place and the house was neat and tidy when we got back.

    One important rule in my house is to complete the non-negotiable duties (seva) before leaving.

    We were going for lunch prasadam. Hence, no meal preparations today.

    Breakfast was a Mango milkshake. (Forgot to click pictures)

    We reached Iskcon temple in the late afternoon since we had a surprise visit.

    The lunch prasadam as traditionally was heartwarming.

    Iskcon Prasadam

    It’s deity resting time from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. so the temple reopens at 4:30 p.m..

    We always love to hang out in the temple space after having prasadam.

    At 4:30 p.m. Lord’s darshan is open again for everyone.

    We attended aarti and had the beautiful darshan of the Lord.

    In Iskcon Mira Road, there’s Sri Sri Jagannath Swami, Subhadra Maiyya, and Baldev Dau on the right, Sri Sri RadhaGiridhariji in the center, and Gaur-Nitai deities on the left.

    The deities were beautifully dressed in maroon attire.

    The environment and experience were as always – divine.

    It is very peaceful all along.

    The preparations for Sri Ram Navami were underway in the temple and outside.

    We came back home in the evening.

    We got some food for dinner from the Govindas Bakery.

    After that, I completed my laundry routine. Picked up the house quickly. Cleaned the kitchen. And, checked the next day’s preparations for Sri Ram Navami.

    That was all about my day.

    Be sure to share how you all celebrated Sri Ram Navami. Thank you so much for reading. Happy Homemaking!

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