Beyond Organised

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Have you been treating self-care as optional? That book you wanted to read, the walk you planned to take, the few minutes of silence you craved? These are often the first things we sacrifice when life gets hectic. But what if just 10 minutes of intentional self-care daily could dramatically transform your energy, patience and productivity?

In this empowering episode, I share why those precious minutes for yourself aren't selfish, they're strategic. Drawing from countless client sessions where this issue surfaces repeatedly, I offer a simple three-step framework to make self-care non-negotiable, even with the busiest schedule. You'll learn how to schedule self-care like an appointment, choose truly restorative activities (not just mindless scrolling), and track the surprising returns on your investment.

The math is compelling: 10 minutes daily equals 60 hours yearly of investment in yourself. What could you do with more patience with your children, clearer thinking at work, and better decision-making in all areas of life? As a mother of four, I share my own morning ritual and how it changed my parenting approach. Self-care doesn't steal your time, it amplifies your capacity to use time effectively for everything else.

Ready to stop putting yourself last? Whether you're struggling to know what you need or can't see how self-care fits into your particular situation, this episode offers practical guidance for every circumstance.

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💚 Join the She's Organised Hub – Whether you're looking for community, practical support or deeper coaching, there's a place for you. Join our free Standard membership, or explore Premium and VIP for even more support. Let's continue the conversation inside the Hub!

📱 Come and say hello on Instagram or Threads – I share practical tips, behind-the-scenes moments and everyday encouragement to help you simplify your life and steward it well.
@shes.organised

If this episode encouraged you, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the podcast, leave a rating and write a positive review. It helps more women discover the show and allows us to keep spreading this message of intentional living.

Remember...

Organising is a tool to live the purposeful life beyond it!

See you next time!

Mel 💚

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Drowning in clutter? Feeling stuck in a cycle of overwhelm? You're not alone and it's not just about having too much stuff.

Most decluttering approaches miss the crucial truth: clutter represents delayed decisions, weighing heavily on both your physical space AND mental wellbeing. When your nervous system goes into protective mode, even small organizational tasks can feel impossible, creating a paralyzing cycle that's difficult to break.

In this illuminating episode, I share my proven R.E.S.E.T method (Reclaim Space, Eliminate Clutter, Simplify Life, Elevate Mindset, and Take Action) designed specifically for those feeling overwhelmed and stuck. Unlike other decluttering frameworks, this approach acknowledges both the practical and emotional dimensions of organization.

We explore common emotional barriers like the "I might need it someday" mindset and guilt associated with inherited or sentimental items. I offer practical guidance on when to let go of items you've been trying to sell, how to preserve memories without keeping every physical object, and why setting a timer for just 10-15 minutes can create remarkable momentum.

The R.E.S.E.T method isn't about achieving a picture-perfect home. It's about creating breathing room for what matters most, transforming your relationship with your possessions and breaking free from the paralysis of overwhelm. Whether you're struggling with inherited items, children's belongings or simply too much stuff, this episode provides actionable strategies to move forward one small step at a time.

Ready to reclaim your space and mental energy? Listen now, and discover how small, intentional changes can create powerful transformation in both your home and mindset. Don't forget to subscribe.

No more access to the R.E.S.E.T Challenge - stay tuned for future rounds!

Support the show

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? I'd love to stay connected!

💚 Join the She's Organised Hub – Whether you're looking for community, practical support or deeper coaching, there's a place for you. Join our free Standard membership, or explore Premium and VIP for even more support. Let's continue the conversation inside the Hub!

📱 Come and say hello on Instagram or Threads – I share practical tips, behind-the-scenes moments and everyday encouragement to help you simplify your life and steward it well.
@shes.organised

If this episode encouraged you, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the podcast, leave a rating and write a positive review. It helps more women discover the show and allows us to keep spreading this message of intentional living.

Remember...

Organising is a tool to live the purposeful life beyond it!

See you next time!

Mel 💚

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Have you ever returned from a family holiday feeling like you need another vacation just to recover? The secret to truly enjoyable family travel isn't found in luxury destinations or perfect itineraries, it lies in thoughtful preparation that happens well before you even leave home.

As I prepare to embark on a cross-country road trip with my husband and four young children, I'm sharing my three-part system for stress-free family holidays that's evolved through years of trial and error. Creating a comprehensive master checklist weeks in advance has transformed my approach to family travel. By categorizing everything from clothing and toiletries to entertainment and technology needs, I've eliminated that last-minute panic of potentially forgetting something critical. The digital version serves as a reusable template, while the printed copy becomes my tactical guide during actual packing.

Batching similar tasks and meaningful delegation forms the second pillar of holiday preparation. Rather than spreading preparations thinly across weeks, grouping activities like laundry, document printing, and shopping creates efficiency. More importantly, involving children in age-appropriate aspects of preparation teaches valuable life skills while distributing the mental load. My sons each choose comfort items to bring, fostering autonomy and responsibility. The final component, often overlooked yet equally crucial, is preparing your home for your return. Coming back to clear countertops, empty bins, clean dishes and completed laundry transforms the end of your holiday from a dreaded return to responsibilities into a comfortable transition back to home life. I even prepare a frozen meal ready to heat upon our return, eliminating the immediate need for grocery shopping when everyone's tired from traveling.

Ready to transform your next family holiday experience? Connect with me on Instagram @shes.organised and implement these strategies for your next adventure.

Support the show

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? I'd love to stay connected!

💚 Join the She's Organised Hub – Whether you're looking for community, practical support or deeper coaching, there's a place for you. Join our free Standard membership, or explore Premium and VIP for even more support. Let's continue the conversation inside the Hub!

📱 Come and say hello on Instagram or Threads – I share practical tips, behind-the-scenes moments and everyday encouragement to help you simplify your life and steward it well.
@shes.organised

If this episode encouraged you, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the podcast, leave a rating and write a positive review. It helps more women discover the show and allows us to keep spreading this message of intentional living.

Remember...

Organising is a tool to live the purposeful life beyond it!

See you next time!

Mel 💚

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"I didn't appreciate what some parents went through with sleep issues until my fourth baby came along." This candid admission from host Mel Schenker opens a refreshingly honest conversation with pediatric sleep consultant Michelle Caris about the challenges of helping children sleep and the life-changing benefits of getting it right.

Michelle reveals how her own sleep struggles as a new parent led her to become an IPSP certified pediatric sleep consultant with a mission to change the narrative around sleep training. "When parents hear 'sleep training,' they think they have to let their baby cry for hours until they eventually get exhausted and fall asleep. Yes, that's a method, but there are so many others." She details gentle alternatives like the "fade away" method, where parents gradually increase distance from their child's bed, and "quick checks" that allow parents to comfort their child at intervals they're comfortable with.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Mel realises she's been intuitively using a recognised sleep training technique with her three-year-old who is experiencing sleep regression. This moment highlights how parents often have good instincts but benefit from validation and structure. Michelle addresses the fear that sleep training might damage parent-child attachment, explaining that bonds built over months or years won't break during a few challenging nights. "You're responding to their biological need for sleep. You're teaching them a skill they'll use their entire life."

Perhaps most powerfully, Michelle emphasises that seeking help isn't a sign of failure but wisdom, even for experienced parents. Every child is different and sleep deprivation affects not just individual health but relationships and family functioning. Her personalised approach meets parents where they are, respecting their values while guiding them toward better sleep for the whole family.

Ready to reclaim peaceful nights? Connect with Michelle at sleepwellwithmichelle.com or on Instagram @sleepwellwithmichelle, and use code "beyondorganised10" for 10% off any sleep consulting package.

Support the show

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? I'd love to stay connected!

💚 Join the She's Organised Hub – Whether you're looking for community, practical support or deeper coaching, there's a place for you. Join our free Standard membership, or explore Premium and VIP for even more support. Let's continue the conversation inside the Hub!

📱 Come and say hello on Instagram or Threads – I share practical tips, behind-the-scenes moments and everyday encouragement to help you simplify your life and steward it well.
@shes.organised

If this episode encouraged you, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the podcast, leave a rating and write a positive review. It helps more women discover the show and allows us to keep spreading this message of intentional living.

Remember...

Organising is a tool to live the purposeful life beyond it!

See you next time!

Mel 💚

Send us Fan Mail

Ever wondered what it's really like behind the scenes of a coaching business? In this candid episode, I'm peeling back the curtain on my first year as the founder of She's Organised, sharing both the exhilarating wins and the gut-wrenching challenges of entrepreneurship.

Starting a business wasn't originally on my radar, but when the opportunity presented itself in October 2024, I took a leap of faith. For someone who typically likes everything mapped out from start to finish, this venture required embracing uncertainty and imperfection. The most rewarding aspects have been connecting with incredible clients, seeing their transformations and using my background in audio engineering to create this podcast, something that's become a passion project I hope continues for years.

The reality, however, is that building a business demands enormous sacrifice. Currently, I'm balancing my nine-to-five banking job, investing 40+ hours weekly into She's Organised, producing this podcast and prioritizing my family including four young children. This often means taking client calls until midnight and working weekends. What many don't see are the substantial financial investments (e.g. software subscriptions, legal requirements, marketing costs and professional development etc.) that have yet to be recouped through revenue.

Perhaps the most frustrating challenges have been no-shows for free strategy sessions and potential clients who express enthusiasm then disappear when I send follow-up information. Each missed appointment represents precious time away from family or paying clients. Despite these setbacks, I remain committed to my vision, knowing that the people I've helped have experienced life-changing results.

Whether you're considering entrepreneurship or simply curious about what happens behind the Instagram highlight reel, this episode offers honest insight into the entrepreneurial journey. If you're feeling stuck and ready for change, I'd love to connect through a free Organised Life Strategy Session or welcome you into the She's Organised Hub community. Whatever your path, remember that pursuing your purpose often requires perseverance through challenging seasons, but the impact you create makes it worthwhile.

Support the show

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? I'd love to stay connected!

💚 Join the She's Organised Hub – Whether you're looking for community, practical support or deeper coaching, there's a place for you. Join our free Standard membership, or explore Premium and VIP for even more support. Let's continue the conversation inside the Hub!

📱 Come and say hello on Instagram or Threads – I share practical tips, behind-the-scenes moments and everyday encouragement to help you simplify your life and steward it well.
@shes.organised

If this episode encouraged you, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the podcast, leave a rating and write a positive review. It helps more women discover the show and allows us to keep spreading this message of intentional living.

Remember...

Organising is a tool to live the purposeful life beyond it!

See you next time!

Mel 💚

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Burnout doesn't have to be the price of motherhood and entrepreneurship. In this eye-opening conversation with burnout and balance coach Candice Catois, we unpack the hidden factors keeping so many mothers stuck in cycles of exhaustion and overwhelm.

Candice reveals how operating on autopilot prevents us from creating the intentional life we desire. "Our brains are lazy," she explains, "they're going to do what they've always done unless we consciously intervene." This automatic functioning often creates a dangerous misalignment between our stated values and our daily priorities. Through practical coaching, Candice helps entrepreneurial mothers identify this gap and create systems that support both their business aspirations and family commitments.

The conversation takes an especially powerful turn when we discuss the distinction between having it all and doing it all. "You can have it all, you just can't do it all," Candice emphasizes. This shift in perspective allows mothers to release the impossible standard of personal perfection while still creating a life that honors all aspects of their identity. We explore how meeting our needs "in tandem" with our family's needs (rather than constantly putting ourselves last) actually makes us better parents and more effective business owners.

For any mother who's felt torn between career ambitions and family life, this episode offers a refreshing alternative to the burnout cycle. Discover how creating margin in your schedule, aligning your actions with your values, and embracing seasons of life can transform your experience of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Your children deserve a mother who's thriving, not just surviving and this conversation shows you how to become exactly that.

Want to continue the conversation? Connect with Candice on Instagram @soul_cadence_coaching or Mel on Instagram @shes.organised or grab free resources at beyondorganised.com/toolkit to start implementing these ideas today.

Support the show

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? I'd love to stay connected!

💚 Join the She's Organised Hub – Whether you're looking for community, practical support or deeper coaching, there's a place for you. Join our free Standard membership, or explore Premium and VIP for even more support. Let's continue the conversation inside the Hub!

📱 Come and say hello on Instagram or Threads – I share practical tips, behind-the-scenes moments and everyday encouragement to help you simplify your life and steward it well.
@shes.organised

If this episode encouraged you, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the podcast, leave a rating and write a positive review. It helps more women discover the show and allows us to keep spreading this message of intentional living.

Remember...

Organising is a tool to live the purposeful life beyond it!

See you next time!

Mel 💚

Send us Fan Mail

Ever feel like you're living a double life? Perfectly organised and on top of things at work, yet walking into what feels like complete chaos the moment you arrive home? You're not broken, failing, or an imposter, you're experiencing a common disconnect that affects countless working parents.

This gap exists for logical reasons. Your workplace has built-in structures that home typically doesn't: clear expectations, defined deadlines, accountability to others and established systems. Meanwhile, home life swirls with unpredictable demands, emotional complexity and an endless mental load that no one is scheduling or structuring for you. The contrast is stark, especially for those juggling careers and family responsibilities.

Drawing from my experience as both a working professional and mother of four, I share three practical strategies to bridge this work-home organisation gap. First, treat your home life like it deserves genuine systems rather than constant improvisation. Create frameworks around pain points like meal planning or family schedules. Second, establish micro deadlines for essential life admin tasks, whether it's a Sunday night laundry reset or a quick evening tidy-up routine. Finally, schedule breaks and self-care with the same commitment you give to work meetings and lunch breaks, because you can't sustainably function without them.

Ready to stop feeling like an organisational Jekyll and Hyde? Book a free 60-minute Organised Life Strategy Session with me to develop a personalised plan that brings your professional organisational skills home. Remember, you already have the skills, you just need to adapt them to a different environment. If you found this helpful, please share with friends and leave a review so more overwhelmed parents can discover these strategies and start feeling more balanced.

Support the show

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? I'd love to stay connected!

💚 Join the She's Organised Hub – Whether you're looking for community, practical support or deeper coaching, there's a place for you. Join our free Standard membership, or explore Premium and VIP for even more support. Let's continue the conversation inside the Hub!

📱 Come and say hello on Instagram or Threads – I share practical tips, behind-the-scenes moments and everyday encouragement to help you simplify your life and steward it well.
@shes.organised

If this episode encouraged you, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the podcast, leave a rating and write a positive review. It helps more women discover the show and allows us to keep spreading this message of intentional living.

Remember...

Organising is a tool to live the purposeful life beyond it!

See you next time!

Mel 💚

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when nutrition meets motherhood? Certified nutritionist and founder of Wholesome Huntress Nutrition, Caitlin Cipriano, joins me to unpack the unique challenges mothers face in nourishing themselves through preconception, pregnancy and postpartum.

Caitlin shares how her own pregnancy journey during 2020 revealed alarming gaps in perinatal nutrition support, sparking her mission to help mothers feel confident and well-nourished during every season of motherhood. We dive deep into why the "all-or-nothing" mindset becomes such a destructive force in maternal nutrition, often trapping women in cycles of temporary success followed by unnecessary guilt. Instead, Caitlin advocates for a sustainable approach built on grace, curiosity, and personalised systems that work within the chaotic reality of family life.

The conversation reveals how fatigue and time constraints create significant barriers for mothers looking to improve their nutrition, while social media comparison only compounds the pressure to appear effortlessly balanced. Perhaps most refreshingly, Caitlin acknowledges that even nutrition experts don't maintain perfect eating habits, but the key difference lies in establishing foundations like blood sugar balance and digestive health that reduce reliance on fleeting motivation. Whether you're planning for pregnancy, currently expecting or deep in the postpartum trenches, this episode offers both practical wisdom and permission to prioritise progress over perfection in your nutrition journey.

Ready to transform your relationship with food during motherhood? Follow Caitlin @WholesomeHuntressNutrition on Instagram or visit her website wholesomehuntressnutirition.com for guides and personalised coaching opportunities that make nutrition feel doable rather than overwhelming.

Support the show

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? I'd love to stay connected!

💚 Join the She's Organised Hub – Whether you're looking for community, practical support or deeper coaching, there's a place for you. Join our free Standard membership, or explore Premium and VIP for even more support. Let's continue the conversation inside the Hub!

📱 Come and say hello on Instagram or Threads – I share practical tips, behind-the-scenes moments and everyday encouragement to help you simplify your life and steward it well.
@shes.organised

If this episode encouraged you, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the podcast, leave a rating and write a positive review. It helps more women discover the show and allows us to keep spreading this message of intentional living.

Remember...

Organising is a tool to live the purposeful life beyond it!

See you next time!

Mel 💚

Send us Fan Mail

Ever feel like you're drowning in responsibilities with no one to throw you a lifeline? You're not alone. Today we're tackling one of the most requested topics from our community: how to create order and balance when you're parenting without adequate support.

Whether you're a single parent, have a partner who works away or simply lack the village that we all need, this episode offers practical strategies that have helped countless parents in similar situations. I share three key approaches that can transform your experience: ruthless simplification (where we examine what needs to happen versus what you can let go), the three-priority framework that ensures meaningful progress without overwhelming you and perhaps most crucially, how to incorporate non-negotiable self-care when it seems impossible.

What makes this episode unique is the recognition that when you're parenting without support, you're often unconsciously holding yourself to the standards of a two-person household. We explore how adjusting expectations and implementing strategic systems can create breathing room in even the most demanding circumstances. From cooking strategies that minimise daily effort to creating moments of restoration that keep you functioning, these approaches acknowledge both the practical and emotional challenges of going it alone.

Ready to move from surviving to thriving? These strategies have helped many parents regain a sense of control and find joy amid the challenges. Your wellbeing matters enormously, not just for you, but for those who depend on you. Connect with me directly through this link if you're feeling stuck and need personalised guidance to implement these approaches in your unique situation.

Click here for She's Organised Hub

Support the show

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? I'd love to stay connected!

💚 Join the She's Organised Hub – Whether you're looking for community, practical support or deeper coaching, there's a place for you. Join our free Standard membership, or explore Premium and VIP for even more support. Let's continue the conversation inside the Hub!

📱 Come and say hello on Instagram or Threads – I share practical tips, behind-the-scenes moments and everyday encouragement to help you simplify your life and steward it well.
@shes.organised

If this episode encouraged you, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the podcast, leave a rating and write a positive review. It helps more women discover the show and allows us to keep spreading this message of intentional living.

Remember...

Organising is a tool to live the purposeful life beyond it!

See you next time!

Mel 💚

Send us Fan Mail

Ever found yourself promising not to yell at your kids, only to break that promise when overwhelmed? You're far from alone and there's a path forward.

Dr. Sarita Singhal joins the Beyond Organised podcast to share her remarkable journey from frustrated parent to transformative coach. As a pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr. Singhal assumed her medical training would make parenting straightforward. Reality quickly proved otherwise. "I found myself struggling to connect with them in the way I wanted to," she reveals, describing the exhaustion of balancing a medical career with raising children who have completely different personalities.

What makes this conversation so powerful is the honesty with which  Dr. Singhal discusses her own parenting challenges and the comprehensive approach she developed through them. Her CARE Model (a 12-week program starting with parental wellbeing before addressing child behavior) tackles the root causes of family friction rather than just symptoms. "You can't show up fully for your child if your cup is empty," she emphasizes, challenging the notion that good parenting means constant self-sacrifice.

The most transformative insight? Change begins with us, not our children. Dr. Singhal explains how breaking generational patterns takes courage and awareness, but creates the family dynamics we truly desire. "We all carry so much of what we've seen and experienced in our childhood, often without realizing it," she notes. This conversation offers practical approaches to staying regulated so you can help your child do the same, because as both women acknowledge, children mirror our behaviors.

Whether you're struggling with toddler tantrums or teenage power struggles, this episode provides compassionate guidance from someone living the journey herself. Connect with Dr. Singhal at www.parentingrefreshed.com or @dr_saritasinghal on Instagram to discover how parent coaching might help your family find more peace, connection, and joy.

Support the show

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? I'd love to stay connected!

💚 Join the She's Organised Hub – Whether you're looking for community, practical support or deeper coaching, there's a place for you. Join our free Standard membership, or explore Premium and VIP for even more support. Let's continue the conversation inside the Hub!

📱 Come and say hello on Instagram or Threads – I share practical tips, behind-the-scenes moments and everyday encouragement to help you simplify your life and steward it well.
@shes.organised

If this episode encouraged you, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the podcast, leave a rating and write a positive review. It helps more women discover the show and allows us to keep spreading this message of intentional living.

Remember...

Organising is a tool to live the purposeful life beyond it!

See you next time!

Mel 💚