You know that sinking feeling when you’ve forgotten to do something necessary. When you’re late to work… again! When you’ve missed that important appointment. Or that overwhelming feeling that nothing is getting done. And are all or most of these happening every day or week. Stressful and exhausting!
Not to worry, this is easier to resolve than it may seem. Stress relief is here with 3 simple steps.
For a condensed video version of this information, click here https://youtu.be/qJHoQNRROPw
UNBURDENING OUR TIME
We all know that there are 24 hours in a day. But, there is less than that to accomplish the necessary things and still have time for fun or much needed relaxation. We need to be realistic about the amount of time we have to do things.
This comes with the truth that some things may take longer to complete than we would like or expected. That’s kind of disappointing, but that’s okay since it means you will have less stress and still accomplish your tasks.
Since most things take longer than we think. Add some cushion (extra time) to the tasks on your list. If it takes an hour, then add 15-30 minutes to that task. If you do finish in an hour, you’ll feel great that you’re ahead of schedule. Or use that “extra” time to relax or catch your breath before tackling the next item on your list.
NOT GETTING OVERWHELEMED
When we make goals or a list of things to do it is very important to be realistic. I struggle with this myself. “I am Superwoman and I can do it all.” Not even close. We are all imperfect people and can only do the best we can. Make your plans accordingly. Instead of trying to get five or six things done in your day, aim for two to three. If you finish those then you can move to the next item on your second list.
The huge benefit in doing this is that you get all of the things done you had planned for. And that feels really good. You feel successful and proud that you achieved it. This equates to letting go of some stress and enhancing well-being, positivity and self-confidence. And that’s great not just physically but for your mental health as well.
PRIORITIES
Critical, vital, and essential tasks should always rank at the top of our list. Empty fridge? Grocery shopping needs to be a priority. Aching tooth? Making a dental appointment is a priority. Wanting to party with friends? Depends. Did you already make that dental appointment and fill up your fridge? Then hanging out with friends will make it on the list, but maybe not as a “priority”. But then again that depends on your needs and the reason. But being a little late to the party to finish your priorities will be a definite win.
USING THIS INFORMATION
As a quick summary of how to plan well, we need to:
1.Schedule more time than you think it will take to complete a task.
2.Schedule fewer things in your day.
3.Prioritize your list to ensure that necessary things are being done.
Keeping these tips in mind should get you going in the right direction. One other very useful tool is having a way to track all that you need to do.
USE A PLANNER OR TO DO LIST
Forgetting something essential is a big stressor. Using a planner or a simple to-do list allows you to not rely on memory. It also uses your sense of sight to make an additional impression on your brain to keep you on course with completing your tasks.
Planners are awesome in helping you. They are organized so you can clearly see your objectives for the day. Relying on little bits of papers with random items written down can easily get lost, “ahem”, I mean misplaced. And I’m speaking from personal experience. Having everything in one place means less time looking for notes in various places.
There are also digital planners. This way you can skip the paper notes for something that is more permanent. It’s always on your device so you always have it. And adjustments can be made more easily and clearly. There are very detailed digital (and paper) planners and very simple ones. Whichever works for you to be better planned and less stressed is the way to go. Now to start scheduling and planning!
If you would like a simple planner/to do list (download on paper or digital), please take a look at this one from my Etsy store:
Stress Less Today 
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