Checklists, To Do Lists, Alarms...OH MY!
Simple behavior modifications to make your crazy schedule more manageable.
As we prepare to have some of the kids back in school here in Southern California, sports to resume and our schedules to be filled once again; it is important to have structure and organization within our own daily routine. Let’s take a look at how we can fit all of these activities and obligations into our lives without feeling overwhelmed.
First off, Organization goes a long way. Look at your current activities, hobbies, and schedule. Identify where you can spend time to save even more during the week. Some examples of this include setting out clothing, prepping meals ahead of time, making exercise an important appointment or setting aside time for relaxing evenings to ensure you are not always on the run.
Be smart about your time. Set aside some of your weekend to plan your schedule for the upcoming week. Ensure you are accounting for the time things actually take and not how long you hope they will take. We all know, the traffic can get congested, make sure to give yourself enough time to get to and from where you need to be. I make a general monthly schedule and then fill in the details and logistics {including times} weekly, as those tend to change.
Wake up about thirty minutes earlier to get a workout in that you may struggle with later in the day, or to review that schedule and start the day off right, rather than feeling rushed or overwhelmed about the day ahead. Additionally, I like to also set alarms as prompts on my phone for things such as checking in for a flight or sending a card to my grandparents. This way, these activities are not lingering in the back of my mind, but rather something that has been scheduled and accounted for, allowing me to not have to worry I am forgetting something.
Complete what you have started. Take the time to complete one activity at a time. Once you start something, do not stop until it is complete. Pausing to start a second or third activity or task and going back and forth takes much longer than simply focusing and finishing up what you have started. You have to get back into the mindset, recall where you were when you left off and take valuable time to simply catch up to where you left off.
One important thing I am still learning is to say NO when needed. If your schedule does not allow for the fourth birthday party of the weekend, simply decline. Perhaps you can celebrate at another time or drop a gift by without staying for the several hour celebration. Having three elementary aged children, I know how time consuming birthday parties can be…be selective with your time.
Multitask. Listen to personal development, podcasts, etc. during commutes or workouts to make the most of your time. If you have your kids with you during commutes, make this a time that you can connect or hear about their day. Talk about what they are excited about, worried about, etc. It is often easier to speak in a more relaxed setting and just talking during a drive. This can also be done during a walk for exercise with one of your kids or significant other. One more tip for the parents out there…I have learned that backyard date nights after the kids go to sleep are one of my favorite ways to connect with my husband. It doesn’t have to be extravagant; it just needs to be meaningful.
Go out there and make the most of your time!
