Lately I’ve been, busy at best. Busy seasons are always really hard for me. They are hard because I’m a first-born, goal-oriented, achieving person. They are hard because I love to spend quality time communicating with people I love. They are hard because I am what I like to call a “patient” person and what my husband has named “Doopy.” I love to stop and smell the roses, and I love to accomplish my list.
Get the picture yet? I thrive on everything except busy.
But don’t worry friends! I am about to share with you some golden advice!
10 Ways To Stay Sane When You Are Busy:
1. Take notes.
Your poor little short term memory bank can only hold so much. And when it’s brinking on full, you need to write things down. It will save you time and stress later.
2. Make lists.
I love lists! They make me feel accomplished and keep me on task.
3. Don’t put anything on the list that you can do in 2 minutes or under.
These are the things you need to do NOW. This is rule by Michael Hyatt. Don’t procrastinate or wonder “Where do I start?”. Start with those things right away.
4. Do the same things, at the same times, on the same days, on the same month.
This is a time management tip my husband taught me when we got married, and it changed my life. Being a “Doopy”, I love to be free to do what comes to my mind with all my energy, creativity, and passion. But the weakness of my free spirit is many unfinished projects. I would start the laundry, do the dishes, and burn dinner all at once. And be very, very overwhelmed.
Get a weekly planner.
Fill in everything that is fixed.
Now add in your fixed responsibilities (for me: blogging, laundry, cleaning, days i cook, my community group…etc.) in blocked times.
Leave wiggle room.
Block of times for even recreational things. (like working out, coffee with younger women, family time, phone calls).
Fill in all your weeks to look the same.
DO NOT, budge your schedule. (if you coffees fill up, start on the following week.)
Make exceptions only when necessary, but be prepared to take something else out.
This keeps you from the frustration of always feeling like you are doing laundry, running errands…etc. It also creates times for your relationships that matter.
5. Prioritize.
Figure out what your roles are in life and place them in the order of importance. Here are mine:
-Daughter of God
-Wife
-Sister/Daughter
-Friend
-Pastor
-Writer
Now make sure that your time spent is relative to the importance of your role.
6. Drop the urgent to tend to the important.
This is another David Ritchie quote. I love him! Sometimes when you are busy, balls need to drop. And you need to be OK with that. Drop the ball on the urgent, blaring things in your life to give attention to the things that are the most important.
7. Podcast, Music, and Text messages.
These are all things I love that I can do on the go. They keep me connected, happy, and communicating with people I love.
8. Reward yourself.
Think of a creative way to reward yourself after you’ve accomplished a lot. I love to go outside and take a short walk for 20 minutes. I feel refreshed and ready to go again.
9. Ride the wave.
When are you the most productive? When are you worthless even when you are working hard? Now ride the wave. I’m most productive in the mornings. I get the most done during the day between 6am-11am. I try accomplish the most then. I’m worthless after 8pm. I’m good to hang out and have fun, but not very productive. So I schedule my life accordingly.
10. Get fuel.
Don’t run on empty in life. Spend time talking with God. Don’t journal to Him in the same place you are working or writing your list. In fact, leave your list in the other room. Don’t even pray about it, if you can help it. Just give Him your heart, your day, your life, and your joy. You will feel a whole lot better all day long!
What are some of your busy tips??
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