Not to add on to your growing to-do list, but there's a couple tasks that are going to be worth your valuable time.
Though they won't completely eliminate stress, these tasks will help make life seem just a little bit easier:
1. Choosing wisely
There's about a million little decisions we make every day, so it seems natural to cut out decision making to simplify your life. Unfortunately, that's nearly impossible.
Instead, just make decisions smarter; make more difficult decisions in the morning when you have the energy to weigh all the pro's and con's (and say no with conviction).
Minimize decision making at the end of the day by limiting your choices; fewer choices means less things to consider.
2. Make a "done" list
Scribbling down all of your to-do's quickly makes even small tasks seem extra time consuming. When you start feeling overwhelmed, making a "done" list can give you a feeling of accomplishment and a way to see everything you've gotten done that day.
3. One track mind
Set a timer and dedicate 15, 30, or 45 minutes (or however long) to a certain task. Turn off your phone, don't let yourself be interrupted, and do a blitz cleaning session or knuckle down to finally tackle the guest room's organization.
At the end of the timer, pick a new task and get to it. (Tip: this tactic works wonders for getting your kids to help out- make it a race to see who can clean their room the best in just 10 minutes).
4. Rock out
Dig out a favorite record (the one that the kids hate when you put it on) and take a few minutes to listen to a song or two. That mental soundtrack can amp up your energy and mood, and serves as a great pick-me-up when things get stressful.
5. Turn it off
Unplug and unwind.
Sit in your car an extra minute in silence before picking up the kids, or stop checking emails and fretting before you get to bed.
Rearrange your living room to be less of a "television watching room" and more of a conversation or reading room to build in some quiet time.
6. Get in the kitchen
Sometimes, the pressure of 'having" to do something makes you feel anxious and overwhelmed. If the stress of needing to make dinner tonight feels like a chore, try choosing a recipe you are really excited about. This will help you feel like you are making time for yourself.
7. Make your bed
It's a simple thing, but having a bed that is made gives you a place that's organized and orderly. You'll be grateful when bedtime comes around that you don't have to sort out tangled sheets and pick up pillows off the floor before getting into bed.
Be your best friend throughout the day and do little favors like this.
8. Take a Sabbath day
There's something to be said about a day of rest.
If that's not normally part of your week, test it out. Do all of your errands during the week, so the day of your choice can be devoted to family, time reading, taking a day to delve into talents, or food prepping for the rest of the week.
9. Perspective
It may seem like helping someone else is just another thing on your list of things to do, but a little favor or act of service puts your life into perspective (and can be easily incorporated into your life).
Examples of this can be to declutter your closet knowing you'll donate everything you no longer wear. Or, freeze an extra meal to have an emergency dinner ready for a neighbor in need.
10. Pick a theme
Set a new background on your phone of an inspirational quote or a reminder of your goal for this week. Place the same quote or reminder on your bathroom mirror and steering wheel; anywhere you'll see it often. Decide to make that saying your week's mantra, and evaluate how you did at the end of the week.
11. Divide and conquer
Prioritize your most important tasks. Do you really have to schedule that doctor's appointment today, or can it wait until tomorrow?
While it would be nice to get everything done now, there's always something that will come up. Prioritizing your list lets you really focus on the most important things.
12. Say no
You know your schedule. You know if you have time to paint the set for the school play or if you don't.
Who knew one simple word could really clear up your schedule?
If you manage your time a little bit better, and take a minute for yourself, you'll love how many things you can get on your "done" list today.
