The Balancing Act: Time Management Tips
The hurley-burley of our everyday lives can easily get out of balance. During the holiday season, it can get even more intense. Balancing work, a household, relationships and children can be an overwhelming challenge. It can also be the avenue to a full and rewarding life. By paying close attention to your needs and managing priorities, you can successfully balance life demands.
Attend to your self-care.
Many time management suggestions put this on the bottom of the list, but in my opinion, it is critical. What does that mean to you? Eat right, get good sleep and take pleasure in your everyday tasks. Down time is critical. Whether that be meditation, reading or a soothing bath it is so important your brain has disconnect time. For more on that subject: read my blog “Self Care is not Selfish.”
Keep an accurate calendar
Update your calendar regularly. If your calendar allows for it, check off completed tasks
For families, it really helps to have a large calendar with everyone’s schedule on it. Include due dates for school assignments, social events, sports, etc. This is so helpful for organizing as a team.
Keep “to do” lists.
Include due dates and appointments. Check off completed tasks. Transfer items not accomplished to the next day. Important: If you are an over achiever, honestly examine your list and ask yourself if everything is necessary.
Prioritize and weed out time consuming and non-essential items.
Put in quality time with loved ones and self care activities. They are often far more rewarding. You don’t have to accept every invite, attend every event or do every activity.
Save time on chores wherever possible during this busy season.
Try things like when you are making a meal, double the recipe and freeze half for later. Combine errands and try to limit grocery shopping to 1x per week.
Get off your phone and social media.
You don’t have to answer every text and tweet immediately. During the holiday season where it’s so easy to get caught up with the “sharing”, we forget to be present with who we are with. For some, FOMO can be difficult and distracting during this time. Don’t do that to yourself.
Involve children and others in everyday tasks.
Put up a chore list – even if it’s all adults in the household. And hire help, even if it’s temporary. Preteen to college students are ready helpers. They can run errands, watch the children, assist with tasks and organization, etc.
Enjoy your everyday activities.
Deep breathe and take in the moment. Be present with what you are doing instead of rushing through to the next thing. Put on inspiring or relaxing music. You and your loved ones with benefit from a joyful attitude way more than whatever task needed completing.
Ask for Support
Its helpful to get regular and occasional professional support. You are not in this alone. Often a compassionate ear and new perspective is all it takes to get back into balance.
If you or someone you know needs or wants support Balancing your work and life, Christine can help. Click the button to ask a question or schedule an appointment.
If you found this article helpful, please share with others.
Christine Ryan, Sedona, AZ
ICP Certified Life Coach.
Certified Spiritual Response Therapy Practitioner
Conscious Connective Breathwork Practitioner
Exploring Your Passions and Soul Purpose
We are all on a unique path. I've spent over forty years of my life helping others find their way. My Life Coaching is custom tailored and based on the fundamental truth and my years of life experiences. We will work together, as a team, to create the life you want and deserve. Join me on this magical journey of development and transformation.
In my practice, I use emotional clearing and healing practices, counseling, action plans and tools to help you transformation from pain and lack to the life joy, harmony and the fulfillment you are seeking.
Blessings on your journey.
