You are not Overwhelmed, You are Unorganized
How often do we feel the day, week, or even month has gotten away from us? Sometimes we feel as if there is not enough time in the day. From the time we wake up to when our head hits the pillow, the to-do list seems like the more we cross off, the more gets added. At some point, the ball is dropping in one area, and you start to feel overwhelmed.
What if I told you that you are not overwhelmed; you are just unorganized. We make time for the things that are important to us. Here are a few tips for getting organized and reclaiming your time.
Wake up Early
Time is of the essence, and studies have shown your brain is the most productive first thing in the morning. I challenge you to set your alarm an hour or two earlier to allow yourself some extra time in the mornings. Work out, shower, journal, read, or even review your calendar for the day while it is peaceful and quiet.
Create a Routine
What is your routine? When you do not have a specific routine you follow daily, you could feel time getting away from you. An example of a routine could include exercising on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, cooking dinner every other evening, your children eating a snack before homework, no television during busy days, reading for an hour on certain days, pizza on Fridays, family fun days Saturday, or church on Sundays. Life happens, so you can always be flexible with your routine. The point of it is to create discipline and predictability in your schedule. A calendar is great for keeping you on track. The calendar on my phone has everything from the boys’ appointments, exam dates, date nights, meditation, library days, massages, and more.
Setting Boundaries
This is probably the most important of them all. We cannot pour from an empty cup. When we set boundaries, we are teaching others how we want and expect to be treated. Our careers, family, friends, hobbies, church, and unexpected things constantly pull us in different directions.
Learn to say no when it comes to certain things and be at peace with that decision. If you already have a full plate and someone asks you to do something that will make your life more stressful, say no. It may seem hard at first, but it will get easier. Be consistent with setting boundaries.
Remember, you are not overwhelmed; you are just unorganized. You have control over your time, your routine, and who you share your time with. I challenge you to implement these tips into life. You are standing in your own way. Look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are in control of your life, how you spend your time, and how much you exert yourself.
