If you're new around here, here's some background info: I'm a wife, dog mom, full time student, volunteer, I work two jobs (one is my own business which is like 5 jobs in itself), I regularly observe SLPs, I'm enduring the process that is applying to graduate school, I workout 6 days a week, I blog (surprise), and I recently started lettering/crafting. So yes, I have a full plate. But keep in mind that while it may seem like I always have my life together, I DON'T (lol seriously guys). But these are some things that I do to help manage my time.
one. Find a planning system that works for you.If you know you're never going to write in a paper planner then don't get one. Maybe look for an app that caters to your planning needs instead. I personally use a paper planner as well as an app to keep my stuff organized. The paper planner is more for my scheduled appointments/assignment due dates and my app is for my to-do lists. I use a $10 Sugar Paper planner from Target and the Emily Ley Simplified Planner App. I set up the app to where I have a to-do list for each day of the week. I also keep random notes/reminders within the app. If y'all would be interested in an in-depth post about how I use the planner/app let me know (:two. Schedule everything as if it's an appointment.I schedule my workouts, my homework time, and when I go to the bathroom (only kidding). But seriously, anything that I can pair with a specific time, I do. Having a specific time to get something done keeps me on track and focused on the task at hand. My husband and I even have a standing date night scheduled in (every Wednesday night) since I have so much going on.
three. Make a game plan the night and/or week before.On Sunday evenings I typically broadly map out the week ahead and then each night I spend 5-10 minutes planning the details for the following day. I lay out outfits, pack meals, make sure I know all of the following day's timed appointments, etc. I wake up knowing what I have to tackle that day and it's so helpful.
four. Give yourself wiggle room.Some days I get the sense of burn out and NEED to take a mental break. I make sure to honor that and take a few minutes to either read, work on lettering, or walk the dogs without feeling guilty about it. Typically if I ignore this sense of burn out and just try to plow through my to-dos I end up taking SO long to complete anything and it's just unproductive. Mental breaks are vital to staying productive.
five. Make sure you have a driven mindset.Point blank - if you want to accomplish something, you will. Make sure that your mentality lines up with the goals that you're going after. How bad do you want it? If it's bad enough, you'll find a way to make it happen. Be honest with yourself. Are you working toward something that you don't really want? Maybe that's why you're struggling to get it all done in a day?
six. (BONUS) Don't turn down help.I put this as a bonus, because I am SO bad about this. I'm working on it. My husband is constantly asking me what he can do to ease my load, and I never let him actually help. I continue to do the laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc all by myself because I'm too prideful to ask for help. NOT OKAY. I'm seriously working on it.
Do you have any more tips for time management? Do share :)
xo, Jess
P.S. I wanted to share a few little life updates!
Last week I got to observe a speech-language pathologist who does animal assisted therapy and HOLY FULL HEART. I've observed her before and every single time I do, I leave feeling so fulfilled. I think I know what I'll be aiming to do once I'm done with school:
Annnnnd a little craft update. I've been crafting away with my Silhouette Cameo! I'm totally loving it. It's such a good way to unwind after a jam packed day. I've been making mugs, wine glasses, and t-shirts. I've also been having fun turning my lettering into coffee mug designs. Eeeek! I made these for my husband and I this weekend (not my hand lettering, though):
I'm thinking about starting an online shop this summer when I'm out of school! We shall seeeee ;)
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