Walk Out of the 'Every-Day-Athon'
borrowed from Mayo Clinic EmbodyHealth
You're caught in an 'every-day-athon,' overwhelmed by an endless to-do list and nearly at your wit's end.
Is this the pace of life you want? If the answer is no, it's time for you to address the lack of balance in your life. The truth is, your to-do list - whether it's for your office, home, family or community - will never be finished. But you have a choice: You can burn out in pursuit of your endless checklist, or you can make "personal balance" part of that list.
If you'd like to achieve more balance in your life, consider these ideas.
Keep a log. Record how you spend your time for a few days. include all activities, household chores, work and otherwise. Pool the results and place your typical day on a pie chart divided into 24 hours. Then create a second pie chart portraying your ideal day. Compare the two charts and decide which tasks on the typical day are necessary. Cut or delegate other activities that you don't enjoy, don't have time for or do only out of guilt, and work toward achieving your ideal day.
Prioritize. Once you've shortened your to-do list, assign the remaining tasks with As, Bs and Cs, according to importance. On hectic days, scratch the Cs from your list or, if possible, delegate them to someone else.
Create leeway. If it takes you 15 minutes to drive to work, give yourself 20. If you think a project will take an hour, block out two hours. Occasionally put two or three hours of open time on your schedule to catch up on overflow. You'll create a buffer against feeling rushed.
Sharpen your communication skills. Make every effort to communicate clearly from the start in conversations, memos, e-mails and phone calls. Repeating directions or tasks because of miscommunications wastes valuable time.
Make time for activities that give back. What renews your energy? Maybe it's painting, gardening, exercising, camping time with friends and family, or simply sitting outside on a beautiful day.
Consider the big picture. It may seem impossible to say no to that worthwhile charity, weekend outing or new job opportunity. But before you say yes, wait at least 24 hours and consider the consequences. What will you have to give up? Your favorite hobby? Your exercise routine? Time with family? Now ask: Is it worth it?
"Allowing ourselves margins, in the deadlines we set, in the number of projects we agree to, in our overscheduling of leisure activities, would help us reduce our burnout," suggests Matthew Clark, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, Mayo Clinic. It's up to you to take the first step.
