Feeling stressed and over scheduled?! What new business owner doesn’t feel this way??? Especially when just starting your practice, there are so many things to consider, research and tasks to complete, it can be overwhelming.
We can’t create more time but we can be more effective with our time. Here are 10 things you can do to decrease stress with your schedule while still getting things done:
1. Plan ahead- write daily schedule the night before
By planning ahead, you can group tasks to create a more efficient schedule for the day. By making your to-do list the night before, it will also help you to not forget an important task.
2. Identify your most productive times of the day
Some of us are night owls, some are early birds. Whichever you are, schedule tasks during those times. You will be more motivated and energized to complete your tasks.
3. Be realistic
By over scheduling, you can create frustration and procrastination. Be realistic with what you can get done in a day which will increase feelings accomplishment.
4. Identify Time Wasters
Hello social media! We all have time wasters. Whether its social media or something else, identify it. Then schedule time in your day to indulge rather then being distracted several times throughout the day.
5. Identify Gap Time & add appropriate task
Is there time in your day when you just sitting around? Maybe when your waiting to pick up your kids from school or in a doctor’s waiting room. This is a great time to schedule things like online shopping or answering emails.
6. Triage- focus on what’s important and ignore the rest
Focusing on one thing at a time is critical to task completion. We all think we are great at multitasking but time is wasted switching back and forth between tasks.
7. Delegate tasks
Consider hiring out services for tasks that are time consuming or add more stress to your day.
8. Take care of small tasks first
Crossing off tasks on your ‘To-Do List’ feels amazing! So if you have several small tasks for the day, complete them first. As you cross them off, you will feel great and be motivated to keep going.
9. Get the most bang for your buck- focus on tasks that will achieve a greater sense of well being
What task on your list would give you the greatest sense of calm or the biggest sense of accomplishment? Do those first, then if you have time do the others.
10. Learn to say “NO!”
Say “no” and LET GO! Saying no is one thing but you also have to let go of the guilt that goes along with it. Saying no can also help you save much needed energy. Read more about it here.
Try one or all of these tips to become more effective with your time and decrease stress. For more ideas and to learn about the LEAN approach, listen to Sarah Cheek on the POP podcast.
Amanda Be, LMSW, MBA is owner and counselor at Supportive Counseling Services in Grosse Pointe, MI. Amanda has been a practicing clinical social worker since 2005. She is passionate about helping others lead happier, more successful lives through her private practice, advocacy and volunteer work. Amanda’s main objective is to support others during life’s challenges and hopes these blogs will help. She writes and speaks on topics for parents, counselors and educators. For more information, blogs and videos: scs-mi.com.
