This post is written by contributing writer, Jenni from Live Called
Whether you are a working wife, a homeschool mom, a busy single woman or in some other season of life, you probably struggle with time management. Am I right? I think just about every woman (and man) struggles with getting things done without letting the hours of the day slip through their fingers.
If you are like me, you need structure, but find daily schedules to be confining. I am here to tell you there is hope! You can still benefit from establishing a timetable for your day without additional stress. Just keep these ideas in mind as your create a flexible schedule that works for you.
3 Tips for Stress-Free Time Management
There's got to be a plan, but there's also got to be room to move within that plan. If you don't leave room to move, you'll go crazy and get bogged down, wanting only to break free from the rigidity.”
1. Schedule using wide margins of time.
Many people, especially if you like to micro-manage, schedule in 15-30 minute increments. While it may look great on paper, living it out can be difficult when your day doesn't go as planned. I have found that scheduling in hour increments to be most beneficial. While I know that eating breakfast and doing the dishes won't take the full hour, planning in this way allows for unexpected additions in my agenda for the day. If my daughter sleeps longer than usual or I have a random issue pop up, it doesn't mess up my entireA itinerary.
2. Leave at least an hour or two unscheduled.
Along with using wide margins of time, setting aside 1-2 hours of unscheduled time each day will help take the pressure off your already burdened shoulders. Depending on your needs, you can use this free time” to get extra work done, play catch up, or take a much needed break. I always prefer to take a nap or do something fun, if possible!
3. Don't be a slave to your schedule.
It is important to remember that while a schedule helps you better manage your time, it is not the master of your time. There may be some days in which you must throw out the pre-planned agenda and roll with what comes your way. And that is OK. Give yourself grace, do what you need to do, and then start anew the next morning.
As you can see, managing your time is not only possible, but can be stress-free as well. I hope these tips will help jump start your scheduling and give you hope for a more relaxed routine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hZCBOvnu94
How do you keep time management stress-free? Share your scheduling secrets in a comment!
Need more encouragement for scheduling your time without adding stress? Check out these posts:
About Jenni Mullinix
As a Christian homemaker living in the Midwest, Jenni is fascinated with all things domestic. She is happily married to her handsome husband and a stay-at-home mama to her adorable baby girl. She enjoys deep conversations, drinking lattes, and diving into a good book. As a writer, Jenni passionately encourages women to live for the glory of God in every season of life. Blog Facebook Twitter
 
Comments
Thanks for the tips.
Awesome tips! I am guilty of wasting time. And the tendency is that I'd panic on the last minute and try to finish all of my tasks on that small amount of time. Usually it works out fine but then I'd have to admit, it's not a good habit.
I think it is just a matter of prioritizing, knowing how to schedule things depending on the time and also avoiding time wasters is definitely a huge help.
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