How To Use Time Management For Stress Relief
One of the main causes of stress for many people is the feeling that they never have enough time to get things done so in this article I’d like to talk about how to use time management for stress relief.
Now please don’t shudder at the utterance of time management. It’s a good thing, actually, but did you know that it’s also a great stress management technique? It’s also a really motivating activity and when you see how much more you can get done by applying some simple principles, you will wonder why you didn’t learn these amazing skills sooner.
Are You Feeling Overwhelmed?
In today’s world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially when your time is limited. Most people today don’t have enough time to do the things they want. This is a major cause of stress, and it’s not surprising that everyone could use a little extra time.
The truth is managing your time is completely doable. These days, people spend a lot of time on their phones, tablets and other tech devices, or doing any number of other things. And finally, when it comes time to do the important stuff, you’re running on a tight timeframe. This causes your stress levels to skyrocket. This causes your blood pressure to raise and your heart to race.
In turn, you are suddenly launched into fight or flight mode, which puts additional stress on your body. To avoid this problem, try getting up a little earlier in the morning. This will allow you to unwind a bit before facing morning traffic and before greeting your boss’ smiling face.
Before you point out that this will deprive you of sleep and leave you feeling tired; yes you need to also go to bed a little earlier to make sure you get enough sleep. After all if there’s on thing that’s guaranteed to leave you feeling stressed it’s trying to get through a hard day while feeling tired.
Plan Your Day Better
One of the first things I do every day is write myself a to-do list so that I can see everything that I need to get done that day. I also make sure to actually score off each task when I get it done. This has a great motivating effect and relieves stress because you can actually see yourself getting stuff done and achieving results.
Giving yourself a little time also helps relieve some of the pressure you feel when you’re getting ready for the day. If it helps, write up a schedule for yourself and actually plan when you are going to tackle each job on your list. You don’t have to make it too regimented; just set aside as much time you think you need to perform each task during the day.
If you find yourself taking more time than you need, back off and take a breather. It’s best not to spend too much time doing one thing, because it takes time away from other things you have to do.
Make a time commitment and stick to it.
Be Realistic
Don’t overstress yourself. When it comes to stress management, adding extra responsibilities to your schedule will only add to your pressure. Instead of trying to do everything within a given timeframe, give yourself a little leeway to take care of other things.
Don’t jump immediately out of one task and into another. Instead, take a few minutes to evaluate how much work you want to do on a specific task before starting.
Pace yourself. Once you’ve determined how long you want to spend completing a task, stick to that schedule. Don’t try to speed through one task to get into another one quickly. This will heighten your stress and make it more difficult to get the job done.
Break It Down Into Manageable Steps
You may be wondering how you can use time management as a stress management technique when your life is constantly changing. The truth is that it is not difficult.
In fact, it is actually quite easy when you break time management techniques into steps.
Start your day with a game plan. Make a list of what you want to accomplish, and stick to it. If it’s a weekend, make a list of things you want to do before the kids get up. Figure out what you’re going to make for dinner ahead of time. That way, you don’t have to spend extra time figuring out what to do for dinner or other household chores.
Enjoy The Benefits Of Better Time Management
Managing your time can significantly lower your stress levels, and make you more relaxed. In turn, you won’t rush as much.
In addition, it helps you get in touch with your own thoughts. People today often get so caught up in life that they don’t have time to really get to know themselves, amid everything else that is going on.
When I used time management to relieve stress, I found that I was moving at a much more even pace, and I didn’t feel so rushed, because of it.
However, don’t rush to get your work done within a given timeframe. Doing so will slow down your efficiency if you’re working, not to mention the fact that it will raise your stress levels.
In your quest to live a less stressful life, remember that you can’t do everything. There will be times when you have to take a step back and say, “I can’t do any more.” Pushing yourself too much is unhealthy and could lead to health problems, such as high blood pressure.
If other people, such as family and friends, are pushing you to do things quickly, take a break, and move at your own pace.
Doing so will regulate your breathing and in turn significantly cut your stress. As a result of managing your time, you will also find that you have more time for the things you really want to do.
Also, it may help to slow down your pace. Don’t rush so much. Instead, move at a steady pace.
Whatever you do, keep a positive attitude and remember that managing your time doesn’t mean you have to cut activities from your life. It simply means that you get to enjoy them even more!
Best Wishes
Dave
By the way…
If you have not yet downloaded a free copy of my book “Simple Solutions For A Stressful Life” then you can get a completely free copy by clicking the image below
