If the so called “finish” line is no where in sight and/or someone keeps moving it, these tips may come in handy. The “To – do list” is growing longer and longer, while time, energy and finances get shorter. Here are some ideas to assist with making the most of every moment, so you won’t feel like you are going nowhere fast.
If it Fits in a Tote Bag Bring it with you.
Plan ahead when going to the doctor’s office, or anywhere else that you may have a prolonged sitting time. Take advantage of this time by sewing on a button, balancing your check book, writing out bills, filing your nails, reading a book, or writing out your grocery list… If it is a chore you can place in a tote, bring it along. In fact this is a wonderful time and place to create the “to do” list.
Tips for Creating the “to do” List”:
• Make your to do list color coded with your most urgent tasks being red.
• Reward yourself when you complete all the “red” tasks on the list.
• Delegate chores to other family members.
• Don’t forget to allow for some “Me time”, because you are important.
• Don’t feel guilty if you don’t spend every moment being productive
Write out a grocery list that includes everything you ever purchase. Better yet go to: Simple and Delicious and print one up. Tick off the items you need, and keep this in your car so that any time you are near the store you can pick up the items you need.
Do not Short Cut Your Family
Plan Trips Ahead
While running errands plan them so that you cover less territory, for example patronize stores nearer your home, and plan to go during the hours when traffic is lighter so that you can get in out of the stores quicker. You will not only save time but gas.
Get the Best Appointment Time
Make yours and your family member’s doctor and dentist appointments back to back so that you can get them all done at once. Make yours the first appointment of the day, or the first after lunch so you don’t have to wait as long.
Pay Bills Online
Pay bills online when possible, saving money on stamps and the time involved in writing out bills. Set them up on auto pay if possible. Setting them up yourself also gives you the leeway to cancel payments if an emergency comes up. Whenever one sets up auto pay with a company and lets someone else set it up, they may not have the ability to cancel a payment in the event of an emergency.
Have Tasks Available Near the Telephone.
Ever heard the recording:
“We are now experiencing high call volume and your expected hold time is 30 minutes” ?
This makes any busy person cringe as the “to do” list flashes through their mind. First of all have the information needed for the call at hand so you do not have to get off the phone because the customer service representative refuses to hold while you retrieve it. Second of all have something handy that you can safely work on while waiting. A checkbook can be balanced while waiting, a button sewn on, filing nails, and so forth. Any of the items listed above can be done while waiting on speaker phone for the customer service representative to answer your call.
Do not Feel Guilty for Penciling in “me” Time.
Studies indicate that giving ourselves some time to enjoy life or participate in hobbies or other activities is an excellent way to relieve stress so will contribute to our overall health and enable us to be more productive in the long run.
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All great tips Judy, but love the me time one the best.
Time is very precious. We need to use it wisely.
Such a valuable and useful list of tips.