How to Make Your To-Do List More Effective

You already know that to-do lists help you get focused and organized throughout the day. When you have your to-do list in hand, you’re freeing your mind from all the disorganized thoughts and, instead, getting them down on paper.

 However, this technique can go awry if your to-do list isn’t organized as well as it should be. You might lose your motivation and drive and, at the end of the day, you may notice that most of the things from your list are not crossed off.

 Follow these tips to create an effective to-do list:

1.  Clarify Priorities. It may help you to develop some sort of ranking system for your to-do list. Certainly every item on the list can’t be equally important. You can even use a number system and rank them from 1 to 5. Items ranked 1 might have a lower priority, while the 5s are tasks you should attend to first.

• You should also clarify your priorities in the sense that you need to leave yourself detailed instructions. Figure out the: who, what, where, when and why of items that may be complicated. This way, when it comes time to tackle the task, you won’t skip over them simply because they seem too complex to complete.

 2.  Pare Down the List. You need to complete tasks or part of tasks one step at a time. If you have 15 minutes to spare, find something on the list that you can complete in that time period. It’s common to tell yourself that 15 minutes is not enough time to do something, but all those 15-minute chunks add up to something huge. At the end of the day you’ll be surprised how much you’ve accomplished in small increments.

3.   Include Flex Time. If your to-do list is too rigid, it simply won’t be effective. You absolutely need to include some flexibility and breathing room in your day. Try not to jam pack your day with unreasonable goals, otherwise, you’ll be at risk of disappointment.

4.  Add in Something Fun. Your to-do list is no doubt full of things you may not be looking forward. That’s why integrating fun activities and tasks should also be a priority! When you add in a fun item it doesn’t feel like work. It may even feel like a break. When you return to the less desirable items, you’ll be more motivated to actually get them done.

5.  Don’t List Too Much. It’s vital not to overwhelm yourself. While some days might be action packed in order to reach certain deadlines, you need to avoid this level of stress on a regular basis. If there’s too much on your plate, or you have to work too fast, you can’t possibly enjoy yourself and you’ll only end up frustrated and overwhelmed.

 6.  Keep It Organized. Your list needs to be organized in a way that makes you feel comfortable. There are many options nowadays, especially with digital devices. However, the old-fashioned pen and paper method may be what works best for you. You can also opt for using the internet or even your cell phone or mobile device to keep your list organized.

Stress Free Living De-Stressology Lesson – Keeping It Simple

This is such common advice you might think about ignoring it.  But if your ignoring it are you keeping it simple?

Simplifying your life means living uncluttered.  Get rid of that junk around the house.

When your home or office is overflowed with junk it tends to distract you and creative thinking goes right out the window.  Are you keeping stuff because you don’t “feel” like getting rid of it – procrastination.

Look around you and make a list of everything you don’t need and decide if it’s a throw away, give away or keep item.  Don’t take months completing this project.  30 minutes a day is all it takes and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see what you can get accomplished in two short weeks.

Stress Free Living De-Stressology Tip – Plan Ahead

Plan ahead- there are certain things in life that just happen. They are annoying and frustrating but that’s just the way it is. This may include a traffic jam on your way to work or a long line at the post office. If you are prepared for these things, then you will be able to handle these annoying situations a lot better. Give yourself an extra 20 minutes to get to work to allow for the rush hour traffic. It’s a lot better for your self-improvement to be sitting in your car thinking “good thing I planned ahead and left 20 minutes early” rather than honking the horn and swearing for being late.

Stress Free Living – Get Rid Of The Need to Create Obstacles In Your Life

Obstacles create roadblocks. My time is precious to me. I have a full and active life with many things to do. I enjoy accomplishments, and feeling strong and empowered. I establish these characteristics because I choose not to create obstacles in my life. I am firm with my goals so I can accomplish all my  tasks without distraction.

Set yourself up for success, by staying ahead of the game.  Should something unexpected come up, be  prepared to rearrange your schedule at the drop of the hat.  Your more successful when you follow your plans and avoid the procrastination.

Creating roadblocks or obstacles for yourself through procrastination is self-defeating unhealthy behavior. Letting go of negative choices in life enables you to move forward positively and productively. Be strong because it keeps the road clear ahead of you.  You can move forward with confidence and self-assurance.

Just for today, stay focused on what is ahead of you and let go of any obstacles or chaos in your life. Accept your success and strengths, and enjoy moving forward with your head held high.

Stress Free Living – Five Secrets of Getting More Done Everyday

If you’ve ever looked at your work day and thought how am I going to get it all done you’re not alone.  Sometimes you have to get creative to figure out how to get more done in the time you have, especially when it feels like you don’t have enough time. Doing it all  without depleting your energy.

1.  You Can Be More Efficient

One huge way to get more done in less time is to stop. That’s right, stop! If you’re over-worked and stressed out, you won’t get nearly as much done and you’re more prone to foolish mistakes. Sometimes you want to take a break and completely detached yourself from work. You’ll find that taking a break is just what you need the most – even if it seems to be the opposite of what you should be doing. The best part: once you come back to the task, you’ll feel reinvigorated and more creative!

2.  Prioritize First Things First

You need to make an organized and frequently updated list of priorities. When you prioritize outstanding tasks, you’ll suddenly find that all of the work on your plate really is manageable. You can prioritize using letters or numbers so you clearly can see what needs to be done and when it needs to be done by.

3.  Combining Similar Tasks

Combine your various projects that can be done at the same time. For instance, instead of going from errand to errand with no set plan create a schedule to make one trip and make multiple stops if reasonable.  Set a specific day of the week to run your errand if possible. You can work out a similar plan with work projects, group similar projects that require the same tools or resources so they can be done more efficiently. Since you have already organized your priorities, you’ll be more aware of what needs to get done, so you’ll be able to better combine similar tasks.

4.  Know When To Get Help

You’re one person, and you can only do so much, so ask for help! You’ll be able to accomplish a whole lot more with less time and effort when you work with the support of a “team”.  Maybe it’s a colleague or a personal assistance and if all else fails you can go t a freelance website like Elance,  It’s not as expensive as you think and your time is valuable!

An assistant can help you re-gain time and save energy so you can get the essential tasks done.  Delegate what you can and do only those tasks that must be done by you.

5,  The Power Of Using Affirmations

Affirmations are another tool that can help you get more done with less work. These simple statements can help you maximize your time by focusing on the positive. When your work feels overwhelming you can say something like, “Each simple, completed task propels me towards success.” Repeating these affirmations will give you a positive state of mind that just may be the extra push you need to get more done with less work, in less time and less effort.

Stress Free Living De-Stressology Tip – Take Time To Relax

De-stress- remaining healthy is not just about go, go, go. You also need to stop, relax and re-stress. Stress is unavoidable at some times. The best way to deal with stress is to push away from it for a few minutes, let your body relax, and then tackle it head on.

Stress Free Living De-Stressology Tip – Focus On The Positive Side

Focus on the positive side of the situation. There’s usually something positive in almost any situation.  You just have to look for it.  So are you looking are you letting the positive side of life past you by?

Stress Free Living – Pets are Good for Your Health?

If you think that pet care makes your life more stressful you just might not have the right idea. Caring for a pet can be good for your physical and mental health. Your animal friend with their unconditional love is a loyal and valuable member of your family.

This bond is just as strong and significant as any bond between two people..

Friendship

A pet can bring fulfillment into the lives of those who might otherwise might be lonely or depressed. Dogs, specifically, provide a feeling of safety and help keep you active.

Mature adults, especially those who’ve lost a spouse, can find comfort and friendship in a pet. Owning a pet gives them a sense of being needed.

Children

Children who are shy can benefit greatly from having a pet. A pet can help draw a timid child out of their shell. There are many other benefits of having a pet for a child:

• A pet can be a good way to start a conversation and make friends.
• A family pet can boost a child’s self-esteem.
• Pets can give a child a sense of protection and security.
• Pet ownership can help teach children about interaction, compassion and responsibility.
• Pets can also help children cope with and overcome fears. For example, a child that’s afraid to go to sleep in his own room may adapt more easily if the family cat or dog is allowed to accompany them to bed.

Exercise

Pets can keep you active. Dogs need regular exercise and their owners can reap the rewards of keeping fit and healthy in the process. Having a dog forces you to get up and go outside whether you want to or not.

Taking the dog for a nice leisurely walk is a great way to get moving, enjoy the outdoors, and get some fresh air. If you feel up to it, you can always go for a run with your dog. You’ll both get some exercise and have fun.

If health prevents you from walking a dog, consider getting a cat instead. Cats can be very loveable and energetic. Toss a ball across the floor or pull out a ball of yarn, and your cat will keep you both entertained for hours.

A cat may not bring much in terms of exercise but you can look forward to plenty of laughs, and laughter is great for your health, too!

Health Benefits

Studies have shown owning a pet provides many health benefits. People with pets tend to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, and are generally healthier. Pet owners who’ve suffered a major illness recuperate quicker than those without a pet.

Pets have even been shown to increase a person’s immunity to allergies, especially in children. Owning a pet can reduce the risk of allergies, asthma and even heart disease.

Stress

People with pets also tend to be more positive and have less stress. They’re better able to cope with anxiety and deal with stressful situations. The action of petting a dog or cat can relieve stress and lower blood pressure. Pets help people relax and can even improve their attitude.

Socialization

A pet can help break the ice when meeting new people. Pet owners who are new to their neighborhood or have difficulty meeting people may find that their pets give them a chance to make new friends.

Animals are naturally curious and conversations may start between two dog owners and a new pet and people friendship begins.

There’s a reason pets were put on this earth as friends, and we’ve only touched on some of them here. If you’re considering letting a pet join your household, it’s proven that they can do positive things for your health. Get a pet, and enjoy!

Stress Free Living De-Stressology Tip – Adjusting to Work Stress

Think about ways you can adjust to each change at work that cause you stress.  Create a stress journal and document stressful situation as a way process your feeling and identify solutions

Stress Free Living – Creating a Simple Life

Confucius once said, “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”

If you  make life complicated and fill it up with a bunch “stuff,” how can you ever focus on what matters most?

Many of you are running around trying to squeeze everything you can out of life when, in fact, you’d be a whole lot happier and healthier if you would savored the beauty of simplicity!

Here are some tips you can use today to simplify your life:
Clutter. When you eliminate the clutter around you, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the things are dearest to you.

Ask yourself: When was the last time I read the stack of books piled up on the floor? When did I last notice the details on one of those little trinkets I got while on vacation? When did I last wear the scarf lying on the closet floor? Give this stuff to someone who needs it!

De-cluttering will give you an opportunity to enjoy the things that truly matter to you. Plus you’ll feel a sense of relief with an organized working and living space.

Food. Food is another aspect of your life that can be simplified in many ways. Instead of worrying about the next bite, enjoy the taste of the food that’s already in your mouth. Savor it. Let it all sink in and try to taste each flavor.

Also, consider the ingredients in your food. Take the time to use quality ingredients instead of processed or chemically enhanced foods. The end result will taste better, and your body and mind will thank you for the nourishment!

Gadgets. Think of all the gizmos and gadgets in your life. Do you use them all? Do you even use half of them?

The more stuff we have to “connect” us, the more we become disconnected! Take the headphones out of your ears, turn off the car radio, and put down your cell phone. Instead of trying to be always connected, communicate with those around you. Nothing is more satisfying than a rewarding conversation or a family fun night!

Thinking. A cluttered mind steers you away from what’s most important. The reality is that simple ideas are almost always better. By simplifying your thinking, you open your mind to new possibilities.

A simplified mind doesn’t mean you aren’t thinking, it just means that you’re choosing to focus on one thing with greater clarity.

When your attention is split in several directions, it’s awfully hard to make rational decisions. And if you’re dwelling in the past or worrying about the future, how can you live in the moment? Release distractions from your mind and you’ll not only feel better, but you’ll regain a sense of peace within you.

Schedule. If you’re trying to jam a week into a single day, you’ll feel a tension that will tug you away from where you’re meant to be. Instead of wondering what’s next, savor the here and now.
Eliminate some of the clutter in your hectic schedule and do what’s best for you and your family, not everyone else.

Living simply is much easier then you think When you simplify, you eliminate many of the useless cares and are able to focus on what’s really important to you. Give it a try!

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