Mindfulness

Benefits of a Balanced Schedule

Published on by Lyn Bailey
Click here to get your FREE Weekly Planner

Benefits of Having a Balanced Schedule

 

If you want to get more done in life without feeling too busy and burning out, it’s imperative that you create a balanced schedule. A balanced schedule has enormous benefits for your life when you make sure to account for what you need and want to do in every area of your life as you make the schedule. 

 

When you have a balanced schedule, you:

 

·      Get more done because you’re efficient with your time

·      Feel less stressed because you’re not overwhelmed by a packed schedule

·      Have more free time to enjoy life apart from work and responsibilities

·      Are able to focus better on the task at hand when you have regular breaks

·      Avoid burnout from working too much or taking on too much at once

 

A balanced schedule is the key to a happy, productive life. If you currently feel overwhelmed, stressed, and like you can’t keep up, it’s time to take a step back and assess your schedule. See what can be cut out , delegated or spread out more evenly. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel when you have a handle on your time.

 

Creating a balanced schedule means looking at all the areas of your life and ensuring there’s enough time for everything important to you. This includes work, family, friends, hobbies, and taking care of yourself. If one area takes up too much of your time, something else is likely suffering.

 

For example, if you’re working long hours, you may not have enough time for your family or friends. Or, if you’re spending all your free time on hobbies, you may neglect your work or other obligations. Therefore, finding a good balance between all the areas of your life is essential.

 

One way to do this is to create a weekly schedule where you block out time for each area of your life. This can help you see where you may need to make some adjustments. For instance, if you realize you’re working too much, you can cut back on your hours or take on less work. Or, if you’re not spending enough time with your family or friends, you can make an effort to schedule more social activities.

 

Like your boss, friend, and neighbor, you only have 24 hours a day, so be realistic regarding how much time you can devote to each area of your life. Also, keep in mind that your schedule may need to change from week to week, depending on what’s going on in your life. So schedule the most critical aspects of your life, like work and family, and then fill in the rest of your time with other activities.

 

A balanced schedule is essential for a happy, productive life. When you are mindful about what you really need to live a satisfying life, pay close attention to ensure there’s enough time for everything important to you. You can avoid stress, burnout, and feeling overwhelmed by taking a look at your schedule and making the necessary adjustments to create a more balanced life.

 

 

Click here to get your FREE Weekly Planner
Share this by clicking below:

Taming Time

Published on by Lyn Bailey

Taming Time

Click here for your FREE Weekly/Daily Planner

Tame Your Time

 

 

Managing your time is not just good practice but it is also good for productivity, organization and achieving success with your goals. By managing your time properly and efficiently you can create an organized life. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming if you follow the strategies below.

 

Get Up Early

 

The most successful people are early risers and have a morning routine in place. This has been part of my daily routine for as long as I can remember. Even when I was only 7 or 8 years old, I remember getting up early, often watching the sunrise, then spending 2-3 hours studying. I have always had a passion for learning, which I still have today. Age has not lessened this passion.

 

Morning routines often include:

 

Ø Meditation

Ø Visualization

Ø Exercise

Ø Reading/Learning

Ø Healthy Eating

Ø Planning/Prioritizing

 

A regular morning routine will ensure that you start your days successfully.

 

To Do List

 

Creating a to do list should be a regular habit undertaken daily. The best lists are 10 items or less to ensure that you can complete it. Don’t forget to prioritize the items on the list and review it throughout the day. Checking off items as they are completed will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

 

Sticky Notes

 

Sticky notes are ideal for displaying reminders of tasks, motivational quotes and visualizations. If you’ve got a pile of letters that need to be mailed and that’s an item on your to do list, why not put a sticky note on top of the pile with a deadline for posting them? It’ll serve as a reminder to get them posted and cleared out of your way.

 

Record It

 

Of course you can record your notes digitally using note taking apps or in a text document, or using pen and paper but have you thought of recording them using a digital recorder? You can get free recording apps for smartphones. By making a voice recording you can replay the recording and listen to your ideas. This will give you the opportunity to listen from a different perspective.

 

Schedule

 

Create a schedule. Using an online planner such as Google Calendar will ensure that you are able to access your schedule on your smartphone, tablet or computer wherever you are. You can color code different categories of entry and share with friends, family and colleagues as necessary.

 

Use Pen and Paper

 

For your most important events, tasks and notes use the traditional recording method of pen and paper with a diary, planner or bullet journal. You can keep it with you at all times, it won’t distract you with messages or run out of power. You’ll also be able to flick through at a glance to see how much you’ve achieved, past or forthcoming events and outstanding tasks.

 

Prioritize

 

Be realistic. Not all tasks and events are created equal. Find a way to highlight events that are essential so that you can see them at a glance and be sure not to miss them. On your lists of things to do always prioritize them and complete the most important first. If there are items that aren’t important or not time sensitive then considering moving them off your current list and on to another day. You can’t do everything.

 

Delegate

 

If there are items on your list that aren’t important then think about delegating them. You don’t need to try and be a superhero and do everything yourself. Kids can tidy away their toys and when old enough learn how to load the dishwasher, set the table and do other simple chores. By enlisting the help of other household members you can get more accomplished in less time.

 

Managing your time properly and efficiently is one of the keys to staying organized.

 

If you want help planning your day and your week, click below to download a FREE Weekly and Daily Planner to guide you.

 

 

 

Click here for your FREE Weekly/Daily Planner
Share this by clicking below:

Embrace Gratitude

Published on by Lyn Bailey

A Great Way to Embrace Gratitude Every Day

Gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions that you can experience. It connects you to what is truly important in your life. It reminds you that as long as you’re breathing, everything is going to be okay. And it helps frame your day, your expectations, and your actions. Embracing gratitude can be as simple as saying thank you. Here are the top ten ways you can invite more gratitude into your life.

# Start a Gratitude Journal

Gratitude journals became popular about ten years ago. Oprah talked about how powerful gratitude was for her and people took note. A gratitude journal is a daily practice where you write down a number of things that you’re grateful for every day.

You can make it part of your daily routine by writing in your journal first thing in the morning as you look at your day or last thing at night. There are mobile apps for gratitude journaling or you can buy a journal. A simple college ruled notebook works too. It doesn’t have to be fancy.

If you need help with recognising gratitude in your life, then call me on +61402855787 for a FREE discovery call, or download this great Gratitude Tool to give you a jumpstart.

 

Share this by clicking below:

3 Tips to Start Your Day

Published on by Lyn Bailey
clouds, sunset, fog-449822.jpg

Deciding The Best Way for You to Start Your Day Positively

You have decided to start your days with morning gratitude and/or positive thinking. That is great. Now you have to decide how to do it. You have nearly endless options to choose from. Here are some tips for deciding what to choose.

1. It Works For You

Not every option works for everyone. That is normal and to be expected. Everyone is different, after all. Try a few of the options and see what works for you. If something does not seem to work for you, do not feel bad, and definitely do not try to force yourself to keep doing it.

There are many options out there and you will find something that resonates with your soul if you keep looking. Do not settle on the first thing you try unless it grabs you and refuses to let go. Try different options. Experiment.

2. You Can Do It Consistently

Consider your schedule when weighing options. Some methods take more commitment than others, even if that is only a few minutes longer. How much time do you have in the morning? Not just some mornings, either, but every morning.

If you only have a few minutes most days, making a gratitude list in your head is probably a better idea than trying to fit in 30 (or even 10) minutes of yoga. That is not to say that you cannot do more than one thing. Perhaps you can do your gratitude lists every morning and do yoga as well on the weekends.

Remember that whatever you choose must be something you can do each and every day, or at least on 90 percent of them. Life does happen, after all.

3. You Like It (So You Will Do It)

Do you know the number one reason people fail at starting a gym routine? It is not a lack of time or commitment. It is simply that they do not like what they are doing. Humans are strange creatures who are not likely to continue doing something they do not like, at least not unless they have an overwhelmingly good reason to do so.

The same thing applies to trying to create other new habits too. If you do not like something, you probably will not keep it up. Likewise, it is hard to stop bad habits because on some level you like them, and your brain goes – Quit? Why?

This is slightly different than the first tip (something must work for you) because they are two different things. Ninety minutes a day on a treadmill will work to make anyone fit, but few people like that enough to do it!

I find a Gratitude morning ritual is very simple, quick and easy. As soon as I wake up, I take about 3 minutes to ponder on 3 things I have to be grateful for today. This morning it was another day on this earth, my physical health and my 4 amazing children, who are also my four best friends. It’s a wonderful way to start each day.

If you need help developing a morning ritual to start your day with Gratitude, download my FREE “I am Grateful for….” Worksheet .

DOWNLOAD HERE

Share this by clicking below:

7 Signs You Are Easily Distracted

Published on by Lyn Bailey
meal, chef, prepare-41130.jpg

7 Signs You Are Easily Distracted

If you notice that you may be easily distracted, it may be time to take a step back and re-evaluate your habits. There are lots of signs that you can be mindful of that signal that you are easily distracted. Here are a few:

1. You can’t focus on one task for more than a few minutes.

If you can’t seem to focus on anything for more than a few minutes, it’s hard to get anything done. Fortunately, you can try to diminish this by:

  • ✓  Finding a quiet workplace where you won’t be interrupted by others or outside noise.
  • ✓  Breaking up your tasks
  • ✓  Setting a timer

2. You often find yourself daydreaming or spacing out.

Daydreaming and spacing out are signs that you’re not fully focused on the task. If you notice this often, it’s essential to try and bring yourself back to the present moment. For example, ground yourself by focusing on your breath and counting each inhale and exhale.

3. You have trouble paying attention when others are talking to you.

Do you ever talk to someone whom you can’t understand what they’re saying because your mind is elsewhere? This can be frustrating for you and the person you’re talking to. To try and mitigate this, make sure to:

  • ✓  Make eye contact with the person speaking.
  • ✓  Repeat what you heard them say to them to ensure you understand them.
  • ✓  Ask questions about what they’re saying.

4. You are easily distracted by noises or other activities going on around you.

If the noise, lights, or other distractions around you are impossible to ignore, you will need to mitigate this problem anytime you need to be in a space like that. To reduce this, try:

meal, chef, prepare-41130.jpg Wearing headphones to block out external noise.
✓ Working in a quiet place where there won’t be much activity around you.

5. You often lose track of time and miss deadlines.

Missing deadlines is a sign that you need to be more mindful of how you’re spending your time. Set a timer or alarm to keep yourself on track.

6. You can’t stay organized or keep track of your belongings.

Losing your stuff is frustrating and can get you off track as you search for your belongings. To try and prevent this, make sure to:

✓ Have a designated place for all your belongings.
✓ Make a list of actions to take, including when you need to do it. ✓ Stick to a routine as much as possible.

7. You are constantly moving and can’t seem to sit still.

Nothing is wrong with fidgeting, as it is a great calorie burner, but if you can’t slow down enough to focus on a task, it can present problems. This can be frustrating and make it difficult to concentrate on your work. Try:

  • ✓  Getting up and moving for at least every 90 minutes.
  • ✓  Taking breaks often to move your body and get some fresh air.
  • ✓  Finding a comfortable place to work where you won’t feel the need to move around constantly.Mindfully consider whether you are experiencing any of these signs. If you experience one or more of them regularly, chances are you are easily distracted. If you are, try some mitigation ideas to change your situation. You completely control your distraction level even if you find out you ultimately need additional assistance from a medical professional.
Share this by clicking below:

7 Distractions That Negatively Affect Your Life

Published on by Lyn Bailey
office, notes, notepad-620817.jpg

7 Distractions That Negatively Affect Your Life

Distractions are everywhere. They can significantly influence your life — inside and outside the workplace. If you’re not careful, they can hurt your learning ability, causing automobile accidents, drain your energy, affect your performance, increase stress, and more.

If you want to sidestep the harmful consequences of distractions, it is helpful to be conscious of them. Then, once you know potential distractors, you can figure out how to stop them or lessen their effects.

Cell phones

A University of Sussex study found that simply having your cell phone within reach can hurt your performance on cognitive tasks. In fact, your brain is hardwired to respond to notifications – even when you’re not actively using your phone.

Social media

Checking social media can be a major time-suck, and it can also have a negative impact on your mood and mental health. For example, according to the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, self-esteem among regular social media users like Facebook suffers negatively. Moreover, they are more likely to compare themselves unfavorably to others.

Email

Checking email can be a major distraction, especially if you’re expecting an important message. A study by the Radicati Group found that the average person spends nearly two hours per day checking email, which is only expected to grow in the coming years.

Pets and kids

One study shows that having pets and kids at home can be massive sources of distraction for employees trying to get work done. But, of course, pet and human parents probably didn’t need the University of Minnesota study to prove this fact to them.

Hunger or thirst:

It is almost impossible to make your mind focus on anything else if you’re hungry or thirsty. Plus, many studies show that dehydration can lead to a decrease in cognitive performance.

Chatty co-workers

If you work in a typical office with cubicles, chances are you’ve had at least one or two chatty co-workers who seem to think your desk, or the cubical right by yours, is their personal chatting spot. This can be extraordinarily distracting and make it difficult to get work done.

Noise

Whether it’s the sound of traffic outside your window or the chatter of people in the next room, noise can be a significant distraction. A study by the University of California, Irvine, found that office noise can lead to a decrease in productivity and it can also increase stress levels.

Fortunately, you can do a few things to minimize the impact of distractions in your life. If you’re working on anything requiring focus, try to find a quiet place to work. If you can’t avoid chatty co-workers, politely let them know that you’re trying to concentrate and ask them to come back later. And if you’re expecting an important email, turn off notifications, so you’re not constantly interrupted. Of course, you can always schedule time for email checking later.

When you actively take the time to avoid distractions, you will improve your productivity, reduce stress, and live a happier, healthier, more prosperous life.

Share this by clicking below:

Is Overscheduling Harmful to Your Health?

Published on by Lyn Bailey

Is Overscheduling Harmful to Your Health?

When you overschedule yourself, you are harming not only your health but also your productivity. Overscheduling means that you are trying to pack too much into your day, resulting in you feeling overwhelmed and stressed– leading to health problems, including anxiety, depression, and even physical illness.

Here are just a few ways that overscheduling can harm your health:

It leads to burnout

If you’re constantly on the go, it’s only a matter of time before you start to feel burned out. When you’re overscheduled continuously, you never have time to rest and recharge, which can lead to serious health problems down the road.

It increases your stress levels

If you’re always running around trying to juggle everything, it’s no surprise that your stress levels will go through the roof. But unfortunately, high-stress levels directly cost a whole host of mental and physical health problems due to the high cortisone levels you release in your bloodstream.

It disrupts your sleep

When you’re overscheduled, it’s hard to stick to a regular sleep schedule. Unfortunately, this can lead to many health problems, including fatigue, irritability, and depression.

It makes you sick

It will affect your immune system if you’re always on the move and don’t get enough rest. Unfortunately, this means you’re more likely to get sick, and when you do, it’s likely to be more severe than it would otherwise be.

It ruins your relationships

When you’re always running around, it’s tough to find time for the people who are important to you. Plus, you may not be that fun to be around. Over-scheduling can put a strain on even the strongest of relationships.

If you’re starting to feel like you’re overscheduled because you notice the signs of the harm your current schedule is causing in your life, it’s essential to take a step back and reassess your priorities. Of course, your health should always be at the top of your list, so remember to put your needs first.

To avoid overscheduling is to figure out what your priorities are. What are the most important things you need to complete each day? Once you’ve determined your priorities, plan your day around them. Finally, leave some free time in your schedule to relax and rejuvenate yourself.

To create the best schedule for you, be realistic about how much time you have available. Packing too much into your day will make you feel rushed and stressed. When you are rushed and stressed, you will feel anxious and undone. Instead, give yourself enough time to finish tasks, including set up and tear down time, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

If you realize you are overscheduled, don’t be afraid to say no to new commitments. You can’t do everything, and that’s okay. Prioritize your time to focus on the essential things in your life.

Overscheduling is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Instead, focus on being mindful of your time and priorities. With the right mindset and focus, you can avoid overscheduling and live a healthier, happier life.

Share this by clicking below:

Benefits of Having a Balanced Schedule

Published on by Lyn Bailey

Benefits of Having a Balanced Schedule

If you want to get more done in life without feeling too busy and burning out, it’s imperative that you create a balanced schedule. A balanced schedule has enormous benefits for your life when you make sure to account for what you need and want to do in every area of your life.

When you have a balanced schedule, you:

  • Feel less stressed because you’re not overwhelmed by a packed schedule
  • More free time to enjoy life apart from work and responsibilities
  • Are able to focus better on the task at hand when you have regular breaks
  • Avoid burnout from working too much or taking on too much at once
  • Get more done because you’re efficient with your time

A balanced schedule is the key to a happy, productive life. If you currently feel overwhelmed, stressed, and like you can’t keep up, it’s time to take a step back and assess your schedule. See what can be cut out or spread out more evenly. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel when you have a handle on your time.

Creating a balanced schedule means looking at all the areas of your life and ensuring there’s enough time for everything important to you. This includes work, family, friends, hobbies, and taking care of yourself. If one area takes up too much of your time, something else is likely suffering.

For example, if you’re working long hours, you may not have enough time for your family or friends. Or, if you’re spending all your free time on hobbies, you may neglect your work or other obligations. Therefore, finding a good balance between all the areas of your life is essential.

One way to do this is to create a weekly schedule where you block out time for each area of your life. This can help you see where you may need to make some adjustments. For instance, if you realize you’re working too much, you can cut back on your hours or take on less work. Or, if you’re not spending enough time with your family or friends, you can make an effort to schedule more social activities.

Like your boss, friend, and neighbor, you only have 24 hours a day, so be realistic regarding how much time you can devote to each area of your life. Also, keep in mind that your schedule may need to change from week to week, depending on what’s going on in your life. So schedule the most critical aspects of your life, like work and family, and then fill in the rest of your time with other activities.

A balanced schedule is essential for a happy, productive life. When you are mindful about what you really need to live a satisfying life, pay close attention to needs in all areas of your life and ensure there’s enough time for everything important to you, you can avoid stress, burnout, and feeling overwhelmed. So, take a look at your schedule and make the necessary adjustments to create a more balanced life.

Share this by clicking below:

Why Don’t I Finish What I Start?

Published on by Lyn Bailey

Why Don’t I Finish What I Start?

Maybe you’re reading this article as you are about to abandon the twelfth project you’ve started and left unfinished in the last three months. Maybe you’ve never been able to finish something you’ve always wanted to complete. Either way, there are reasons you don’t finish what you start, and it may not be for the reasons you think.

Procrastination

The number one reason you probably aren’t finishing what you start is that you are probably procrastinating. To solve your procrastination habit, you need to know why you are procrastinating. Are you constantly being distracted by other tasks? Do you harbor a fear that you won’t like working on your project? Once you get to the bottom of your reasons for procrastination, you’ll better be able to combat it and conquer it. Then you’ll be able to work more on the project you want to finish.

Lethargy

Another reason you may not be finishing what you start is that you suffer from feelings of lethargy. Lethargy is when you have no energy because you have lost enthusiasm for the task at hand. You might have lost enthusiasm because you’ve been working on the task too long and procrastinating, as mentioned above. You feel that you are unappreciated for your efforts. You can conquer lethargy by breaking tasks into much smaller pieces and rewarding yourself along the way.

You Overestimated Yourself or the Project

When you start something new, you are often fueled by excitement, and this may lead you to misjudge a project and the work it will take on your end to complete it. Then, during the project, you may realize you don’t have the capabilities or time to finish what you started. The best way to solve this problem is to be more realistic while planning a project. Make sure you carefully lay out your entire plan to see the project more clearly and solve future issues before they occur.

Overall, finishing all the projects you start is difficult, but this doesn’t mean you should give up so easily. Instead, work to find the reasons behind your procrastination and lethargy and work to solve them. You can also boost yourself by considering every project you start more in-depth at the beginning of the project. Pretty soon, you’ll be well on your way to finishing that one project you’ve just never gotten around to.

What have you started and not finished? If you would like some help in getting back on track with this project then click HERE to book a FREE Discovery Call with me.

Share this by clicking below:

Why Can’t I Follow Through?

Published on by Lyn Bailey

Why Can’t I Follow Through?

Do you struggle with the act of following through?

Not finishing what we start is a common problem many people face in their life. It can quickly become a problem as these tasks stack up and start to weigh on us. While there are many reasons we may put things off, here are several of the most common.

You Are Stuck In Your Habits

One reason you may not be able to follow through with something new is that you are stuck in old habits. You might be unconsciously doing the same things you’ve always done, and thus you get the same results – failure to follow through.

To remedy this problem, you need to break your bad habits and build new helpful habits to replace them instead.

You Aren’t Being Proactive

Another reason you might not be following through with commitments is because you aren’t being proactive. Maybe you are just sitting around hoping that something or someone will come along and force you to follow through. Newsflash – that isn’t going to happen.

If you want to follow through with something, you need to be proactive and ultimately actively involved in trying to follow through. Taking action is the only way you will ever become better at following through in your life.

You Have A Negative Mindset

If you have a negative mindset in life, it can be very difficult to follow through with commitments. When you spend your whole day thinking of negative thoughts, the thought of following through with something seems so daunting, and negative.

For example, if your goal is to work out every day to get into shape, but then you spend all day thinking about how you hate working out, how you’ll never be in shape, and how you won’t ever be the person you want to be, you can guarantee you won’t get up off that couch and go exercise. Instead, it’s time to try approaching your goal with a positive mindset.

Overall, following through isn’t always the easiest thing for us to do. If you find yourself stuck in old habits and have a negative mindset, you can almost guarantee that nothing will change when it comes to your ability to follow through. So, if you want to be someone who follows through, it’s time to be proactive and take steps to change your life today.

What have you started and not finished? If you would like some help in getting back on track with this project then click HERE to book a FREE Discovery Call with me.

Share this by clicking below: