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Lyn Bailey – Life by Design

Category: Working Mums

  • The Value Of Organizing Tomorrow Today

    The Value Of Organizing Tomorrow Today

     

    The Value Of Organizing Tomorrow Today

    If you want to maximize your effectiveness and the amount you get done each day, organize tomorrow, today. The second that you open your eyes you can already be clear and certain about what you have to do that day.

    It’s much more effective than trying to plan your day on the fly!

    In the evening, you’re much more objective about the next day than you are when you’re in the midst of it. It’s easy to plan a trip to the gym the day before. It’s not as easy to do so on the same day when it’s raining, and you’re just not in the mood.

    The best time to plan tomorrow is today!

     

    Follow this process:

    A. What do you want to accomplish? Depending on your job, health, family, hobbies, and life in general, what you want to accomplish will vary. Make a list of all the things you want to accomplish tomorrow. Include tasks that help you to reach your goals. Your list might have activities like this:

    • Make a nutritious lunch for kids.
    • Be at the office by 7:45.
    • Give a great presentation at work at 2:00pm.
    • Eat a healthy lunch.
    • Work out for 30 minutes.
    • Practice piano for 30 minutes.
    • Speak with an employee about frequent absences.
    • Call my financial planner to schedule a meeting about my portfolio.

     

    B. What are the best ways to accomplish those tasks? There are many ways to accomplish something. But there is only one best way. Think of your resource constraints (including time) and determine the optimal way for you to accomplish the tasks you’ve identified as most important.

    • What foods will you include in your child’s lunch?
    • What is the best route to get to work? What time do I have to get up in order to be at work by 7:45?
    • What do I need to do to be prepared for the presentation? Do I need to reserve a room? Who should be present?
    • What will I have for lunch? Will I bring it or go out to eat?
    • What type of workout will I do? Where?
    1. What are the obstacles you’re likely to face? Consider everything that might get in your way and develop a plan that will address those obstacles.  If something goes wrong, how are you going to handle itMake a plan that has the greatest possibility of avoiding the fewest obstacles as possible.
    2. When are you going to do your tasks? Decide when you’re going to do each of the items on your list. Bill Gates plans his day in 6-minute intervals. You might not have to be that precise. Find a method that works for you.
    3. Evaluate your day and try again. At the end of the day, take a look at your day and look for ways to do better. Use what you learned to improve your planning process.
      • What did you accomplish?
      • What did you fail to get done?
      • When are you going to do it?
      • What could you have done better?

    Make the most important decisions about your day the night before. The day is for executing, not deciding.

    Save your decision-making time for the evening when you can be more objective and thoughtful.

    Put your nose to the grindstone during the day and get things accomplished. Living life by the seat of your pants might be exciting, but it’s not the most productive way to live. Make a good plan and then follow it to the best of your ability. The quality of your life will soar.

     

     

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  • How to Get Started Writing a Journal

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    Getting started journaling isnít something that you need to think about too hard. Yes, there are numerous types and styles of journals and ways to do this that may or may not be more effective depending on your goals, but you can simply get some paper (or your computer) and get started today.

    * Dust Off Your Pen and Paper ñ You donít need anything special to keep a journal; in fact, purists believe that using pen and paper is the best way to journal because you can carry it with you anywhere and you donít need technology. So, there will be no excuses.

    * Do It First Thing in the Morning ñ Donít procrastinate about keeping your journal. Itís best to do it in the morning before you begin your day so that you have the right frame of mind for the day. Plus, you only need five to ten minutes, so itís not that big of a deal.

    * Do It Last Thing at Night ñ Another time to do it is before bed. This works especially well for gratitude journals. That way you can go to sleep thinking about all the things you are grateful for instead of things youíre worried about.

    * Write Every Single Day ñ Whenever you choose to do it, try to set it up so that it becomes a ritual and a habit. Journaling every single day is going to be more effective than just doing it when you feel like it.

    * Start Simply ñ Donít start being worried about style and substance right now; just work on the daily habit with pen and paper (or if itís easier for you, a computer or smartphone). Donít make it hard – just get going.

    * Begin with Today ñ Start right now and write about your day today. Thatís the easiest thing to do. What of significance happened today? How did you feel about it? What would you do differently? What would you do the same?

    * Try Different Types of Journals ñ Once you develop the habit, you can start trying different types of journaling like a bullet journal, or a vision journal, or maybe even a project journal for your next project.

    * Keep It Private ñ The main thing to remember about your journal is that it should be kept private. The only exception is if you want to share thoughts with a therapist, counselor, or coach. Or if you want to turn it into a book or course, to help someone else overcome whatever you overcame.

    Keeping a journal will help you deal with the things that happen to you as well as the things that have not happened to you. The main reason is that writing it down helps you remember what you did right and what you did wrong. It helps you improve your decision-making capacity for similar situations. The main thing is just to get started journaling in any way that works for you.

     

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  • Benefits of a Balanced Schedule

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    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.

     

     

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  • Taming Time

    Taming Time

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    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.

     

     

     

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  • Common Causes of Clutter

    Common Causes of Clutter

    Common Causes of Clutter

    With more and more stuff to keep track of, it’s no wonder most people feel like they’re constantly swimming in a sea of stuff. But what exactly is clutter? And what are some of the common causes of clutter?

    Clutter, according to dictionary.com, is defined as a collection of things that are in disarray or that are not organized. Clutter can be physical or mental. Physical clutter is the stuff that takes up space in your home, office, and car. Mental clutter is the stuff that takes up space in your head – the to-do lists, unfinished projects, and unmade decisions.

    Several factors can contribute to clutter. For example, you have too much stuff, your stuff is not organized, and you procrastinate on doing what’s right for your life.

    You simply have too much stuff

    With the abundance of stuff available, it’s no wonder it’s so hard to keep homes, offices, and cars free of clutter. You buy things you don’t need. You keep things you don’t use and hold on to things you don’t love.

    The sad truth is, having all this clutter around will diminish the value of your stuff more than it will add to it. But, in contrast, if you are really particular about what you bring into your environment, each item will have much more meaning.

    Disorganization

    When you’re not careful about where you put things, they can quickly become lost in the shuffle. Unfortunately, this usually leads to clutter in every corner of your home, office, and car. In addition, disorganized people are much more likely to waste money rebuying the things they can’t find or forgot they already purchased.

    Procrastination

    The clutter can quickly pile up when you put off making decisions or acting on projects. You may tell yourself you’ll get to it later, but later never comes. The problem with this is that once you start procrastinating, you are allowing your mind to be cluttered, so now it’ll be even harder to be productive.

    Thankfully, you can prevent clutter from taking over your life. One of the best things is to be mindful of the stuff you bring into your home, office, and car.

    Ask yourself these questions before bringing in more stuff:

    • Do we really need it?
    • Will we use it?
    • Do we love it?

    If your answer to whether you need an item is no, it’s probably best not to purchase it. Instead of letting clutter take over your life, commit to being more organized. By taking the time to put things away and having systems in place, living an organized life will be much easier–and less frustrating when you can’t find what you’re looking for.

    Finally, make a conscious effort to avoid procrastination. When you take decisive action on the things that are important to you, you’ll be less likely to let the clutter pile up.

    When you’re mindful of the stuff you bring into your life and committed to being organized and taking action, you will reduce the clutter in your life. What’s best is that this commitment will create more space for the things that matter most.

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  • Not All Distractions Are Bad – 6 Good Distractions

    Not All Distractions Are Bad – 6 Good Distractions

    Not All Distractions Are Bad – 6 Good Distractions

    Though we often think of distractions as inherently bad, that’s not always the case. There are some instances where a distraction can be helpful or even healthy. Unfortunately, we all know that there are plenty of distractions out there that can lead us astray.

    But what about those times when a distraction can be a good thing? Here are a few examples:

    Taking a Break

    If you notice that you are experiencing additional stress or feelings of anxiety, a mild but healthy distraction will relieve your mind and offer some relief. Examples of good distractions, in this case, include reading a book, listening to music, or going for a walk.

    Refocusing Yourself

    Sometimes, if you can’t focus on a task, taking a brief break might help you get back to work. This is usually the case when the task is quite difficult or boring.

    Eating, Drinking, and Nourishing Yourself

    Sometimes, a healthy distraction can help us avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating or drinking. If you feel tempted to engage in one of these behaviors, try to find a positive distraction to focus on instead.

    Other Self-Care Actions

    Anytime you notice that even with your normal interventions, you can’t seem to get your focus together, it may be time to take some time out for more self-care. It may simply mean working on sleeping better at night so you’re at your best each day, but it will take self-reflection and honesty to ensure you find the right issues. It’s not wrong to take care of your needs before anyone else gets their wants seen to.

    Helping Your Child Refocus

    Helping your child switch from a frustrating task to a more enjoyable activity can be an excellent way to reduce their stress levels and prevent them from becoming overwhelmed. While this may seem like a distraction as it happens, taking you from your task and helping them will teach them to soothe themselves better, and over time interruptions will slow down as they learn what to do by your example.

    As you can see, there are actually quite a few instances where a diversion can be helpful – when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, your child is having a tough time with a task or situation, or you need more healthy self-care. Sometimes shifting attention to something helps everyone.

    Of course, it’s essential not to let distractions get out of hand. However, if you constantly get sidetracked and not getting anything done, it’s time to reassess your priorities and find a better way to focus. For example, maybe you need to work more on the setup before starting a new task.

    Perhaps being more mindful about your current feelings, your child’s issues, and so forth will help you avoid problems. But in moderation, distractions can be helpful. In addition, you may build stronger relationships with yourself and your loved ones if you handle them well. So next time you’re feeling stressed or struggling to focus, don’t be afraid to give yourself a break and find a healthy distraction.

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  • 7 Distractions That Negatively Affect Your Life

    7 Distractions That Negatively Affect Your Life

    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.

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  • Can You Really Be Too Busy?

    Can You Really Be Too Busy?

    Can You Really Be Too Busy?

    You know what it’s like to be too busy. You’ve all been there: juggling a million things, running around like a chicken witch its head cut off, and feeling like you’re about to drop from exhaustion. However, you may not realize that being too busy is extremely counterproductive.

    It makes you less productive, less effective, and more likely to make mistakes because you’re unable to pay close attention to the job you’re doing. In addition, studies have shown that when you’re under a lot of pressure, your brain doesn’t work as well. That may manifest as trouble focusing and remembering things and show up as careless errors.

    And what’s even worse is that the more stressed you are, the harder it is to switch gears and relax. So even if you do have a few free minutes, you’re not able to fully enjoy them or use them effectively.

    A few more problems with being too busy are:

    • You may miss important deadlines.
    • You may forget to do essential things.
    • You may neglect your health.
    • You may neglect your relationships.
    • You may become stressed and anxious.

    Being too busy is honestly one problem after another. You may even be too busy to notice how ineffective you are in almost every area of your life. Plus, of course, the amount of joy you can feel when you’re overworked and too busy is greatly lessened than if you try to schedule and organize your life in a way that creates a balance with all areas of your life.

    So, what can you do about it?

    • Recognize that being too busy is a problem. It’s not something to be proud of or boast about. It’s something to be avoided.
    • List your priorities and stick to them. If you know your needs versus wants, you can schedule them first.
    • Simplify your lifestyle and routine. Focus on your goals and what is most important to you. Identify what brings you joy and what you can live without. Let go of what doesn’t serve you and make room for what does.
    • Organize your time and space. By decluttering your life physically and emotionally, you can make space for what truly matters.
    • Learn to say no. You really can’t do everything, and you shouldn’t try. When you’re already stretched thin, the last thing you need is to take on even more.
    • Make time for Yourself. You need to schedule some downtime every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. You must turn off phones, log off from work, and focus on relaxing and recharging. Set boundaries and practice enough self-care.
    • Get enough sleep. Plan to sleep at least 7 to 9 hours a night. Sleep is a crucial part of health and well-being, but it’s often the first thing to go when you’re busy. Ensure you’re getting enough rest so we can be at your best.
    • Ask for help and delegate. You can’t do it all alone, and when you finally admit that you’ll suddenly become much more productive. Asking for help shows strength, not weakness.

    If you learn to manage your time better and avoid being too busy, you’ll be more productive, effective, and happier.

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  • Is Overscheduling Harmful to Your Health?

    Is Overscheduling Harmful to Your Health?

    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.

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  • Benefits of Having a Balanced Schedule

    Benefits of Having a Balanced Schedule

    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.

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