How To Effectively Manage Your Time So You Don’t Experience Burn-Out

People always say to me “I don’t know how you do it all.” Well, let me tell you, sometimes I don’t know either, lol. One thing, I do know is that I do everything in my power not to feel overwhelmed. And that is what you call self-care. I can be rigid at times with my schedule because I believe it is important to preserve my time and energy. I used to be very stern about letting people know my boundaries but with age and practice, I have become gentler with setting boundaries with others. Integrity is very important to me and that I do what I say I am going to do.

So, I thought I might share ways to balance your plate when it starts to become full so that others also don’t experience feelings of being overwhelmed.

Create a schedule for yourself
Now I am not a planner type gal but what I do is review with myself internally what I am going to do every week. I break up a long list of tasks into just a few tasks every week so that I can experience accomplishment knowing I am fully capable of completing those tasks. That way I don’t feel burned out and I feel very proud of myself. I also create accountability for myself by posting those goals on my socials so that I feel pressure to complete those tasks because others are watching. This is one way that social media creates peer pressure that actually serves me!
Set deadlines
This goes with creating a schedule but sometimes we can get into the habit of creating a schedule without setting clear deadlines on when those tasks need to be completed by and why this is important. Deadlines are a very key aspect of goal setting and without them, we end up feeling like we are drowning without having accomplished much.
Learn how to say no
Did you know that saying no to others is actually a form of self-care? Well, it is. I know there is a book out there called “Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes, but this is my “Year of No.” I am somewhat of a people pleaser who hates to disappoint those I love but I learned that this was detrimental for me to continue to sacrifice my own needs. It was also negatively impacting my relationships causing me to resent my loved ones. So, in order to avoid being overwhelmed, I set clear boundaries on what I can and can not do. I say, “I would love to do that but…” or “Here is what I can do…” Setting those expectations upfront allowed me to still help others but in the capacity that I am able to. Acts of service are important to me but not at the cost to myself. For me, setting clear boundaries is a win-win for everyone because it allows everyone to get their needs met, including my own.
Prioritize your to-do-list
Not everything has to be done now and some things can be saved for later…much later. Take some time to figure out what is important and time sensitive. If it doesn’t fit any of these categories, table it and come back to it later. When you do come back to it, you may realize that it doesn’t need to be done at all and you were stressing yourself out for no reason. Sitting down and making a list may help you put things into perspective.
Give yourself a break
If you are becoming overwhelmed at any point, just stop. Take a short break, whether it is a few deep breaths or full-on meditation, taking a walk, reading a book, taking a hot shower or bath, whatever it is, do not ever keep going when you are feeling stressed or burnt out. Pay attention to your emotions, they are telling you something for a reason. Recently, I was going to call out from work because I was mentally burnt out, but I decided against it. I tried to tough it out that day, but my attitude was stank. I ended my day early and told my supervisor I didn’t feel well. Taking those few hours to myself made such a big difference! I used that time to speak to a few good friends of mine to tell them how I was feeling and taking care of a few chores at home. Mental health days don’t always need to be full days. It could be just a few hours to really feel like yourself again. I will no longer feel guilty when I take some time to myself. And neither should you!

Well, I hope you got something out of reading this. I can’t stress enough the importance of being kind to yourself, taking some time for yourself, and pacing yourself. Everything that needs to be done will get done in its own due time. Sometimes, I surprise myself on how much I do accomplish when I just slow down. A friend’s words always come to mind when I think about what I need to get done. “Slow and steady” she would always say when it came to going through her day. Taking it slow and being persistent will get you much farther than rushed and stressed. I promise!

Love and light,

Kira

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How To Effectively Manage Your Time So You Don’t Experience Burn-Out

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