Letters to Myself - How to make more time.

Dear Self,

This week has seemed really hard. There has been so much to do and not enough hours in the day. Between work, the kids, appointments and home it's overwhelming and feels like too much at times.

Just remember, you've survived worse and are still here. You'll make it through this, it is only a moment in time, not forever.

I don't know why you feel like you have to DO everything, BE everything and FIX everything for everyone and still be perfect - but as future you, I'm here to tell you - You Don't. It gets you nowhere and will only get you burnout and sick.

Here are some strategies you've learnt over time, you've tried them separately and they work, but together - MAGIC!

1. STOP. Just stop and take a few nice deep breaths in and out. Keep breathing deeply until you feel your shoulders drop, your breath become slower, and calmer and you feel centered. You make better choices when you take a moment to stop and think before acting.

   
   

2. BRAING DUMP. Write it all down - all the stuff crowding your brain causing you to feel overwhelmed and spiral, write it all down. All the small stuff, all the big stuff, all the routine stuff, EVERYTHING! Get it out on paper.

   
   

3. PRIORITISE IT. Next to every item on your list write if it is a:

   1. MUST - An absolutely must get done that day - things like work/picking kids up etc.

      1. Rank the MUST DO tasks in order of importance/timing - for example if you have a doctor's appointment at 8am and then work emails that you need to reply to, the doctor's appointment would come 1st and then emails 2nd.

      2. Break them down if possible, into smaller portions if they are over 30 minutes. For example, if you need to respond to emails but there are 50, try replying to 5 or 10 at a time. If you need to make calls, try making one at a time and see how you go.

   2. WAIT - can it wait? does this task have to happen today, or can it be scheduled for later in the week when it's not so busy? Does it have to be done at all?

   3. SHARE - are you able to delegate it or share the task with someone else? Do you have to be the one to do the dishes or can someone else do them - delegate the task, let the other person/s know.

      
      

4. TIME IT. Now that you have you MUST DO list, how long will each task take? Add an extra 15 minutes to the time to give you a buffer.

   
   

5. TAKE ACTION. Using a variation of the Pomodoro Technique, set a timer for 10-15 minutes and do the first task on your list (providing it's not an appointment with doctor etc.) When the timer goes, if you feel motivated, keep going for another 10-15 minutes. If you need to, stop and have a 5-minute break to get a drink of water, have a snack or go outside and have a little walk. Keep going until you've completed your list.

   
   

6. CELEBRATE! This is the MOST important step. Make sure you cross each task off physically on your list, it will give you a little rush to see all the things you were able to get done for the day.

I remember a story I once read about a man who once said he made his bed everyday so that no matter what he'd accomplished something that day. So, remember to treat yourself with kindness because no matter what else happens that day, you've made your bed and accomplished something for the day.

Keep up the amazing job your dong. You are enough just as you are.

With Love and Light,

Bec xxx