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How to clear that to-do list and make more time for yourself

5th August 2020 Print

Do you find you are a slave to your “to-do” list, constantly rushing around trying to get all those items done, only to find you have zero time for rest, relaxation, and just plain enjoyment of life? If you’ve answered yes to this question, you can consider yourself in good company, as so many people express those same frustrations. It’s that feeling of not having enough hours in the day to get everything done, and constantly being on the go. 

While it may be sustainable in the short term, continuing like that day in and day out is no way to live and is sure to take a toll mentally and physically. But what can you do about it? Here we’ll take a look at some practical and really simple ideas to help you clear that to-do list and start making more time for yourself.

Learn to Prioritise

The first step in clearing that list is to start questioning what you are putting on it in the first place. Sometimes things aren’t as urgent or as important as others and don’t necessarily need to be done on a particularly busy day or week. Learning how to prioritise the items on your list can be incredibly helpful and really take a massive weight off your shoulders. 

Ask yourself how important it is, does it have a deadline, and how will it affect the task if you do it another day, week, or month. This is an exercise that will take work at first, but the more you get used to prioritising, the easier it will come.

Use a Scheduling or Organizational App

Another tip is to start using a scheduling or organizational style app. This allows you to jot everything down and see in a quick glance just how much time you’ve got left. This goes hand in hand with prioritizing, as you’ll be able to quickly identify days that are too busy and where things can be moved around.

At the same time, these apps help to take the pressure off you from having to remember everything. If you’re in the habit of keeping that running to-do list locked in your memory, it can be quite stressful trying to remember each item. By using an app, you can input it as it pops up, and there is no having to remember anything. This style of app often allows you to set reminders too.

Hire Someone to Help You

Then there is the fact you can hire people to help you with various tasks around the house. Who says it has to be all on your shoulders? For example, you can hire a gardener, landscaper, or even a housekeeper online. Just imagine how freeing that would be if someone else were taking care of all those irritating items for you. 

The way the LinkU site works is that you enter a job, explain what you’re looking for, and how much you’re willing to pay, and the site will connect you with local professionals that can get the job done. It’s that simple. You can find out more by visiting linku.com.au.

Ask for Help from Family Members

Then there are those tasks that you can ask for help from other household family members. They don't require a professional to come in and assist, but at the same time, it shouldn't be left all up to you. For example, simple things like having others help with putting laundry in the washer and then folding it, doing the sweeping or vacuuming, dusting, each taking a turn to make dinners during the week, all of these add up and help to free up a little time for yourself.

Learn to Say No

Here’s a tip that is much easier said than done. Sure, we may be screaming “no” in our heads when you get asked to do something, but more often than not, you probably agree to take on that task and be a team player. It’s time to re-train your brain and start telling yourself it is okay to say no. In fact, saying no from time to time is healthy for you. There is nothing wrong with admitting you are stretched too thin and that you deserve some downtime for yourself. 

Again, this one becomes a habit over time, so it will seem uncomfortable and difficult at first, but the more you say no, the easier it will get.

You Deserve and Need that Down Time

At the end of the day, learning how to clear that to-do list is not only helpful; it is absolutely necessary for your physical and mental well-being. It’s all about creating balance in life between chores, tasks, work, and relaxation, and enjoyment. You deserve to have some downtime!