Reduce Stress With Time Management Strategies

Reduce Stress With Time Management Strategies Stress Management Management Techniques Time Management Print Find More Time in a Busy Schedule for Less Stress By Elizabeth Scott, MS twitter Elizabeth Scott, MS, is a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, and the author of 8 Keys to Stress Management. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Scott, MS Updated on October 03, 2019 Blend Images - Ariel Skelley/Getty Images More in Stress Management Management Techniques Time Management Physical Techniques Relaxation Effects on Health Situational Stress Job Stress Household Stress Relationship Stress Many people find themselves too busy these days, which causes stress. The reasons vary from person to person, but the following are some main ones why people find themselves too busy, along with time management and stress management ideas to help. Say No Many people end up overscheduling themselves because they feel uncomfortable saying no when people ask things of them. Perhaps they dont want to disappoint others or admit they cant do it all. Ultimately, they disappoint themselves by not having enough time to do whats important to them. Does this apply to you? If so, learning to say no might be a good time management priority. Use it to create space in your schedule for whats important to you. Be Clear on Your Priorities Dont add activities to your schedule for the wrong reasons, and end up spending your days doing things that dont reflect your values and priorities. If you find yourself struggling to fit in whats important, then necessities like adequate sleep and other healthy habits  may fall by the wayside. To insure that this doesnt happen to you, make a list of whats most important. List things like family, friends, and career. Then look at how you spend your days. See how much time goes to these things. Is it a good match, or are you spending an inordinate amount of time doing things that arent as important to you? Its never too late to make changes. Map It Out A common time management trap many people fall into is that they dont know where their time goes, or they overestimate the amount of time they have available and underestimate the amount of time each activity takes to complete, and become overcommitted. If this sounds like your days, you may need to keep a careful schedule, writing down everything you do. Dont agree to new activities until youve found a way to pencil them in, overestimating the amount of time you think it will take to complete them. Manage Money Wisely Its become increasingly common for people to work more than theyd like because finances demand it. Many people are working longer hours and even more than one job. To get out from under debt and financial woes, you need a plan that involves spending less, saving, paying off debt, and possibly earning more (not by working more but by getting paid what youre worth). Stay Organized Your schedule isnt the only thing that should be organized, so should your home. Most people dont realize how much time and money are sucked up (not to mention stress created) by living in an environment where things are difficult to find and relaxation is a challenge. These tips on staying organized can help you to stop the drain on your time that a messy home can create. To Thine Own Self Be True Knowing yourself well can also help you to avoid getting overwhelmed. How? For one thing, by knowing your limitations, you avoid taking on too much. If you constantly put yourself in a position of taking on more than you can handle, take an honest look inward to help you figure out whats behind this. That way, you can stop. These resources should give you a good start on a less harried lifestyle. In the meantime, you can find some stress relievers for busy people. They fit easily into a busy schedule to keep you more calm, cool and collected.