“Do you sometimes feel like you’re out of control? Almost as if your life was running you instead of the other way around? You don’t have time to get everything done and your to do list is taking on a life form of its own! You think, Help! I’m outta control?

The technological revolution is supposed to make things easier and faster, but instead we just add more to our already full to overflowing calendars.  Then at the end of the day, we collapse  with barely enough energy to put our feet up knowing that tomorrow brings a new verse to the same song – checking things off a never ending  ‘to do’ list.

If this sounds like you, and you’re ready for a fresh start, here are 5 simple strategies you can implement right away so your ‘to do’ list gets complete, you feel ahead of the game,
and you have energy and enthusiasm at the end of your day:”

1. Start the day right. This simply means that you allow enough time to do everything you need to do before you leave the house and a little time to spare. We all have the same hours in the day; it’s how we use our time that is crucial to creating a great life/career balance. Prepare the evening before- your clothes for the next day, work-out gear, breakfast items.

What can you begin to do today? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

1. Create an Intention for the day. How do you want your day to unfold? What intention would help you move easily and gracefully through your day, even though that may sound a bit far-fetched for you at the moment. It is simply a matter of focusing. By the end of the week you will have fulfilled 5 intentions thereby creating a great new habit. If you’re stuck you could begin with intending a ‘no excuses’ day, or ‘no complaining’ day.

What is your Intention for today? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

1. First things first: Instead of attacking your day like a Ninja Warrior why not begin to look at what needs to be done while you are still sane and in control. Your first job of the day is to prioritise the tasks that you are in control of and stick with one at a time until it’s done. What can you outsource? When is your energy at its peak? Do the “heavy” jobs then. What are you taking on that you don’t need to? Prioritize, organize, systemize and STOP taking on more than you know you can do. Say NO to interruptions. Set boundaries. Create some systems that you can put on automatic pilot and watch your productivity take off.

What would be a great first step action?

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1.  Move your body. Exercise of any kind is beneficial to our health and particularly for those of us who are on the go all day. Morning exercise is a great way to start off the day, it loosens you up, gives your brain much needed oxygen and creates  feel-good energy. It’s important to raise your heart-rate and also do some weight bearing exercises. The benefits far outweigh the initial resistance. Oh and remember to drink plenty of water during the day.

What exercise will you begin today? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

1. End the day with thanks.  Find a quiet spot, even if you need to go into the garden, go for a stroll or put a “Time Out” sign on your bedroom door. Take a few moments before bed to breathe in and out slowly, and consciously give thanks for everything in your life. This helps us stay grounded and stops us getting caught up in our current “stories.” Give thanks for something that made you happy today, something you are grateful for and for the opportunity to help others.

What will you give thanks for today?

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By implementing these 5 tips you will notice a difference in your stress levels and begin to feel  in control, nicer to be around and you will be happier.  After all, today’s technology and latest gizmos are designed to make life simpler, not to add even more things to your already overflowing calendar. So make a conscious effort to keep your to do’s to a minimum and don’t automatically add another one when one is complete.

Pick one or two of these tips to begin with and then add the others when and if you would like to. I would love to hear from you if you decide to use these tips.

Joan