Way back in August I wrote an article entitled How to Put More Home Into Your School. When I wrote it, ailment I had full intentions of following my own advice…especially tip #4 JUST SAY NO. I’d be willing to bet that most of you had great intentions as well. Now, view here we all are a month into our school year and the calendars are over crowded and we’re started to feel a bit of stress. Now what do we do?
First of all don’t panic. Calm is always a plus. The best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. Likewise, order the best way to conquer stress it one bite at a time. Just make sure you aren’t biting those around you, ok?
- Make a list of your commitments. Make a note of whether it’s a weekly event, monthly or quarterly.
- Figure out how much time is needed to prepare for each event. Then add an extra day. For example if it takes you a full day to get ready for your Sunday school lesson, work it up on Friday night. That way if you realize you need supplies you have Saturday to make a run to the store
- Once you know what you’re committed to do and when, make a monthly calendar. This calendar should show all of your commitments, and the dates you need to start preparing for those. Once you have a template you can carry it over month to month. Put your calendar where you see it often. Consult it daily. If you see you already have several things going on a certain day, DON’T add anything else!
- For commitments outside the home, I suggest you have a separate container or tote for each place you have to be. For example, I teach Awana on Wednesday night, so I have a tote bag that houses all of my Awana supplies. I have a basket that contains all of my Activity Day supplies. I automatically know that all of my supplies are in that basket. Once I pull my lesson together I add it and any necessary additional items to my basket and I’m ready to go.
Once you have a clear view of what you need to do and when you need to do it, your stress level should decline some. However, if it doesn’t then it’s time to reevaluate. What things can you let go of?
What things are “good” but not God’s “best” for your family?
Maybe you’re taking on too many product reviews and you’re getting overwhelmed? Just because a company asks you to review a product doesn’t mean you have too. However, I’ve found that most vendors are very receptive if you respond with something like “I’m sorry, but I have several other product reviews in the works right now. Could we schedule for a later date?”
If you’ve looked at your calendar and you see that you have to let go of some things, do it the right way. Don’t just quit co-op or Sunday school or the play group. Talk to those in charge, let them know that you are going to have to scale back. Work with them to make it work best for all. You may need to finish out the calendar rotation for Sunday school, or actively look for your replacement to fill in a spot you’re now in. There very well may bee someone else who would LOVE to teach that science class every week.
Seasons in our lives change. Don’t fight it, step into your new season and see what awesome things God has planned for you and for those who step into your shoes.
Great tips. I have been feeling stressed lately and can use all the helpful ideas I can get.
Shhh…don’t tell anyone, but I was almost late for writing this article because I was trying to do too many things, and I had no idea what to write about. So I was basically giving myself a pep talk and letting you all “eaves drop” so to speak. Glad it helped you (and me!)
The 2nd tip is crucial. I never schedule in preparation time, and I usually pay for it dearly. :/ Great post!
Absolutely! When I wait and then get under the gun, I get very snarky with others. I consider it my duty to be organized, as a public saftey measure. ;0)