I have spent years working hard on my dreams and crushing goals. I have enjoyed much success, but also struggled with stress. If you’re like me, then you love how rewarding it feels when you get results. Accomplishing a goal is the sweetest feeling, and while the struggle can make that win much more satisfying, what if you found an easier way? What if you had tools to implement into your hustle that not only reduced stress, but made you more effective and productive? Well, I’m here to tell you it’s not too good to be true.
Yes, there are tools out there that can help you produce the results you want in both your work and at home. And I’m sharing with you my top tips for doing exactly that. Before we dive in, make sure you are subscribed to my blog, so you have instant access to future content. Simply scroll to the bottom of this page, enter your email, then confirm your subscription when it comes to your inbox.
Alright, are you excited? I’m sharing my most effective tips on how to stop being busy and reduce stress. It’s time to start producing amazing results without the added anxiety and overwhelm.
Stop making to-do lists that don’t have structure. What I mean is, a list with a bunch of items on it for you to tackle that day is ineffective. Plan out your day for flawless execution, so you know exactly when you’re doing what. A big mistake I was making was I would sit down in the morning and write down all the things I had to do. I feel very ambitious in the morning, so my lists were long, about 10 items to take care of on any given day. It was too much. I wasn’t accounting for how long each task was going to take to complete and I certainly wasn’t scheduling them in at specific times. No wonder I wasn’t getting everything done. Now, I am intentional and realistic about my plans each day. Whatever I write down, I make sure to get it done.
Create balance. Back when I had my mile-long to-do lists, I started the week full of ambition and energy. I would get very close to completing my tasks. But not quite. Whatever I didn’t finish got tacked on to the next day. By mid-week, I was very much behind. In my mind, I still had so much to do, and the anxiety would creep in. When Friday would come, I would be burnt out. But if you’re a parent like me, there are no days off. I was running on fumes. “All work and no play,” you know the rest. My point is to schedule in breaks. Don’t dip in to your lunch hour with work. Multi-tasking is not a realistic strategy. Give yourself permission to take a break in between tasks every day. Account for it and seal it off. That time is off-limits from working.
“Give yourself permission to take a break”
Give yourself incentives and rewards. Do you have a long-term goal? Spread out the work that needs to be done over time. For example, if you have an Etsy shop, don’t try to create your product, photograph it, edit it, create item descriptions, estimate shipping and promote it all in one day. Spread it over a couple of days and give yourself a reward each day. That way you aren’t rushing, you’re less likely to make mistakes and encounter stress, and your finished work will likely be of better quality, boosting your confidence. Set milestones and rewards accordingly throughout the process. It’s important to celebrate your wins, no matter how small.
Pay attention to your mental health. Burnout is real and overwhelm can be prevented or at least minimized, but only if you’re paying attention to your needs. Check in with your mood daily and have strategies in place for reducing stress. Breathwork, aromatherapy with essential oils, and setting boundaries are all great options for protecting your mental space. If you discover you are nearing your mental limit, have an emergency game plan set up. This will be different for every person, so think it through and have it ready to execute should you ever need it. It’s easier to come up with solutions when your mind is at ease than when you are stressed.
Practice self-care religiously. It’s not enough to only do face masks on Sundays. Self-care should be a daily event, and it is ok for it to be different each day. I cannot stress this enough. Move your body, stay hydrated, get your nails done, meet with friends socially, meditate, etc. Whatever it is that fills your cup, do it. It does not have to be grand, though be sure to recognize that you deserve that, too.
And there you have it. These five tips have helped me tremendously, and I hope they help you too. Whether you are holding down the title of entrepreneur, working parent, stay at home parent, student, or any other title, it is not enough to simply be busy. There is so much more that goes into producing the results you want. It must be a well-rounded effort. It is my intention to equip you with these basic tools to help you on your journey and get you where you want to be.
If you are interested in what a typical full day looks like for me, please continue reading.
I prepare for the next day before I go to bed. Let me explain. I prepare the coffee maker and set it to brew automatically. I make sure my work space is clutter-free and clean. I tidy up around the house. Depending on my morning, I lay out my workout clothes or day clothes. I pack a bag if I need it and make breakfast ahead of time if I need to. I know it probably sounds like a lot, but this means my morning will go more smoothly and I am more likely to be on time.
My day begins at 5 am. I roll out of bed and into my studio where I meditate first thing. I used to have a nasty habit of checking my phone upon waking up, and this has helped combat that.
From 5am-6am, I meditate, stretch for 10 minutes, drink a full glass of water before coffee, and then I write my schedule for the day.
I am currently working on a big project, so from 6am-7:30am, I am working on that project, unless I am working out at 7am. Thankfully, my husband is able to take on part of our daughter’s morning routine so I can get my work done or my workout in.
From 8am to 12pm, I am completing housework, teaching my daughter, playing with her, or running errands with her. I am fortunate enough to be a stay at home mom.
Then, it’s lunch time and nap time.
On days that I teach yoga, currently 6 classes a week, I prepare dinner ahead of time. This allows my husband to spend more quality time with our daughter or completing any tasks he needs to get done.
After I’m finished teaching, I come home in time for dinner, and we chat about our day. The dinner table is where my family connects. No matter how full our day was, this is a sacred time that we block out. It’s non-negotiable. We always do this, because it is so important.
Then, we clean up the kitchen, and close up shop essentially. Our daughter runs through her bedtime routine. And I practice self-care through my nightly skin care routine along with a cup of chamomile tea and sometimes a book.
I’m in bed no later than 10pm.
Of course life happens and I must adjust and surrender to the unique demands of each day, but I have a template, and it makes a difference.
I am less stressed. I used to suffer near daily overwhelming anxiety. I tend to fight rigidity, but there is something comforting in healthy habits and routines.
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Chat soon!
XO
Alicia Charlene 
Thanks Alicia, that was the inspiration I needed. They say your day is set by 8 am. Sounds like your day has a definite schedule and routine. I like the meditate,stretch, water, coffee, write the list idea. Mind if I borrow it?
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Of course, Gail! I love to be of help!
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