Understanding and Dealing With Stress
Classes:
Introduction > What Is Stress? > Signs of Stress > Dealing with Stress > Long Term Strategies > Resources
Organize Yourself!
Even the most disorganized person in the world has the ability to organize. Organization is a skill humans begin learning as infants and practice every day -- from putting on our socks BEFORE we put on our shoes to organizing thoughts into words and sentences "put your socks on BEFORE you put on your shoes."
In fact, sometimes people can be over-organized and forget about spontaneity and fun. Striking the balance between being organized and being flexible is important. But if you are having problems balancing your time between work, school, friends, family, and your own personal needs, you may need to practice your organization and time-management skills.
Below are some tips that may help you organize yourself and reduce your stress. Don't feel pressure to try every one, and don't expect every tip to work for you. If you find just one or two of these tips useful (and usable in your day-to-day life) you'll be on your way to being better organized.
- Keep a daily 'to do' list
- Keep a calendar and be sure to schedule not only your 'to do's' but also time for yourself
- Re-examine your daily routines and see where and how your time is being spent
- Keep a planning notebook and write down your goals: be sure to include not just short-term goals ('finish the big project for work by next month', 'get an A in my English class') but also lifetime goals ('get a promotion', 'go back to school', etc.)
- Set aside a time each day to plan your schedule (this could include drawing up your 'to do' list for the next day, reviewing your schedule for the week, and also reviewing your larger goals for the year or upcoming years)
- Break down tasks that seem too large or difficult to accomplish into smaller tasks
- Unload unnecessary tasks and learn to say no
- Ask for help
- Stop when you're ahead; you don't have to accomplish everything in one day, or even one year
Next: Stress Management Plan
