by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach
Back in January I walked you through the essential beginnings of Time Management, now that it's September and back to school chaos rules the roost it might be a handy time for a refresher. Wouldn't you agree?
Back to school offers a great opportunity to test your system. If something falls through the cracks try not to be too hard on yourself. It just simply means it's time to tweak again.
Paper Work & Clutter
The first day of school guarantees a 'packet' of papers will land in your life. From signing the medical releases to updated academic calendars this packet can quickly become a pile of overwhelm.
- Prepare some time to focus on going through the pile
- Separate based on child then on task
- Make appropriate notes in your time management system NOW, while all the paperwork is in front of you
Consumption of time
Too often running late can be avoided by realistically providing a buffer for travel or getting caught in a conversation. A great way to train your brain for a more accurate reality is to start using a face clock for your watch. The hands going around the face provide a visual framework for the passage of time.
- Install face clocks in spaces you perform daily routines, such as bathrooms and kitchens
- Begin using a watch with a face instead of a static digital number
- Try not to beat the clock when going from one activity to another, like leaving for work in the morning and running errands in between
Survival of the fittest
Whether you have one child in school or five, heading back to the structured schedule can throw even the most efficient families into survival mode. Allowing yourself to function this way is OK. Yup, you read that right. I just said ~
going into survival mode during back to school chaos is A-OK
The important part is knowing when survival mode is coming to an end and life as usual has returned. Call it like it is. A transition time that needs a little room to settle in. Just be sure to circle around in a few weeks and determine what adjustments need made in your life systems.
Join me in the conversation over on the VolunteerSpot Facebook Page and share:
What Time Management for Back to School strategies you're planning this year?
Keepin it Tidy,
april
April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect.
