Hygeia

Below are some timesaving tips to help you get, and stay, organized.

1. Use a day planner. These books used to be used only by the big CEO’s, or the school academic nut. Not so today! Look around for a bit before selecting one you like best. Make sure it suits your needs. You will find day planners come in all materials and sizes. Your planner will help you to effectively lay out your day on paper, so you know where you are going and what you are doing. These days, planners come complete with money pouches, checkbook holders and computer disk carriers, so shopping around is definitely a good idea!

2. Use a family planner. Yes, buy another planner for your entire family. This way, everyone in the family knows what everyone else is up to and when. You can plan much better this way. Consider purchasing one those dry-erase boards available in most office stores. Mom can put her important luncheons on there, dad can put his coaching meetings, and the kids can put their after-school activities on it. Place it up in a suitable location, which could be the refrigerator or somewhere in a high-traffic area.

3. Learn to just say “no.” You are just one person, after all and you cannot do everything! Exercise your stress management techniques by saying “no” now and again when you are asked to do things that are of little priority to you.

4. Take time to enjoy yourself. What makes you the happiest? Spending time with your hildren? Going out to the movies? Indulging at the spa? Going to sports or shows? Take some time to think of what you love to do most and then get out there and do it all! Schedule some “me time” in that great new planner you have bought and treat it like an appointment with yourself! maybe doing something such as gardening may sound like a bit of a chore, if you find it relaxing, pencil it in. Everything has a time of its own so make time for yourself.

5. Take time to do a good clean up. When was the last time you organized that junk drawer, or sorted through your fridge? Is it time to catch up? At the same time buy some new hooks and organize your purse and keys. When you walk in the door, they should be placed right there ready for next time. Chances are, you might be spending valuable time getting frustrated over missing items. Make sure everything is located easily with a place for everything. That way, you will know where to look next time. Perhaps invest in some organizers. They sure are worth while when you find your life just that much more organized. It certainly beats searching around for hours to find your keys!

6. Establish a good routine. Keep writing in your planner daily and keep scheduling time for yourself. Throw in the occasional “no.” and get into a good routine. Stick with your new routine and you will find you will be happier and with much less stress.

You too can live an ordered life. Life really does not have to be a mess. Take a few steps to make sure that it is not and you will have time for the things that really matter to you most. You will have all the time you want for family, friends, work and more, and best of all, you will be sane. The number one benefit to being better organized is being sane!