Stress Be Gone! Live a Life Stress Free

Hey Mama!

Have you ever felt lost in the endless whirlwind of life’s demands, wondering what it takes to feel like a functioning human being again? Have you forgotten what truly makes you happy amidst societal pressures of self-care? If so, you’re not alone. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you find your way back to a more balanced and joyful life by eliminating stress. In this blog post, we will share five tactical tips to help you carve out time for yourself, avoid the overwhelming to-do list, and rediscover the joy and freedom in your daily routine.

Banishing Stress

First and foremost, a planner can be your best friend on this journey. Whether you prefer an online calendar, a paper planner, or a combination of both, the key is to find what works best for you. Consider tools like Google Calendar, which can be shared with loved ones to sync schedules seamlessly. My husband and I share ours so we can easily see each other’s schedules. I have it on my phone for easy access.

Take some time at the start of the week to transfer online appointments into your paper planner, creating a visual map of your week. You will want to do this in blocks of time. You don’t necessarily need to write down the times, unless you choose paper only, because the times will be in your online calendar. After I have written out appointments then I add in my work time blocks and then follow with my homeschool blocks. If your kids attend public school then you will want to add in time blocks for transportation and other special events such as parent teacher conferences or volunteer times. This process helps you identify open spaces in your schedule.

Experience Freedom by Mastering the Art of Brain Dumping

Picture this as a mental decluttering exercise. In your planner or on a separate piece of paper, jot down all the tasks that need to be done – from mundane chores like mowing the lawn to important projects at work or school. Don’t discriminate between big and small tasks; write them all down.

Your brain dump can contain all home, work, and school tasks. Or you can do separate dumps for each of these overarching topics. It depends on what works best for you. This initial brain dump might take a while, but it’s worth it. Once done, you can move these tasks from week to week until they’re completed.

Stress Busting Strategy: Prioritizing Your Way to Productivity

Once you have completed your brain dump, it’s time to prioritize your tasks. Assign each task a priority level: 1, 2, or 3. Priority 1 tasks are those with due dates or immediate importance, such as bill payments. Next, priority 2 tasks are important but without set deadlines. Lastly, priority 3 tasks are things you’d like to do but aren’t time-sensitive. Organize these tasks into separate columns for clarity, and this will help you see what needs your attention most urgently. This visual aid will help you with overwhelm and stress because you are able to see what needs to be done first. Which helps your mind to keeps thing organized instead of scattered thoughts that are destined to be lost.

Organizing your thoughts on paper will help you with overwhelm and stress because you are able to see what needs to be done first, which helps your mind to keeps thing organized instead of scattered thoughts that are destined to be lost.
Jen McGraw

Now, it’s time to fill those open slots in your planner, starting with your priority 1 tasks. Consider the estimated time each task will require and allocate the necessary time accordingly. For instance, if you need to renew your car tag or driver’s license, it’s wise to reserve a few hours, especially if you don’t have a pre-scheduled appointment. Keep in mind that the waiting times at different DMVs can vary, so it’s beneficial to have a rough idea or call ahead to plan for a less congested time slot.

Some of your priority 1 and 2 tasks may demand a significant chunk of your time, while others could be accomplished in just a few minutes. Apply the same prioritization and time-blocking strategy to your work tasks to streamline your schedule effectively.

Fostering Freedom in Your Schedule with Mindful Calendar Management

Importantly, don’t overfill your calendar. Leave room for breaks and downtime to avoid stress. Having a cushion of time allows you to enjoy unexpected moments of fun with your loved ones, which you’d otherwise miss if rushing from one task to another.

Don’t overfill your calendar. Leave room for breaks and downtime to avoid stress.
Jen McGraw

You could enjoy this extra time with your kids having fun. One of my favorite things to do is have a dance party in the kitchen. This is a stress free time with your kids. You would not be able to enjoy this time if you are worried about something you did not get done or what needs done next. I cannot stress this enough. Make time in your week and days, by not overfilling your calendar.

Stress-Relief through Self-Care: Nurturing Freedom and Fulfillment

Lastly, don’t forget to leave time in your schedule for you. Begin your day with some quiet “me time” in the morning. Waking up before your kids is crucial for this. Then, make sure to establish a bedtime routine that allows you and your partner to unwind and spend quality time together in the evening. Discuss with your older children why it is important that your marriage comes first and why mom and dad need that time together and without kids. Prioritize self-care that brings you joy and fulfillment, whether it’s reading, quiet moments with Jesus, long baths, or quality family time.

In a world that often emphasizes costly self-care treatments like massages and manicures, remember that self-care is about consistent, intentional time for yourself.
Jen McGraw

In a world that often emphasizes costly self-care treatments like massages and manicures, remember that self-care is about consistent, intentional time for yourself. Find joy in the little things that make you happy and fulfilled. While occasional indulgences are fun, true self-care is about doing what aligns with your calling and what brings you a sense of accomplishment. With these five tactical tips, you can regain control of your schedule, reduce overwhelm, and prioritize your own well-being. Start today, and rediscover the joy and freedom in your daily life.

Embracing Freedom and Fulfillment: Your Journey to a Stress-Free Life

In conclusion, your journey to a stress-free and fulfilling life starts with mastering time management, utilizing planners, brain dumps, and task prioritization. True freedom encompasses mindful calendar management, leaving space for joy and self-care. Implement these tips to regain control, reduce overwhelm, and embrace a happier, more fulfilling life. Begin today and set yourself free from burdens that have held you back for too long. Your path to a better life begins now.