Do you ever feel like you're juggling a million things at once and you just can't catch a break? I know I feel this way all the time. I feel like women in particular struggle with this more because our minds never stop thinking about things. I've had numerous nights where I couldn't fall asleep because I had a thousand things going on in my head that I couldn't get rid of.
Today I'm sharing three ways to help you feel more at ease in your life. I know I have to remind myself of these all the time, so don't worry if you do too. Nothing happens overnight and there's always room for improvement.
1. Think about the one ball (or in this case orange) that you could drop without any consequences.
I try to do so many things at the same time all at once or maybe even in the same day when physically and mentally it isn't possible. I'll make super long to-do lists with things that could really be spread out throughout the week. I had (and still have to) take a look at everything that's on my list and ask myself three questions:
- Does this have to be done today?
- Can it be done two days from now?
- Is it really necessary at all?
If you answered no to the first or third question then move on to the next item on your list!
2. Learn how to delegate without criticism.
This is probably one of the biggest things I struggle with. Ever feel like someone can't do something because it isn't the way you would do it? I know I do this all the time with Chandler and I've been working really hard on this. For instance, it's awesome if you ask someone to do the dishes because you don't have time to do the dishes and the laundry, but it's not okay if you go and redo their work 10 minutes later. I was usually never that bad, unless I actually saw a ton of stuff on a dish that was missed. However, I have stopped myself from giving him a task because I didn't think he could do it solely because he took a different approach. When you think about that, it's actually pretty rude. You're basically saying that you don't have faith in them to do something even if it's really simple.
The first step to overcoming this is to look at what's on your list and what you moved from doing step one. If there's things that you want done but can't really get to, delegate those tasks to someone else! When you do, at the beginning tell them exactly what you want done, but not necessarily in the exact way that you would do it. As long as the task gets done, why does it matter?
3. Improve your communication skills, especially when you need help with things.
People aren't mind readers yet we all think they are! I know I always wait for Chandler to do something because in my mind it's the most obvious thing in the world, but to him it's not. People don't know that when you get home you do the trash first, then this, then that especially if they're not even home when you do it! Make a point to sit down and have a conversation with whoever you're delegating tasks too and let them know that you need with X,Y, and Z this week and that if they do those, you'll be able to do A, B, & C without any stress!
I hope these three points help you and if you have any questions or have any additional ideas, I would love to hear them in the comments below!
Romper: Red Dress Boutique
Photography: Christine Ribeiro
