"MAKING TIME FOR # 1 --- YOU"
Submitted by *Nancy Black
Are you overwhelmed by trying to balance your personal and professional responsibilities? Do you feel that there is never enough time for YOU?
You can't order it from a mail order catalogue, on the Internet, or buy it in the supermarket BUT YOU CAN HAVE TIME FOR #1 --- YOU.
The 1st step is to analyze how you spend your time. Make these three columns:
ACTIVITIES TIME SPENT NOW TIME YOU WISH YOU COULD SPEND Sleeping Eating Dressing Commuting Job Responsibilities Family Responsibilities Family Leisure Personal:
Exercising
Reading
Hobby Activity of Choice
Errands Other How would you spend your time if you could do whatever you wanted?
Do you know what NO spells? Do you ever say it?
Ask for help at home.Many families have a Chore Chart.
2- 4 Year Olds can:
put away toyshang clothes on low hook
put dirty clothes in hamper
5 - 7 Year Olds can:
anything 2-4 Year Olds can do
set the table
help clear the table
8 - 12 Years Olds can:
make beds
take breakfast or snack
dust clean their bedroom
wake up to a clock radio
Teens, spouses, or other adults that you live with can do most things that you do. Leave them reminder notes.
GENERAL HINTS TO CUT DOWN ON HOUSEHOLD CLUTTER
Process mail daily.
Remove your name from mailing lists.
Write to:
Mail Preference Service c/o Direct Marketing Association P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008
Enclose mailing labels that show the sender and your name and address and a post-it saying "Please delete from mailing list.".
Have specific place for things. i.e. Scissors Scotch Tape Sports Equipment
Have a plan of action for household chores.
TOOLS TO HELP YOU GET ORGANIZED
**Planner (With Weekly Vertical Pages)
Family Activity Calendar
Family Chore Chart
Kit for Organizing Personal Files Desk Top Open Files --- Great for mail.
Magazine Holders
Drawer Organizers
ETC. ETC. There are so many organizing products on the market that I could never list them all.
**I recommend a planner with weekly vertical pages, where you can schedule in tasks, as well as appointments. With this style planner you can see how your time is spent. If you prefer another style ( either manual or electronic), the choice is yours.
Planning your time will enable you to MAKE TIME FOR # 1 --- YOU.
Editors Note: I survived having three children in less than four years. These are just a few suggestions of what you can do to MAKE TIME FOR #1 ---YOU. Good luck and enjoy YOUR time!
*Nancy Black, a Professional Organizer, is the principal of Organization Plus. For information about the services available call 978-922-6136 or visit www.organizationplus.com.
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