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These days, life is crazy. We're all going about ten times faster than we should. Balancing things such as work, family, and friends can be demanding. In order to have time to do the things you enjoy, organizing yourself is key. Here are some tips to help you get, and stay, organized.
1. Invest in a day planner. These devices used to be used only by the big CEO's, or the school academic nut. Not anymore! Shop around and find a planner that suits your needs. Available in all materials and sizes, these planners will help you effectively lay out your day on paper, so you know where you're going and what you're doing. Nowadays, planners come complete with money pouches, checkbook holders and computer disk carriers, so shopping around is definitely a must!
2. Invest in a family planner. Yes, a planner for your whole family. This way, everyone in the family knows when each other's events are, and can plan around them accordingly. Your best bet for this kind of planner are the dry-erase boards available in most office stores. Dad can put his football games on there, mom can put her PTA meetings, and the kids can put their school events on it. All in one convenient location, which is best on the refrigerator or somewhere in a high-traffic area.
3. Say "no." You're one person, and you cannot do it all! Exercise your stress management techniques by saying "no" occasionally when asked to do things that are of least priority to you.
4. Enjoy yourself. What makes you happy? Spending time in the garden? Seeing movies? Going to the spa? Playing sports? Evaluate yourself and what you like to do. Schedule some "me time" in that spiffy new planner you've got and treat it like an appointment. Although doing something such as gardening may sound like the least priority, it is something that relaxes you so you can keep up with all the other things. Everything has its own time. Make time for yourself.
5. Clean up. Take some time to organize that junk drawer, or the closet, or the office. And get a key hook for your keys, so you can place them there when you walk in and they 're ready to go when you are. Chances are, you're spending valuable time getting frustrated over missing items. Make sure everything is located easily. You may have to invest in some organizers, but they are sure worth it if it means not being a half hour late searching for the keys.
6. Make it a routine. Keep writing in that planner, keep scheduling time for yourself, and enjoy saying the occasional "no." If you get into the routine, and stick with it, you'll soon find that life is less stressful, and more enjoyable. You will feel less scattered as well.
Life doesn't have to be a mess. By taking a few steps to ensure that it's not, you will have time for the things that really matter. You'll have time for family, friends, work and more, and you'll be sane. As sane as one can be these days, that is.
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