Personal Development

Slow Down To Improve Your Productivity

The Busy Girl’s Guide To Slowing Down And Getting More Done In Less Time

It’s easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed in today’s busy lifestyle. We’ve all got so much on our plates, between working, family and friends, and trying to maintain a happy home and healthy lifestyle- no wonder we feel physically and mentally exhausted. We end up so busy ticking off our to do list that we end up without time to enjoy our favourite activities.

When you’re stressed and overwhelmed you rush to do things and they don’t get done as well so then you end up stressing even more. Productivity starts with mindfulness. Mindful living can help you enjoy your daily routine, more.

It’s time to start accomplishing more with less stress, so you can enjoy life rather than just rush through it. Try these 3 steps the next time you’re straining to hurry up.

How To Do Less

  • 1. Set priorities. Figure out your definition of success. Devote as much time and energy as possible to the activities that matter to you. Cut back on making commitments that are not helping you reach your goals. Learn to effectively say no to distractions.
  • 2. Budget your time. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a single day. If you find yourself falling behind schedule, track how much time some of your daily routine tasks really take. Block out your time and give yourself a bit of a buffer between engagements.
  • 3. Adjust your standards. Be honest with yourself. Know when good enough is acceptable. Maybe you want to aim for an A plus when it comes to parenting, but you can live with a B minus on washing your car. It’s about balance.

The Importance Of Mindfulness

  • 4. Plan your day. Know where your time is going. Act deliberately instead of drifting from one external demand to the next.
  • 5. Live in the present. THIS IS A HUGE TIP in enjoying the process and effectively accomplishing your to do list. Give your full attention to what you’re currently doing. Silence your phone and resist the urge to check for messages. Notice your surroundings and savor your experiences.
  • 6. Remember your purpose. What are you passion about? Find the good in what you do. Does your job allow you to help others? Do you take pleasure in volunteering for a good cause or spending time with friends?
  • 7. Work out. A fit body supports a strong mind. Keep time in your schedule to exercise regularly. Incorporate more physical activity into your day. You’ll feel more peppy and alert.
  • 8. Rest and relax. A few minutes of meditation, stretching, or repeating affirmations can help you pace yourself. Learn to be comfortable with taking a break. Check out these creative ways to meditate. Try journaling with these gratitude journal prompts.

Related posts:

Self love affirmations

Morning affirmations

How to be more grateful

Asking for help

  • 9. Divide chores. Sharing household responsibilities is good for your marriage and your children. Talk with your partner about how you can work as a team to complement each other’s strengths. Praise your kids for taking on age-appropriate chores. Even small children can set the table or put away their toys.
  • 10. Be a good neighbor. Each family on the block could buy and maintain a snow blower or you could pool your funds to share one so it costs less time and money to prepare for an occasional blizzard. Or find a neighborhood teen to do your yard work and pay them! Join a neighborhood committee or browse for apps that help busy neighbors support each other.
  • 11. Consult an expert. You may want to hire a professional who can clean your house or fix your dish washer faster than you can. If you prefer doing things yourself, you can still seek advice on time-saving tips and techniques.
  • 12. Follow up. Maybe you already have family and friends who’ve offered to assist you when you need a little help. Accept their generosity instead of clinging to your pride or feeling like you have to do it all on your own. Be prepared to return the favor.
  • 13. Be specific. Wherever you turn for help, it pays to be precise. Let others know what you need done.

Slow down and get more done. When you’re feeling stressed out and overwhelmed, change your strategy instead of speeding up. Take a few deep breaths and think of the things you are grateful for. Your to-do list will look less overwhelming, and you’ll be more productive.

Here is what my weekly to do list looks like this week:

And here’s a printable to do list for you:

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Steph Social

Steph is a spiritual writer from Canada. She is a former journalist and magazine writer, who later went on to study the spiritual side of life. She shares her knowledge of manifesting and the law of attraction to help others change their lives through affirmations, self care, journaling, meditation and intentional living! Also- an INFJ, Reflector and empath so you'll find a lot of personality type stuff here too:)

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