18 of 31

Write now Article Tools

Wake up, grab some coffee, drive to work in morning rush hour traffic, work all day, come home change clothes, go to the gym and get a decent work out in, go back home start dinner, watch a little TV, and still there is laundry, dishes, grocery shopping, unpacking, setting up and more to be done. What's a person with a respectable social life supposed to do to get all this stuff done and still get a good nights sleep?

This is quickly becoming the main problem for Americans, burning the candle at both ends, we are spending so much time doing what needs to be done that there is never any time left for the things we would like to do. And here is the solution: Find Your Balance.

Every aspect of life has a balance. Most people have problems balancing chores and recreational activities, along with children, school, work and other things. Does this sound like your problem? Then take out a piece of paper and lets get started fixing it! Write down the things you are committed to everyday, such as work and meals. Don't get too detailed here, there are many things people think need to be done daily that can wait or be broken down into a few days time, such as cleaning, and laundry. So go easy on yourself and just include the basics. Now write down things that absolutely must get done, such as chores around the house and important errands. Then write down the things that should get done, but life will go on if they don't. Finally write down things that would be nice to do.

Now write the days of the week on a fresh sheet of paper. What you want to do now is go ahead and fill in all the things that you are committed to daily. Then pick one thing from each of the other categories and place it under each day. For example: Monday- Work, dishes, sweep, and watch a movie. This tactic ensures you are getting all the important things in, but still allowing yourself to do something fun each day that you really want to do. Realistically, no one wants to go to work everyday, but a lot of us sure would like to have the time to watch a good movie! So use this schedule to make that time happen!

Once you complete the weekly schedule there may still be some things left on your to do list, but no time. Well don't deprive yourself of that wonderful 8 hours of sleep, just make a second week and rotate. For example, this week Monday is movie night, but next week it's game night, and then rotate those two things. Occasionally you will have to juggle this schedule around for special events and other things that come up, so don't fret if you didn't get to watch your movie this week, just shift the schedule so that you can either fit it in another day or wait for next week.

The most important part of maintaining a schedule is knowing how to prioritize your fun time with your social life. Sometimes that birthday party is just more important than Pictionary, and the game will still be there when you get back, maybe you'll have time for a round or two before bedtime! So, take a deep breath and get to organizing your time, after a few weeks it will come easier and you shouldn't feel as pressed for time as you did before.

Learn more about this author, Amelia Borden.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for balancing a busy life?
We want to hear your view. Write now!