How to Reduce Stress by Planning Ahead. Be More Productive & Stay Focused!
This week we are talking planning, productivity and time management. With the new season of Fall, some getting back to the office and kids back in school it is a great time to do a refresher on time management. Are you a planner or more a go with the flow type of person? For me, I am definitely a planner by nature. I enjoy planning ahead for the year, month, week, day, my tasks, trips, finances and fun. I also enjoy being spontaneous though. Especially on my weekends and vacation time off work.
When it comes to the types of planning system I use, I utilize a mixture of products. They include the Google Calendar, Happy Planner, along with my own printables I have created on Canva. They include printables for faith, work, health, home, and finances.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
I believe God does call us to be wise with our time, steward our time and plan ahead. Especially for emergencies and finances.
For those who are avid planners, it can be difficult as we want things to happen according to when we want them to. Sometimes God says move ahead and sometimes He says wait. The waiting is difficult but it is an opportunity to grow in faith and trust God with our plans. I have learned by experience that His timing in all things are perfect.
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
If you are a planner or new to planning, I suggest trying out a few different styles of planners and products till you figure out what works for you. Everyone is different, some people enjoy using digital planners and some prefer paper planners.
SHOP MY ETSY STORE: PRINTABLES
These are a few of my top favorite planners:
Digital Planning
Google Calendars
Google Tasks
Outlook Calendar
Create your own calendar Printables on Canva
Here are a few things I do and suggest when it comes to planning:
Monthly Planning (Calendar, events, finances, and monthly budget)
Weekly and daily planning
Meal plan
Appointments/meetings
Bills due
Kid’s schedule
Work schedule
Special events: birthdays, holidays, parties, and events etc.
Financial planning:
Do you set aside time to plan financially, planning for emergencies and also a monthly budget? *** Stay Tuned for Late Fall and also January as I will be doing a ton of blogs, videos and education on this area. **NEW FINANCIAL PLANNER AND BINDER COMING SOON!
As you plan, I encourage to take time to analyze and know your priorities and goals. Engage in activities that support them.
PRIORITIZE YOUR TIME & PLAN AHEAD
Prioritize and plan out your day, schedule and to do list. I also suggest reviewing your calendar before bedtime so you know what is happening the next day.
ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS TO STAY PRODUCTIVE
It can be easy to get distracted that is why I love time blocking, setting time limits and alarms. I also find it helpful to put the phone away, stay off social media and figure out what can be distracting.
DELEGATE OFTEN
Look for the opportunities to delate specific tasks to others in your family, at work and teams.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF & SELF CARE
Be sure to get enough sleep, eat right, manage stress, and exercise. If we are overly tired that is when we can forget tasks, appointments or fall behind on projects. Take the time that is needed to rest and Sabbath. ( More on this next week)
AVOID BURNOUT & OVER SCHEDULING
Sometimes we can over schedule and hit burn out. If anything like me I can over commit and over book myself. I have learned that less is best. It is ok to say no.
As a speaker, coach and content creator, I love encouraging others toward wellness.
This is a wellness and budget binder that focuses on areas of our life to stay organized and less stressed.
It includes practical steps toward self-care, goal planning, financial planning, meal planning, and productivity.
Self-care
Goals
Financial Budget Sheets
Menu planner
Goals worksheets
Daily & weekly planner sheets
Debt tracker
Savings tracker
Needs vs wants sheets
Plus so much more.
This is a 21 page digital download.
Lisa Hice
Pause, Pray & Simplicity
