I have, and I’m sure you have, been at the crossroads of “I am just too busy!” and “How in the world am I going to get everything done.”
Over the years I have implemented some organization and productivity tactics into my life that help me remain healthy, sane and confident that I know what is going on and when it is going on.
Use a Desk Calendar
My mom actually used one when I was a kid. I remember writing my 
schedule and seeing everyone else’s on the calendar. My mom purchased a cheap desk calendar and hung it on the wall after our normal calendar got so full that it could not really be understood.
My mom was smarter than I knew at the time. The desk calendar has large enough squares that everyone can write their activities and schedules down. I have even taken it one step further as to color-code the calendar. I actually use 3 colors for myself because I have business, personal, and workout schedules. I use one color for my boyfriend, one for our son, one for bills, and one for pets (when they have vet visits or play dates). Having everyone’s schedule in the same place makes it easy to see what is going on in your family’s life.
You can purchase a desk calendar just about anywhere. I actually purchase mine at the dollar store because there is not a need for anything fancy, nor a reason to spend much money on one. (My desk calendar that goes in my office does get a little more spent on it because I want more included on my calendar.) You could even use a dry-erase board and permanent markers to make your own.
Everything Needs a Home
In my home everything has its place so that it can easily be found by those who need it. I have a folder for each member of the family so that our important papers that need attention or to be saved can go into them. My son also has a crate where he can put all of his school supplies (extra paper, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, erasers, sharpeners, etc.) that he needs to have at home. (I use the crate because the backpack fits too.)
Other things in our home have their places as well. Our keys go into a basket, mail goes into a basket, my exercise equipment has a crate (my gym in a box which I will share in another post), and our pets each have places for their toys, treats, and bones.
Having a place for everything that you use on a daily basis is important to help keep you organized. It allows you to be ready to do what you need to do without having to remember where you put the keys. You can simply walk over to the item you need and get it. It is also good that these important things each have their place so that if someone else needs to get them they know where they are too. After all, your husband is not going to know where you left your keys last.
Schedule Extra Time
We all assume that tasks are going to take a certain amount of time, yet they never do. Always give yourself an extra 5-15 minutes depending on the task.
If you need to get your child to that soccer game allow extra time to get ready and get there. I know from experience that my son seems to have lost something that he really needs or I hit every red light on the way.
The same goes for cleaning as well. We would all love the dishes to take 5 minutes, but sometimes there is something stuck that you need to scrub or something slips and breaks leaving you a mess to clean up. Even simple tasks like dishes need extra time occasionally.
By scheduling extra time you leave yourself less stress because you do not have worry if you are going to make it, if anything you will be early (which is a good thing) and have a little time to relax or squeeze in a brief workout.
Using these three tips for becoming more organized, sane, and healthy you will be able to have a less stressful life.
I would love to hear what ideas you use to help you and your family stay organized. Share your ideas below.
About t
he Author Jessica Marie is a Weight Loss Strategies helping busy moms naturally lose weight and gain balance in their lives around their busy schedules without taking away quality family time. She has helped busy moms lose 50, 100, or even 200 pounds. She is a full-time mom, spouse, and business owner who knows what it is like to have an overly busy schedule. She knows that the last thing any mom wants is precious family time taken away by one more stress being added to her life. Jessica is sharing her strategies, advice, and tips with moms all over the world.Website: jessicamarieenergy.com
Email: jessicamarieenergy@gmail.com
Everyday Extraordinary Mompreneur 