10 Tips to Reduce Stress With Good Planning....

Good planning resonates with me greatly especially with all the changes currently happening in everyone's lives such as the changes to our schedules, working from home, homeschooling etc. I know I have been dealing with a lot of these situations like most of you especially over the last two days, hence, my absence recently.

Here's how I am trying to cope by using the following  planning tips-

1 Prioritize -- Deciding what is the most important aspect of the day-- my child comes first then everything else- work, homeschooling etc. When I say she comes first it's her well-being especially her emotional and mentally well-being-- this is at the top of the list at all times along with myself and my spouse.

2 Plan Ahead -- Try to have a routine but also be flexible because you never know when a "curve ball" will come flying in during the day. Ways to plan ahead-- weekly food menu for all meals or just a weekly dinner menu or have a daily schedule for waking, activities etc. We may not be able to control current events and closures but we still can control how our day to day can go.

3 Learn to say "no"-- Saying "no" to unnecessary or unwanted responsibilities whether it's now or in the future. It's okay to say "no" it lets you be in control of your own life. Furthermore, saying "no" sometimes is the best way to protect yourself from stress-- plus one can say "yes" to everything.  Nothing wrong with listening to your inner voice more.

4 Set Deadlines-- Especially if you tend to procrastinate or leave things to the last minute. Make sure these deadlines are reasonable and flexible. Be kind and compassionate with yourself whether you  achieve it or if you have to re-set it.

5 Delegate -- If you are with others make sure you are delegating daily functions such as making meals, cleaning the house. Please don't be afraid to even delegate tasks to your children-- just make sure it's age appropriate. Remember getting children involved with day to day activities can help boost their self-esteem and allow them to feel in control too. Plus these activities can be necessary life skills that could also help with- reading, writing, math and/or science.

6 Use Social Media -- Call or use apps that allow face time with loved ones and friends. Use emails for non-urgent issues. This is beneficial now and for in the future.

7 Divert your calls -- Sometimes disconnect is important especially now if home with loved ones. Allow time to foster your connections and bond with those you are with.

8  Don't be rushed-- Don't be rushed into make hasty decisions especially right now. Take time to think things through completely. There is no rush to do anything currently-- this goes for the future too!

9 Accept changes-- Be flexible. Be ready for and able to change with the flow because anything and everything can occur at any given moment. Life may not resemble what you are use to right now and when it does-- nothing stays the same.

10 Don't overwork-- Always take breaks. Remember if working from home and/or homeschooling --keep to a time table for starting, stopping, breaks and meals etc. This can even be good with cleaning, home projects and other things that may be occurring in life.

Juggling different tasks can be stressful, but you must accept that you can't work on all of them at once. Try to take time to relax and rest.. self-care is important no matter what is going on in one's life-- whether now or in the future.

Stay safe...

With Gratitude,

Linnette Johnson, MS, MA
5 Elements Coaching LLC
Nutrition Intern
Health & Wellness Coach

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