Plan Your Way to Successful Stress Management

Do you get “stressed out” sometimes?  Do you feel paralyzed by too many tasks and commitments at times and then feel your stress levels soaring?  There are many ways to improve your stress management. Naturally, some of the most appealing choices involve lying on white sandy beaches and soaking in a warm bath. However, brushing up on your planning skills may be the more effective route.

A recent international survey by Harvard psychologist Robert Epstein confirmed that planning was the single most powerful method for reducing stress because it prevents tensions from building up in the first place. If you want to be more proactive about creating greater peace and calm, start running down this checklist for some valuable tips.

Plan Your Way to Successful Stress Management - jlcsolutions.co

How Planning Reduces Stress:

Take control

Stress often comes from feeling like events are beyond your control. Planning reminds you that it’s your decision how to respond to what happens.

Be prepared

Knowing what your day or month looks like in advance can prevent unpleasant surprises. You’re less likely to discover that you’re attending a wedding the same weekend that you have overnight guests.

Protect your health

Stress contributes to many serious health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions. Decompressing could even help you live longer.

Overcome procrastination

You’re more likely to complete projects when you break them down into smaller steps with their own intermediate deadlines. Being clear about what you need to do increases your motivation and your chances for success.

Feel more fulfilled

Planning helps you to distinguish between what’s urgent and what’s important. The quality of your life soars as you devote more time to meaningful activities.

Tips for Stress Reduction through Planning:

Track your time

The first step is to figure out where your time is currently going. Keep a diary or use a planner. You may be surprised by how long some simple tasks really take.

Structure your activities

Once you understand your typical day, you can make adjustments. Maybe you can switch more demanding projects to the hours when you’re at your peak. Maybe you can squeeze in the workout program you’ve been promising yourself.

Organize your stuff

Clutter bombards your senses and causes anxiety. Pare down your possessions. Buy attractive storage solutions for your home and office.

Write things down

Do you have trouble concentrating because you’re trying to remember when your daughter’s soccer practice starts, and whether you have enough eggs for breakfast? Put those items into your planner so you can focus on other things.

Set priorities

There’s more to planning than completing tasks. Think about your values and goals. Ensure any system you use gives you the ultimate results you’re seeking, whether that’s spending more time with your family or adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Manage your commitments

You may find that you need to strike some items off your to-do list if you tend to take on too many obligations. Respecting your limits will actually make you more accomplished and dependable.

Establish routines

When you make an activity automatic, you operate more efficiently and cut out the stress involved in making extra decisions. Group similar errands and tasks together so you can do them with less thought. Resolve to go running before breakfast each morning instead of going through a daily struggle to resist the snooze button.

Schedule downtime

Planning has its fun side too. Give yourself frequent breaks to refresh your body and mind. Ensure your lists and calendars include opportunities for play and laughter.
Plan Your Way to Successful Stress Management - jlcsolutions.co

Stress management and time management are closely related, and planning is the key to using your time well. To become more relaxed and productive, think positive and plan ahead.

Want more information on time and stress management? Check out these blog posts:

Time Blocking Helps You Focus and Increase Your Productivity

6 Tricks to Increase Your Focus

How to Improve Your Sleep Quality

Mindset Tricks of Successful Entrepreneurs

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