Beat Time Stress. Today. (Healthy Living DIY)

One thing I think we can all agree on is we've got a lot going on. And for most of us, dealing with time can be extremely stressful.

Can be.

Doesn't have to.

Let's consider your plan for a single day. We'll call it "today."

How will you arrive at the end of "today" with a feeling of satisfaction that you moved your life toward the fulfillment of your goals in the best way possible ... and enjoyed yourself doing it? That you enhanced rather than depleted your precious life-force energy? And that you made the world around you just a little bit brighter?

Enhance your relationship with time using these 3 tips:

First: Realize that there is very little that you really have to do in any given day. Sure, there are lots of things you want to do. Things you think you should do. Things other people think you should do. But very few of them are absolutes.

You don't have to go to work, drag the kids to their activities, call your mother, clean off your desk, or pay the bills. Absolutely not! Truth to tell, most days you don't even have to get out of bed.

You'll probably want to, though. Because to the extent that you don't do most of those things, a bunch of undesirable consequences will begin to pile up. The truth is if you like having a home to travel back to at the end of the day, going to work could be a very good move! But really, that choice is up to you.

Tip #1: When you pick what to with your time, pick things you want to do.

Next: As a matter of daily practice, one of the most useful things you can learn to do is to get really good at managing your priorities. Schedule your highest priority activities first, then fill in with lower priority items as time permits.

Tip #2: Begin your day with the following question: "What is the most important thing I can do today?" Wait quietly for an answer. You may be surprised!

Then: Banish the dreaded "to-do" list!

Well, don't throw it out altogether. But really, doesn't that list of 400 items you'd like to get done next Saturday morning seem just a bit overwhelming? Make the list if it helps you to house-clean your brain. Put it in a notebook or drawer where it will be nice and safe.

Then make a daily schedule sheet. Pick your highest prioritiy activities. Estimate about how long you expect each one to take and compare that with the time you've got available. You only get to plan as many things as you have time for. Fill in the slots & get started!

Tip #3: When planning your day, select high-priority activities that fit your schedule. Delegate, delay, or cancel everything else.

Bonus hint: Breaks and playtime are high priority activities. :-)

Elizabeth Eckert can help you explore how simple everyday choices create health — or undermine even the best of intentions. With a background that ranges from energy medicine to structural bodywork to developmental psychology, this "Stick-To-It Coach" has the experience to support you in creating the healthiest possible expression of — you!

Take our free Less Stress; More Time mini-course!