Day 9...Time is of the essence

Okay, so yesterday I got caught up in everything going on that I totally spaced writing a blog. However, it inspired a new topic to explore: time management for parents. So many times I have seen new parents show up late to an event looking absolutely exhausted while juggling their baby and all the baby accessories, while frantically excusing themselves for being so late. "Jr. hardly slept last night so he's been really fussy all day. We were having a little trouble getting him ready to go." So what can new parents do to manage their time and remember all that they need to do in the day?

Sorting out priorities--
Often times frustration will stem from spending too much time on the unimportant things and not enough time being spent on the thing truly important to you. One good way to avoid the stress of feeling unaccomplished, take a moment to really focus on what it is you want. Only you can determine what is important in your life, so plan your day accordingly. Take control of your time and your life and what is important to you.

Just say "No!"--
Saying "no" can be one of the hardest things to do. With such demand on your time, especially when everyone wants to see the new baby, setting up those boundaries can be one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself. Use your priorities and goals to balance the requests for your time and effort. Practice your assertiveness skills and say "no" to the commitments that don't match your priorities. You'll be surprised at how freeing that can be!

Relax--
Don't forget to take time to breath. Each day, set aside at least a little time (perhaps during one of the baby's naps) to relax a little. Tune out everyone else's schedules and clear your mind from thoughts of work, and instead focus on the pleasure of rest and recreation. Notice the rhythm of your days, when you are energetic and when you are low in energy. As best you can, plan your day around your own natural rhythms. Stop and rest your mind and body regularly, even when you think you can keep going.

Keep notes--
A simple but classic way to remember things is to write them down. Make a list of all the things you need and want to do within the day. Then number them from 1 to however long your list is, with 1 being your highest priority, and say 15 (or whatever your high number is) as your lowest priority. Then, not only do you have your list of things to do in writing to help you remember, but you can also keep track of what are truly your more important tasks. Anything else you don't finish from that day can either be dropped or rolled into the next until it has higher priority.

The bottom line is, there is no way to slow time down. But you can set limits to what you take on in the day, allow yourself some time to rest and restore your energy, and hold true to your own priorities--no one else can set those for you.

Pickle priorities and the secrets to bending time.