Organize + Energize: 4 Steps To Combat Mental Overload

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Kristin MacRae, GoLocalWorcester Organizing Expert

Feeling like you forget things ever day? Feeling mentally overloaded? You're not alone, and with a few simple steps, you can regain control of it all. Photo: bandita/flickr

Do you have so much to do that you do not know where to begin? Is your mind always running in five different directions? You will not be efficient and productive if you are mentally distracted. A to-do list may seem time consuming, but in the long run you will save time, be less stressed, and have more energy.

People will have more confidence in you because you showed up on time to appointments and didn’t forget an appointment because you failed to write it down. You will experience less stress knowing everything you have to do is on your list. Mental clutter is a distraction, can be stressful and overwhelming. Reduce the mental clutter and utilize a to-do list.

Not using one? Follow these steps to get started:

1. On Friday or Saturday, take about 15 minutes and make a to-do list for the week ahead.

You can use recycled paper, decorative paper, electronics, or whatever works for you! There are many tools out there that you can use to write your lists. You are the only one who has to utilize this list, so make it work for you. If what you are using doesn’t work, try something else until you find the right fit for you.

2. Take out your calendar and start with the important appointments for the week and write them on the days on the to-do list.

Work in any errands that you need to run, i.e., bank, mail bills, phone calls, food shopping, etc. Write down any housework and laundry that needs to get done. Don’t forget to schedule your physical activity. Get it all out of your head and onto your lists.

3. All the above is prioritized into each day.

Try to schedule your errands on days where you know you will be in the area of the errand instead of running all over town every day and wasting time and gas. This is why it is good to write everything down so you have an idea of where you are going to be each day.

4. Try to stay on track with your to-do list.

If you can't get to an item that day, no worries just carry it over to the next day. The important thing is it's still on your list and it has not been forgotten.

Not good with time management at home or work? Working with a to-do list will help with time management and staying on track with tasks for the day. Utilize a to-do list at work and keep it on your desk to stay on track all day. You will know exactly what you need to tackle and what is planned for you when you arrive to work in the morning.

Be sure to cross items off your to-do list as you finish them. You will feel a sense of accomplishment and this will keep you motivated.

Organize! Energize!

Kristin Carcieri-MacRae, the founder and owner of Organizing in RI, has always enjoyed finding creative ways to streamline the environment around her. Kristin spent several years working in retail management, medical offices, and was even a successful certified personal trainer for 4 years. She discovered that in each of these fields she had a natural ability to streamline spaces and processes. Through her organizing ability and her passion for motivating others to achieve their goals, Kristin created Organizing in RI. Kristin has appeared on air on http://www.talkstreamradio.com and Patricia Raskin's Positive Business Radio. Her articles have been published in the Rhode Island Small Business Journal and New England Home Life. She is also available for organizing workshops.