Hey darling! It’s been a hot minute! But I promise it was for a good reason!

For as long as I can remember, I have always despised saying this sentence-

“I’m so busy!”

Mostly because people say it like it was a badge of honor to have no time for yourself and be completely swamped with other life priorities.

But this was my reality these past few months! I had to use that sentence a lot of times in an effort to balance all the priorities I had- Being a mum, wife, learning and settling into two new work roles, studying and preparing for an exam, preparing for and delivering presentations. I’m sure you are thinking- ‘Who send you?’ LOL.

Regardless of how overwhelming the above priorities seem, I still felt peace and calmness through it all and here’s what I did and continue to do to balance my priorities.

1.Outline Priorities

This year, I have been graced with newer priorities. As a result, I had to be realistic in identifying tasks I knew I could handle and tasks that I couldn’t handle.

These tasks comprised of items that were either urgent, important or both! I listed these priorities and I set out time to intentionally plan out the time I would spend on them.

2.Create a Timetable

To ensure I didn’t lose sight of my priorities, I created a task themed time table to guide me. For example, Mondays are study days, Wednesdays are family days etc.

3.Leverage Technology

I don’t think I would have survived in the 1980s! This generation has been blessed with technology, so make use of it!

After creating my time table, I add these task items to my physical planner, my phone calendar and my work calendar! Yes, I know it seems excessive! But here’s why:

At the start of my day, I look at my daily planner to review the tasks for the day, my phone calendar reminds me when the tasks are due to be completed, and my work calendar prepares me psychologically for any after work tasks I may have so that my mind is prepared to do more work later on in the day!

4.Start your Day with God

Before embarking on any daily task, I talk to my Daddy in heaven to guide my day and give me wisdom in all situations. I have found that spending time with him even for 5 mins saves me 30 mins of trying to figure out hurdles at work because the Holy Spirit guides me throughout my day.

Try it and tell me how much time savings you make in a month!

5.Self-Care

This typically goes in the back burner until we are overwhelmed! Which actually happened to me! I had to take a step back and book myself a spa day!

Hunnie, you can’t pour from an empty cup! Make sure you’re refilled before you go out there to try to add value! Whatever self-care means to you, incorporate it into your busy schedule so you don’t get burnt out.

I hope you find these tips helpful. What other tips do you have to achieve work-life balance? Share your thoughts below!

Thanks for reading!

God Bless you Tremendously

Akhere

Photos: Pexels.com