Showing posts with label to do list. Show all posts
Showing posts with label to do list. Show all posts

Shorten Your To Do List - the Right Way!

Friday, November 05, 2021





I can't even bring myself to show you the rest of this list...it's ridiculous! 

As part of self-care and trying to take better care of my heart (still no answers for those following my journey), I'm examining areas of my life where I can step back or slow down. I'm still making lists, but I'm learning how to shorten them. 

A fellow busy mum dropped me a text this week saying:

"EVERY DAY IT SEEMS I DROWN IN TO DO LISTS. 
I'M BETTING YOU FEEL THAT ALSO?"

I hadn't actually thought of it that way. I stepped back and gave it some thought (while sipping water, since I have cut my coffee intake back considerably...grumble grumble). Historically I felt like my lists had been the key to my success. The key to my ability to hold down 5 jobs while raising 6 kids (an aging mother as well), and running a farm. As good as it felt to cross things off those lists every day, was I also feeling like I was drowning? The more thought I gave it, the more I realized the carry over from those lists was indeed making me feel something other than joy and accomplishment. Drowning was a good word because I was starting the following day with an even longer list including what hadn't been finished the day before. Could my lists be causing me negative feelings? Yikes! 

I'm here to tell you I'm still my worst enemy even though I try to practice positive self talk. 

Here's a plan I came up with to shorten my ToDoList(s) and once you read the bullet points, I'll explain why this is the right way (because I've also done this the wrong way in the past and hopefully you'll learn from my mistakes):
 


**  Remove anything that doesn't matter to you or anyone else 


**  Before carrying over anything from an unfinished list, ask yourself "is this something that really NEEDS to be done?" 


**  Delegate whenever possible 

The delegate thing could probably be number one - and I'm not just talking about spouses or children helping you. If you have cookies to bake for a bake sale, it might be mutually beneficial to ask a friend to do your baking. It might be something they enjoy and it's an opportunity for them to help you and make a bit of extra money, and you get to take something off your list! As far as carry over, I previously felt like I needed to carry everything over, but if I'm not having company over - I can actually cross that *dust the fan item right off the list and do it right before Thanksgiving...there's not a single person who is going to notice (I guarantee this)! 

Here's the one I wanted to address and I left it first on the list for a reason - Remove anything that doesn't matter to you or anyone else. A few years ago, I removed anything that didn't matter to me and I thought I was so dang smart. Guess what? That was a dumb move...a selfish move at the very least... some of the items I left off my list were important to my husband even though I didn't think they mattered. I'll spare you the details, but check with those closest to you before crossing too much off your list. You may not care about something, but to someone else it may be a very big deal! 


And with that - hugs my dear friend and until next time! You know we love hearing from you - if you don't feel comfortable commenting on this post, feel free to drop us a note - we love that too! (crystal@wow-womenonwriting.com ) and as always, I'm no expert, so I'm going to ask that you provide me with some answers and ideas:

** What is something you have found helpful in shortening your to do list?
** Do you use a to do list? Why or why not?
** How do you help yourself feel good - what is your favorite form of self care?

Hugs,

~Crystal


Today's blogger is Crystal J. Casavant-Otto who is a hot mess of a momma and dairy farmer enjoying her little corner of the cornfield in frigid Wisconsin this fall! (and she's trying to remember tomorrow's time change so she isn't an hour early for church!)


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The Checklist Book by Alexandra Franzen Blog Tour (And Giveaway)

Monday, May 11, 2020

Simplicity at its best: The checklist is one of the world’s oldest―and most effective―productivity systems. If anything, author and entrepreneur Alexandra Franzen shares, it is just as valuable now as it was during the days of the Roman Empire. Writing out a simple checklist allows us to tangibly plan our day and set in stone what we want to accomplish.

Cut out unnecessary noise: There are countless apps and organizational systems out there to help us straighten out our lives, but often they only add to the madness. Trying to keep up leaves us feeling drained and overwhelmed. Learn how to choose your highest priorities, set realistic goals, celebrate tiny wins, and feel calmer every day with the magic of checklists.

Be realistic about the time in a day: By physically writing down our tasks on a single piece of paper, we force ourselves to limit how much we can do in a day. Too often, we cram our day with tasks and chores and leave almost no space for self-care or time with loved ones. We end up disappointed in our inability to complete our never-ending to-do list. Checklists help you plan your day in a more gentle, realistic way. You accomplish what needs to be done―and enjoy things you want to be doing, too.

In the life-changing Checklist Book, learn:
  • The history of the checklist and why it remains to be relevant and effective today
  • The science behind the success of checklists, such as the instant satisfaction we feel when we put a check next to a finished task
  • How to create a basic daily checklist―and checklists for specific situations, like moving to a new city or navigating a divorce

Print Length: 160 Pages
Genre: Self-Help
Publisher: Mango
ASIN: B07V6GWGW5
ISBN-10: 1642501182
ISBN-13: 978-1642501186

The Checklist Book is available to purchase online at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Target, and IndieBound.

Book Giveaway Contest

To win a copy of the book The Checklist Book by Alexandra Franzen, please enter using Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post. Giveaway ends on May 17th at 11:59 PM EST. We will announce the winner the next day on the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!

About the Author, Alexandra Franzen


Alexandra Franzen is the author of several books, including So This Is the End: A Love Story (2018), You're Going to Survive (2017), and 50 Ways to Say "You're Awesome" (2013).

She has written articles for dozens of sites, including Time, Forbes, Newsweek, HuffPost, The Muse, and Lifehacker. She's been mentioned/quoted in The New York Times Small Business Blog, The Atlantic, USA Today, BuzzFeed, Brit+Co, and Inc.

Alexandra is best-known for writing about creativity, productivity, the power of setting tiny goals, how to develop more confidence in your writing skills, and how to stay motivated, keep working towards your personal and professional dreams, and never give up.

She also works as a copywriter, ghostwriter, writing teacher, and consultant. She helps her clients to develop podcasts, videos, websites, speeches, books, and other creative projects.

Find Alexandra's latest projects, classes, and hundreds of free articles and resources at: AlexandraFranzen.com

--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: First of all, I just want to congratulate you on your book! Tell me about why you decided to write a book about the checklist. As a list maker, this book has totally spoken to me. And I was reading your blog lately and I loved your suggestion for making a list during challenging times. For those who aren't familiar with the benefits of making lists, what is the benefits of making a checklist?

Alexandra: Thank you for the kind words!

Creating a book is definitely a labor of love, and it takes a village to make it happen! So many people worked hard to produce The Checklist Book and bring it into the world, and I’m so proud of how it turned out.

I’m a proud “checklist freak” and I’ve had a lifelong obsession with checklists.

I use checklists for all kinds of things: to plan my day, to divide big projects into small steps, to stay on track with my fitness and self-care routine, and more. I also make checklists to navigate stressful situations, like a painful break-up, house sale, or moving to a new state.

Basically, checklists are my “rock” in a very chaotic and complicated world. They keep me sane, and remind me to celebrate my tiny victories each day.

For me, it feels so powerful to take all the disorganized thoughts inside my brain and pour them out…onto a single sheet of paper…in the form of a list. When I make a checklist, it’s so calming. I feel immediate relief, and my intentions feel much more doable.

And the cool thing is, there’s science behind this! Studies confirm that checklists are powerful medicine for your brain. Making a checklist can help reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and boost dopamine (that’s the joyful feeling you get when ticking a completed box!), and basically, make you healthier, happier, more productive, and more fulfilled. The benefits are innumerable.

For those who are curious to learn the neuroscience behind why checklists work so effectively, this is something I cover inside my book, The Checklist Book, in the chapter called “The Science of Checklists.”


"If I write a book, essay, or article—and it helps even just one human being have a slightly better day—to me, that’s worth celebrating. Because helping one person is a big deal."


WOW: I find that so fascinating there is a science behind why checklists work. So, I hope you don't mind but I was doing a little digging around online and found a writing prompt that you suggest to your clients. I'm not sure if you still do this, but I read that you ask your clients to complete this sentence, "I want to live in a world where..." Why do you ask your clients to complete this thought?

Alexandra: I’ve written six books to date, and for me, being a writer is all about making a contribution, and hopefully, leaving the world in slightly better condition than I found it.

I write because I want to make a difference in people’s lives. If I write a book, essay, or article—and it helps even just one human being have a slightly better day—to me, that’s worth celebrating. Because helping one person is a big deal.

I sometimes get hired to coach and consult with people who want to write books of their own, or who want to launch businesses or podcasts, and do other creative things.

So, I love asking my clients questions like, “What kind of world do you want to live in? What kind of contribution do you want to make? What’s a meaningful project you want to complete before you die?” These kinds of questions are simple, but deep, and can really help you clarify how you wish to serve humanity.

I feel compelled to mention one of my all-time favorite books, Die Empty by Todd Henry, a must-read for anyone who wants to stop wasting time and start doing meaningful work.

So many people reach the end of their lives full of regrets, with projects they never started, adventures they never took, creative visions they never found the courage to do, with so many genius ideas still “inside” of them. Henry urges, “Don’t die with your best work still inside of you. Die empty.” Powerful words that echo inside my head, almost daily.

WOW: I love that sentiment and it's so inspiring. And you are such a prolific writer! How do you write for so many different audiences?

Alexandra: That’s so kind of you to say, thank you!

You know, I think when you do something 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 10 years in a row, you inevitably become pretty efficient and prolific.

I’ve been a professional writer for over a decade now, so writing isn’t really something I “struggle” to do. It’s my job. I just wake up, drink coffee, and do it. It’s not optional. It’s how I get paid. No writing, no income, no groceries! And my dog, Zuki, needs high-quality dog food and special treats, so I gotta keep writing.

Some projects are tougher than others, for sure—I’m still working on my third novel, and I’m definitely procrastinating a bit and being a slow-poke with it, haha!—but overall, like anything else (yoga, running, baking, etc.) the more you do it, the more proficient you become.


“Don’t die with your best work still inside of you. Die empty.”


WOW: I totally agree! I am so shocked to read you have no social media accounts! What led you to delete them (or what has kept you from creating any)?

Alexandra: One day, I sat down with a calculator, because I was curious to find out:

- How much time am I spending on social media per day, on average?

- How much time per week? Month? Year?

- If I continue using social media in my current manner (tweeting 3 times a day, etc.), how much time will I spend on social media by the end of my life? What’s the grand total?

I crunched the numbers and discovered the grand total would be: around 3.4 years. I immediately felt sick to my stomach, because that number—3.4 years—just feels like way too much time.

I started thinking about all the other things I could do with that time—learn a foreign language, write a lot more books, spend quality time with my loved ones—and something shifted inside of me. I realized, “I need to cut way back on my social media usage.”

I decided to take a temporary break from social media to see how things felt. That led to a longer break, and then a permanent break. I deleted all my accounts a few years ago, and I’ve never looked back. For me, personally, it feels like the right choice.

To be clear, I don’t think social media is “bad” or “evil.” It’s a powerful tool that can be used to do beautiful things like share your art, spread inspiring ideas, connect with amazing people, promote your work and earn a living. If you love social media, and it adds good things to your life…great! Use it. But I would advise, use it intentionally, and be mindful about how much time you’re putting into it. Maybe 10 minutes a day is sufficient. Maybe it doesn’t need to be 30 or 60.

Or maybe social media just doesn’t need to be part of your life, and that’s okay too. Just because “most people” use it doesn’t mean you need to use it, too.


WOW: That must have felt so invigorating and I hope more of us become more mindful of social media! Who do you hope reads this book? What do you hope they take away from it?

Alexandra: The Checklist Book is for anyone who feels stressed, overwhelmed, mentally fatigued, or who always feels like, “I have too much to do, and not enough time.”

I hope this book brings some calm and simplicity into your life. That “ahhhhh” feeling, like a deep exhale. Shoulders dropping down. Tension released.

I hope The Checklist Book helps you see your life from a fresh perspective. Maybe you don’t have to be so frenetically busy all the time. Maybe you can do less, and live more.

I hope The Checklist Book helps you become gentler with yourself, more compassionate, and more realistic about how much you can accomplish in a single day.

And of course, I hope it inspires you to make lots of beautiful checklists! A summer checklist. A self-care checklist. A survival checklist for difficult times. Maybe a daily checklist, like I do.

Whether you’re already a list-lover, or not, I hope you find a few gems inside the book.

WOW: I do too! What is next for you? What are you currently working on?

Alexandra: I’m working on a “top secret project” that involves detoxing from social media, changing your relationship with technology, and creating positive new habits.

Less time on your phone. Less time dealing with email. Less time clicking, scrolling, sitting in front of a screen. More time unplugged, offline, doing things that feel really meaningful, things that nourish and energize you.

If anyone is curious about this project and wants to be involved (I’ll be looking for some volunteers to test-run a new program soon!) they can join my email list: alexandrafranzen.com/newsletter

WOW: If you could share any advice with the world right now, what you would say?

Alexandra: Today is not over yet.

There’s still time.

Even if it’s 11:30 p.m. at night, today is still not over yet.

You still have time to meditate, stretch, drink a glass of water, call your mom and say “I love you,” write down a new goal, or do something else to end your day on a positive note. Still time to turn your life around, and get things moving in a new direction.

If you’re still alive, and still breathing, then today is not over yet.



WOW: You are so inspiring! I hope everyone picks up your book. Best of luck with everything coming up for you and on the tour!

---Blog Tour Dates

May 11th @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Make sure you visit the WOW blog today and read an interview with author Alexandra Franzen and enter to win a copy of the book The Checklist Book.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

May 12th @ Karen Brown Tyson
Stop by Karen's blog today and read Alexandra Franzen's inspiring guest post entitled, "You Are Going to Survive."
https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog/

May 13th @ World of My Imagination
Join Nicole as she reviews Alexandra Franzen's book The Checklist Book.
http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com

May 15th @ The Burgeoning Bookshelf 
Visit Veronica's blog today and you can read her review of Alexandra Franzen's book The Checklist Book.
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/

May 16th @ Lapidus International
Stop by the words for wellness organization today and read Alexandra Franzen's guest post about the importance of nature time.
https://lapidus.org.uk/news

May 18th @ One Sister's Journey: Keeping It Real
Visit Lisa's blog today and read her review of Alexandra Franzen's book The Checklist Book.
https://www.lisambuske.com/

May 19th @ Chanel Bevis' Blog
Stop by Chanel's blog today and read her review of Alexandra Franzen's book The Checklist Book.
https://chanelbevis1.wordpress.com/blog/

May 20th @ And So She Thinks
Visit Francesca's blog today and you can read Alexandra Franzen's guest post about what a checklist can do you for you.
https://andsoshethinks.co.uk/blog/

May 21st @ Reviews and Interviews
Stop by Lisa's blog where she interviews the author Alexandra Franzen.
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/

May 23rd @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Visit Linda's blog and you can read her interview with Alexandra Franzen. Don't miss it!
http://bootsshoesandfashion.com/

May 25th @ The Frugalista Mom
Stop by Rozelyn's blog today and you can read her post about Alexandra Franzen's book The Checklist Book.
https://thefrugalistamom.com/

May 27th @ Dog-Eared Days of Summer
Visit Courtney's blog today and you can read her review of Alexandra Franzen's book The Checklist Book.
https://dog-eareddaysofsummer.com/

May 28th @ Strength 4 Spouses
Visit Wendi's blog today and read Alexandra Franzen's guest post unplugging more.
https://strength4spouses.blog/

May 29th @ Books Beans & Botany
Visit Ashley's blog today where she shares her review of Alexandra Franzen's book The Checklist Book.
https://booksbeansandbotany.com/

May 30th @ Memoir Revolution
Memoir and self-help expert, Jerry Waxler pens an article about the value of a checklist habit for memoir writers, inspired by his reading of The Checklist Book.
https://memorywritersnetwork.com/blog/

May 31st @ Michelle Cornish' Blog
Stop by Michelle's blog today and you can read a guest post by Alexandra Franzen about shifting away from perfection. A post we all need to read today!
https://www.michellecornish.com/

June 1st @ Strength 4 Spouses
Visit Wendi's blog today to read her review of Alexandra Franzen's book The Checklist Book.
https://strength4spouses.blog

June 2nd @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog
Visit Bev's blog today and you can read her review of Alexandra Franzen's book The Checklist Book.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

June 3rd @ Rachael's Thoughts
Visit Rachael's blog today and you can read her review of Alexandra Franzen's book The Checklist Book.
https://rachaelstray.com/

June 4th @ Michelle Cornish' Blog
Visit Michelle's blog today and read her review of Alexandra Franzen's book The Checklist Book.
https://www.michellecornish.com/blog/

June 5th @ Editor 911
Stop by Margo's blog today and you can read her review of Alexandra Franzen's book The Checklist Book.
https://editor-911.com/blog

June 6th @ Megan Writes Everything
Visit Megan's blog today and she reviews Alexandra Franzen's book The Checklist Book.
https://meganwriteseverything.com/

June 7th @ The New England Book Critic
Visit Victoria's blog today and read her review of Alexandra Franzen's book The Checklist Book.
https://thenewenglandbookcritic.com/

June 8th @ Dog-Eared Days of Summer
Visit Courtney's blog again and read Alexandra Franzen's guest post about focusing on tiny wins.
https://dog-eareddaysofsummer.com/

June 9th @ Alternative Grace
Stop by Amber's blog today and read her review of Alexandra Franzen's book The Checklist Book.
https://alternativegrace.com/

June 10th @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog
Stop by Bev's blog again and you can read Alexandra Franzen's guest post about putting self-care into your daily checklist. An absolute must-read!
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

June 11th @ Jill Sheet's Blog
Visit Jill's blog today and you can read Alexandra Franzen's guest post about getting the phone out of your room.
http://jillsheets.blogspot.com/


***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

To win a copy of the book The Checklist Book by Alexandra Franzen, please enter using Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post. Giveaway ends on May 17th at 11:59 PM Central. We will announce the winner the next day on the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Handling the To-Do List Part 1: Calendars

Sunday, September 08, 2013
Just one of my multiple calendars
Last week, I shared my dilemma with my summer to-do list and the fact that barely anything got X'd off the list.

I was discussing my concerns with a fellow teacher. She asked if I suffered from chronic disorganization. Naturally, I was taken aback. I prefer to call it organized chaos.

All kidding aside, I began researching the term and discovered it involves clutter and time management issues. Now, clutter can be a problem because we live in a small house, but time management should not be an issue because I schedule my day and know what needs to be accomplished. The part that worries me when I read this explanation is that chronic disorganization can result from ADD/ADHD, dementia, or another health condition. My maternal grandfather started suffering from dementia shortly before he passed away, so that's a MAJOR concern for me. As I've aged, I've wondered if I have adult onset ADD. We'll save that conversation for another day!

Back to the "I schedule my day" line. That's when I started thinking about calendars. Using multiple (or no) calendars signals possible chronic disorganization.

Yikes!

I have a week-at-a-glance calendar that is broken down by days and then by hours. Next to the hours, I list school, interviews, and grandson duty. On the other side, I make a list of what writing responsibilities I have to get done that day. At the bottom of each day, I track the articles I submit.

Hanging next to my desk, a calendar from the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association is posted. Nope! You won't catch this girl barrel racing or goat ropin'. :) I use this calendar for billing purposes to track which papers run my weekly newspaper column.

When I swipe my smart phone to life, my synced Google calendar is displayed. It includes events from several area Chambers of Commerce, school events, University of Nebraska activities, and all my WOW! responsibilities. I can also access the calendar when I'm on my computer or tablet.

And finally, a monthly grid-style calendar hangs on our refrigerator so my husband can figure out what writing assignment I am working on which explains why I'm bringing home a pie from the local pizzeria for the third night in a week. Plus, he has a not-so-smart phone, so I can't share my Google calendar with him.

That's four calendars. Do I really need that many?

No.

So, my first step in getting organized and handling my to-do list is reducing the number of calendars I use. Since my smart phone is always with me, I'm adding everything writing related to my online calendar and tracking my newspaper column printings, too.

It may seem like a baby step, but so far, so good.

How many calendars do you use?

LuAnn Schindler is an award-winning Nebraska-based freelance writer. She's a member of the Nebraska Writer's Guild. 



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Handling the To-Do List

Saturday, August 31, 2013
If you've read many of my posts on The Muffin, you know that I spend three hours a day teaching Journalism, Speech and Drama.

So, when the last school bell rings in May, I create my summer to-do list and break it into multiple categories, like home improvements, school projects (you see, school NEVER ends for a teacher), and writing projects.

This summer, my writing project list included 11 projects ranging from setting up a new schedule for my blog, querying new markets, completing some photo projects, devoting a specific number of hours to working on the novel, and developing story ideas for the regional publications I write for.

How many projects were crossed off the list?

Can I plead the 5th? Do I have to answer the questions?

Two.

Yes, the deuce. Dos. One + one equals two.

The weird thing is, I feel like I got a lot of writing accomplished this summer. I know my bank account appreciated my efforts!

But two? Seriously?

I'm frustrated that I didn't get more done. I've always thought I'm a good organizer and a fast writer.

Only two?

It got me thinking about WHY I didn't get a lot done. Interference from Facebook, Twitter and Words with Friends? Caring for the grandsons while their mom is at work? Wanting a bit of ME time? Too much "Orange is the New Black" or "The Newsroom"?

Sure, some of those factor in, but they aren't the real culprit.

So the day before I returned to school, I sent a HARO query and received a lot of great advice. During September, on my blog dates, I'm going to talk about tackling the to-do list and keeping it manageable. I'll be sharing information from organization experts, a psychologist, and medical experts.

You may be surprised at some of the answers. I was!

Until my next blog post, I'm curious. How do you handle your to-do list? Do you break down each task step-by-step? Do you have an established writing routine that lets you meet your goals?

Share your thoughts with us.

by LuAnn Schindler. Read more of LuAnn's work at her website.
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Sink, Swim, or Fly?

Sunday, October 05, 2008
What do you do when your to-do list is longer than your intestinal tract? When the amount of work on your plate is so heavy you feel like you need a catering cart?

Sometimes we sink

It's easy to sink when you're drowning in work. I tend to get overwhelmed, and even downright depressed, when too much is put on my plate. When that happens, I fall into a workload coma, unable to complete the task at hand because I'm thinking about the task ahead. I watch TV, check email, and do a million little things that don't help me get closer to accomplishing anything--all the while feeling I've lost my passion for work. When that happens, you know you need to change something. But what do other people do? I found some advice on several forums somewhat amusing:

"I do a pajama day or throw a pajama party, if I can."

"Maybe take a shower, if that's important to you."

"Listen to soundtracks and eat Chinese food."

"Cry. Wallow in self-pity."

So, the internet may not be the best place to find advice, LOL. But I do get what they're saying. It may be necessary to fly, to escape from your problems for a while and clear your mind.

Sometimes we fly

Last weekend, I escaped to one of my favorite places in the mountains--a sleepy little town called Idyllwild, located in the San Jacinto National Forest. There's a cabin I rent every so often, nestled deep in the woods, where cell phone service and the internet are not an option. Unplugging for a couple of days was such a relief! I woke up to fresh air and a bunch of animals that were practically everywhere--a woodpecker storing nuts in a tree for the winter, bunny rabbits casually eating young blades of grass, and fluffy-tailed squirrels literally going nuts foraging for food. That doesn't happen where I live, and it was nice.

If things get too overwhelming to the point where you can't function, you definitely need a break. Don't consider it a sign of weakness. I know, as women, we tend to think we can handle it all. We are the ultimate multitaskers. But if you are overwhelmed, it's not time to multitask. That will only put you in deeper.

So, like the forum posters, if having a pajama party, taking an important shower, listening to soundtracks and eating Chinese food, or crying is your thing...then go ahead. Well, I don't know about the crying and self-pity thing...that seems counterproductive, but you get the idea. Take a walk, read a good book, retreat to a place you love, take some time off and recharge your batteries.

It doesn't matter if you don't have a lot of money, you can find something that will relieve stress. The whole trip to the mountains only cost me a couple hundred dollars. The cabin ran around $98 a night--super cheap for a whole cabin with a full kitchen, two bedrooms, a deck with a BBQ, and a pool. I brought food from home, barbequed, meditated, and read books by the pool. It was inexpensive and just what I needed.

One thing I do regret: the trip was too short. Be sure to take enough time to fully recharge. Then you can come back refreshed and ready to swim.

Sometimes we swim

When you are ready to swim, remember, you are not alone. If you seriously have too much work on your plate, ask for help. Don't be a martyr. Most likely, there are people around you who can help take some of the burden off of your chest. You just have to take time to delegate some of the responsibilities. It could be family members, coworkers, or putting a call out on a writer's group. There are so many people willing to help out in a time of need. Don't think of it as selfish. I know it's a terribly hard thing to grasp, and I battle with that myself, but, if you are doing something good for others, or yourself, it's worth the effort. Flying solo will only hinder your goals and hurt the people around you. So, to do this, ask yourself these questions:

What can I do to lighten my workload?
Examine your to-do list. Is there anything unnecessary? What can you eliminate?

Are there any tasks I can have someone help me with?
Many times we think, I'll just do it, it'll take too much time to explain to someone else, but that's the wrong way to think. Working with someone not only reduces stress, but also helps motivate you to do a better job.

Now, I want to know: What do you do when you are overwhelmed? Do you sink, swim, or fly?
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