My brother texted me earlier this week to announce that Thanksgiving is just 2 weeks away…which of course means Christmas and the start of Hanukkah is just 6 weeks away, and then it’s New Year’s Eve, and the books will close on 2024. Now throw in all of the “end of year” wrap-up at work…can you feel the “busyness” starting to creep in?
At this time of year, it’s so very easy to become overwhelmed by the “busyness” of the season. So for today’s Fit Five Friday I’m re-sharing a few quick tips for managing a busy week.
This post was originally published in May 2022.
Five Quick Tips for Managing a Busy Week
Prioritize — When your calendar is overflowing, let go of trying to do “all the things” and just focus on those things that are non-negotiable. Also, protect your time by being willing to say no to some obligations. Remember that “No” is a complete sentence.
Delegate and ask for help — Even after setting your priorities you may find there are still too many items on your to-do list. Time to enlist some help! Don’t fall into the “superwoman” trap – ask friends, family, or co-workers to help take a few things off your plate.
Take breaks — Trying to go at full speed all day will leave you feeling depleted and will just add to the feeling of being overwhelmed. So be sure to schedule some breaks in your day. And, yes, schedule them or they won’t happen! Step away from your computer to get some fresh air to take a walk, throw on some music and have a quick dance party, or literally just stop and take some deep breaths to settle yourself.
Get enough sleep — When you’re in the middle of a particularly busy stretch it is so important to give both body and mind a chance to rest and recharge.
Eat wisely — In the same way, you need to give your mind and body the rest it needs, also make sure that you’re fueling properly. Coffee is not a complete meal! Heading into a busy week, stock up on healthy snacks so you’ve got easy, and healthy, grab-and-go options. Plan and prep meals in advance so you won’t risk defaulting to lots of take-out…or worse yet, forgetting to eat altogether (am I the only one guilty of this?).
How do you manage when things get busy?
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Ah, great tips. Especially eating and sleeping well- those two things seem to go out the window when things get busy, and it definitely makes things worse. Great idea to plan and prep in advance. I hope you can get a quick break from the MAYhem this weekend!
Thanks so much Jenny!
well, I never forget to eat lol but for me, fueling properly and sleeping well is a game changer. Thanks for the link uo
I so agree – without proper rest and food, things go downhill for me pretty quickly.
“No” is a complete sentence. I really need to remember that!!!!! I have really been feeling sleepy this week, so I have been reflecting that. My workouts have been scaled down as well in prepping for a another busy weekend. Feels weird, LOL.
**respecting (not reflecting)
I would add schedule your exercise or rest time and put it on your calendar. And then, don’t skip it!
Yes, great points!
I’ve definitely made use of No being a complete sentence. Harder to argue with your reasons then
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It really is!
All great tips, Michelle. When I’m really busy I make to do lists! And I try my best to give myself grace when it doesn’t all get done.
I’m a big list maker too.
It is important to cut yourself a break when it all doesn’t get done. I sometimes struggle with that but I’m working on it!
These are great tips. I would add one more — get outside, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Fresh air and sunshine can really help combat stress.
Ah yes – good one!
Delegation and prioritizing are huge. I also have to bargain with myself: if I do x amount of work, then I can do y amount of something I love. I find balance and get things done.
That’s a great way to make tradeoffs.
Make a list and try to focus on one thing at a time. I find the busier I am the more I do. When I’m not busy, I procrastinate.
All great tips. I make sure everything is on my calendar,