We all have waves of busy seasons.
Even if we think our lives are full every day, we see the peaks and valleys.
Sometimes we see a peak coming.
Sometimes they creep up on us.
Either way, taking an hour when one hits to think through a plan can relieve stress.
Stopping to take the hour can feel impossible.
Know that it will be worth it.
Here are 5 things to do with the hour:
- Document: Write down all the “ongoing work” that happens in a cycle at work and home. These could be things like cooking, laundry, weekly meetings, daily reviews, etc.
- Remove: Next consider what on the list could be removed for a week or two while you are in the busy season.
- Reduce: For the remaining list, can you reduce the frequency of tasks? Maybe some things typically done daily could be done every other day. Weekly meetings could be shortened from 1 hour to 30 minutes.
- Delegate: Are there items remaining on the list that you could have someone else pick up during your busy season? Maybe someone else could take on the laundry. At work, there may be one of your tasks that could be a great learning experience for someone else on the team.
- Plan: With anything else remaining on the list consider how you could make the tasks as efficient as possible. Meals could take on a “formula” for the season – the variety might be reduced, but the time back could be worth it. At work, make sure you map the deadlines and know what needs to be done each day to get there.
Our busy seasons can fluctuate between a busy work phase or a busy home phase.
There will be times when they both peak at once.
Going into the season with a plan won’t take away the load, but it will lighten it a bit.
Your Turn
Do you know when your busy seasons are each year or do they tend to pop up unexpectedly?
What do you do to make these times simpler?
Could these tips help when the next one arrives?