7 Ways You can learn to Avoid Stress During a Busy Season

As I’m facing a super busy season ahead…probably busier than any of my past 6 years in business.  I am reminded I am blessed.  I am also reminded of the past six busy seasons I’ve faced and what I’ve had to deal with.  Wanting to pass on a few tips that might help you not fall into the same traps I’ve fallen into over the past years that all ended up in tears.

Yes tears.

I am human.  I am NOT wonder-woman.  I don’t try to be and don’t want to be.

Here’s to avoiding those tears and stressed or over-whelming times.

(Also here’s to reminding myself of these 7 vital points! *smile*)

1 Schedule

Schedule out your entire day.  If you can take control of your time you will accomplish far greater things in a shorter period of time.  Each night I’ll take a few minutes before I go to bed and schedule out my next day.  Making sure my “to-do” list is in order, prioritized and ready to keep me on track for the next day.  When I wake up I know what my day is going to look like and what I can get accomplished!

2 Lists

Lots of lists.

If anyone knows how much I love and live by lists, that’s my husband. He laughs at me at times, yet he knows that this is the reason I can get so much done in one day, because I am so motivated by my lists.

If you aren’t motivated by lists I suggest giving it a try and sticking to it for a week.  Try it.  See what you can accomplish.  If you can keep your plan of action written down and clear…you’ll accomplish so much more.  Don’t be an over achiever though…there are some days I’m like that…and on some of those days I can knock it all out and call myself an over achiever.  But be real.  Be real with yourself.  If your list is too intense you’ll make yourself even more stressed and over-whelmed.  That’s what we are avoiding.

Make lists for each day…and weekly.  My weekly list is things I need to accomplish that week.  Once my daily list has been completed I then move onto checking off a weekly item.

3 Exercise

Yes Exercise. Daily.  I have my exercise routine that I try to do during the work-week…Monday-Friday.  I’m not going to lie…I like it when it’s raining on an occasional morning and I can’ skip it.  Yet I know, how much better I feel if I do my exercise.  It motivates me to get up and get going.  Breathing fresh-air and getting outside.  Not only for those reasons, but it is a time I can invest in a phone call to a loved one or a friend or sometimes I’ll listen to music.  I love music.  It’s a huge part of my life and I don’t get as much time with it as I would like.  Starting my day out with the right music encourages me and gets my thoughts clear and directed.  My thoughts aren’t continually on my work and business, it’s good for my mind that is constantly on GO.  Exercise is good for the body and soul!

4 Cultivate and Invest

Take time to invest in your loved ones and friends.  Friendships will last if we take time…if we intentionally invest.  Don’t let these relationships go by the way-side during a busy season of life.  These are the friends that will be there when you’re in a slow season.

Take the time to go have coffee or lunch and catch up on life.  It’s something that will keep your mind off of your work load an business.  It’s healthy.  It’s good.  Try it!

5 Take a Day OFF

Yes an entire day OFF.  It’s not healthy to work seven days a week, for anyone.  Our heavenly Father showed us this during creation.  He rested.  Take a day and do not work, do not schedule anything work related, don’t read business articles, don’t scour the business blogs, don’t think about it- at least try really hard not to.  On this day I even try to do an entire media fast.  Not touching the computer.  It’s hard, I won’t lie.  But it’s healthy.

6 Limitations on Social Media

During your work day set aside times where you can get on social media.  Yet, get on and be intentional.  Do what you have to do for your work and your business then shut it off.  Don’t get side tracked with the trivial things.  Use it wisely.  Don’t let it suck your time, you take control of your time and tell your time what you’re going to do.  I try to get on in the mornings, mid day and evenings.  If I don’t make it on in the evenings, no great loss, although I try.  It is a vital part of our business…we have to use it or else…only invest in it wisely and use your time wisely.

7  Set Goals and Rewards

Be a kid at heart.  Reward yourself when you meet a goal you have set forth.  If you have a daily or weekly goal you need motivation on…set the goal, write it down.  Yes…Write the goal down.  When you can clearly write a goal along with it’s details you’ll be far more prone to win at it, than if it’s not written down.  Even write down your reward…coffee, chocolate, bowl of ice cream or perhaps a nap.  I don’t know what motivates you, I know what motivates me and I’ll reward myself.  Any other employee will get a bonus from time to time when they achieve certain goals…why can’t I?

I hope you’ve found some help and encouragement.  What can you add to this list?  or maybe you’re adding one of these to your list…either way comment and share with me!  I’d love to hear from you after I’ve poured my thoughts out to you.