How many of you have a “To Do” list you make each day, month, or even a list you need to get done in the future years? We jot down things we would love to accomplish, or we write down things we “hope” to get done, but most of the time these lists become lost, are thrown away, or revised many times in hope to achieve what was once written on your “to do” list. Think about your “to do” lists and let me ask you one important question…. Are you on that list? No matter who you are or what you do…You need to make time for yourself each and every day. Your health is that important.

I used to work two jobs, one full-time and one flex-time, I am in the midst of writing a book while trying to keep up on my blog, which I must admit had fallen to the wayside as I moved across the state (again), and life just became so busy, I lost the passion I had for writing and when I wrote on either on my blog, or continue to progress on my book, these two things were my form of self-care…That is, until I realized I would stress out if I didn’t write as much as I thought I should. I let life overtake my “me time,” which is not healthy, especially in these times with Covid still overwhelming most of us.

Sleep is an essential part for self-care. I become sleep deprived when I make a “to do” list that overtakes my life because I try to get so much done, my mind is consumed with what I needed to do first as I always thought my list needed to be done ASAP. I would have a list on my calendar, on the fridge, on the counter, in my purse….the list goes on and on (teehee….).But…I was never on any of those lists. How do we make “a” list that doesn’t stress us out you ask???? Well let me help you with that one.

I make my “to do” lists from my “goal” list. Yes, I still have two lists, but one list has my goals…the big picture list, and the other “to do” list, is my goal list broken down into baby steps to accomplish my goals one day. On my daily “to do” list I have myself listed at least once a day. We cannot rush our goal lists to be accomplished ASAP because we then make the list unenjoyable, while forgetting about our self-care….. Our goals don’t seem as important as they once were. We lose the spark in our excitement to accomplish something that was once important to us and we lose the spark to achieve anything when our list becomes too demanding and overwhelming because we forgot to put ourselves on our list.

Here is an example on how I tackle my “to do” lists while continuing to put myself as a priority. To keep my house clean, I write down what needs to be done in each room. I assign a room almost each day, I then break that room down into what needs to be done. I add in my meditation for the day, I go for a walk every day, and relax and enjoy my cups of coffee every morning….without rushing. This is the key to making a list….do not put so much on your list that you feel rushed. Highlight what you accomplish on your list, or cross it off, whichever works best for you.

Planning is everything to have a successful day/life. Yes, life will throw you curveballs…you get called into work, you need to help a friend/family member out, or you don’t feel well….this is ok…these are signs stating you need to take care of something else and put your “to do” list on hold, life happens. Do not let life curveballs throw you off completely….make adjustments and continue to make yourself a priority. There is enough time in the day for you to schedule/make time for yourself and support a good healthy mental state of mind.

So remember, if you are overloaded with things to do on your “to do” list and you are not on that list, your health will suffer tremendously. Make time for yourself on a daily basis allowing you a healthy life to work on everything you’d like to achieve.

Trust the Journey and Life Lessons

Alexis BSc(Psyc), MILC

Alexis Life Coach Inner Abilities LLC

Holistic Life Coach & Counseling