How to Balance a Crazy Schedule

If there's one thing I can say I'm an expert on, it's managing an insane schedule. At one point, I was taking 20 credit hours of class, working an internship 3 days a week, working a retail job 3 days a week, and keeping up with SNY! AND managed to make a 3.9 GPA that semester! I have since calmed down a little bit, but here's some of the ways I use to balance an insane schedule:

1. Learn to Say No

This is probably the hardest one. Know your limits and stick to them, and if you find yourself overwhelmed, reevaluate! Go back and prioritize what is most important that you devote your time to, and remove what's less important. You can't give 100% if you're stretched too thin. 

2. Use a Time-planner

Google calendar has saved my life. I use that bad-boy to schedule EVERYTHING from school, work, social life, blogging, etc! And for tasks, I use a running to-do list in my favorite notebook (because physically crossing things off is SO much more satisfying). Do whatever works for you though!  A lot of people love using a physical agenda to schedule, and brands like Kate Spade and Ban.do have great ones!

4. Take Care of Yourself

Both mentally and physically. If you have an insane schedule, really make it a priority to make care of yourself. Take ten minutes every day and meditate, do yoga, sit and read, or anything else that relaxes you.

Also take a quick inventory of your diet and try to swap out foods  drinks that aren't fueling your body with the energy you need. For me, this means switching out the mac and cheese for veggies and skipping that glass of wine at night and picking up a mug of tea instead. Little things, people!

5. Create a morning and evening routine

Humans thrive on routines, and they're a great way to mentally prepare for a day, and prepare for rest. It can be something as simple as always reading a book and having tea before bed, or having coffee and doing yoga / stretches in the morning. Anything habitual that tells your body and mind to wake up or wind down each day!

6. Work smarter, not harder

Always make a plan for whatever project you need to tackle, and identify the things that aren't quite so important, or that you can delegate to someone else or even automate! Sitting down and making a clear-cut schedule / plan will mean that you're spending your time more wisely, and not wasting it on things that don't matter!

What are some ways you use to balance a crazy schedule? Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo,

Audra