Avoiding Summer Overscheduling
It’s no secret the summer months can be jammed packed with multiple activities. School is out and the kids are moving full speed ahead. Weddings, family vacations, summer concerts, and other events fill the calendar. The weather is nice, so it’s the perfect time to get active outdoors, go to the pool, or join a sports league. But that fills up even more time. And all this doesn’t even include a
hectic work schedule.
Navigating through the summer heat and the schedule it brings can be difficult. With the kids’ activities, or just your own, it’s hard to slow down and enjoy your time. People are overscheduled and overextended, which causes stress and anxiety to get it all done. Below are a few tips on how to avoid overscheduling yourself so there is a healthy balance.
Ask yourself some work related questions. If you are swamped at work and can’t catch a break between meetings, can you delay meetings that aren’t time sensitive? Do you have time to strategize and learn after all those meetings? Are you being fully efficient at work? Prioritize tasks and decide what should be done immediately so you can go to meetings and get your work done. If possible, block your calendar with desk time one day or morning a week so coworkers know you are unavailable.
Make some changes. Look at your routine for opportunities to use your time and effort more efficiently. For example, if you thrive in the morning but have low motivation in the evening, schedule workouts before you go to work. You’ll have an extra boost of energy to start the day and you can wind down immediately when you come home for the day.
Prioritize what makes you happy. Think about the people and activities that bring you joy: Friends, family, Taco Tuesdays with your neighbors, or the early morning workout class that gives you an extra boost to get through the day. Whatever gives you good vibes and leaves you feeling energized should be a priority. Don’t forget about your hobbies and personal goals. Remember to make time for yourself and what makes you happy.
Just say no. It’s easier said than done. Many times we feel obligated to give an explanation as to why we can’t attend an event. Practice saying no without making an excuse. A good tip to use is to take your time responding to people. This way that knee-jerk reaction to say yes isn’t there. You can say, “Let me check my calendar,” and respond later with a definitive answer. This gives you
time to fully think about whether you can make engagements work or not.
Tags: mental health, overscheduling