Start Overcoming Busy Right Now – Bedtime To-Do Lists
October 9, 2009 by Marci
Continuing the “Start Overcoming Busy Right Now” series. Here is another quick way you can get the busyness out of your life.
One of the last things I do before I shut my eyes at night is make a to-do list for the next day. First, I write down any appointments I might have – even if they are in the planner already. Then, I start thinking of what needs to be done. Do I have any projects I need to start or finish.? Do I have any errands to run? Any phone calls to make? Is there anything I need to purchase? Do I want to do something fun? All those tasks get put on the list.
This bedtime to-do list not only keeps track of what needs to get done, it does two other important things for me. First, it helps clear my head. Have you ever tried to go to sleep, but you can’t because of all the stuff spinning through your mind? For me, that stuff is usually me thinking about all the things I want to accomplish the next day. Putting those things down on paper gets them out of my head. There is something about me knowing that they will be there for me in the morning. That way, I can take care of them tomorrow and not spend time on them when I should be sleeping.
The other good thing about making the list is that it helps me prioritize. When I get up in the morning, I grab my to-do list and take a look at what the day will hold. Seeing those tasks all together on paper helps me to determine how important each one is. I realize that not all the tasks on my lists will get done some days. If I have them prioritized, I know the important things will.
Bedtime to-do lists are just one thing you can do right now to overcome busy. It is a quick little task that can reap big benefits. Do you make a to-do list? When do you make yours?
Comments (5)
I do this too. I find that writing that list helps me let go of the thoughts in my mind, like “what if I forget this?” and lets me relax for the rest of the night, because I can read the list tomorrow and re-remember everything then.
I like this idea alot. I am going to start doing this.
THanks
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What a great idea – I need to start doing this on a regular basis. I’ve had a couple of times in the last few weeks when I just completely forgot about apptments, etc., that I had – WRITTEN DOWN ON THE CALENDAR – and then had to scramble to catch up!
Needless stress! I’m going to start doing this tonight! Thanks!
I HEART lists! I think I have a running list all day long.
I just keep adding to it as various things/projects/ideas come to mind. I categorize/prioritize these before bed as well. It’s a great way to wind down the mind knowing you’ve already gotten a head start on the day ahead…
ps- nice to meet you! I wandered over from Creative Mama the other day.