ARCHIVE FOR JUNE 2010

Jugglers make it look so easy. They toss three, four, five balls into the air and gracefully keep them moving in sync with one another.

Yet when we try to juggle work, school and more, it is easy to drop the ball.

When that happens, stress levels increase and playing catch-up becomes the theme of every day.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. It is possible to successfully juggle work, school and family without letting it push you over the edge.

Here are 10 ways to help you better manage your life:

1. Write down a schedule of how you currently spend your time. Include your weekly work hours, driving time, making dinner, watching television, sleeping, etc. This will allow you to see clearly where your time is going.
2. Make a separate list of your priorities. These are the things you need to accomplish each week. For example, you may list: work from 9-5, carpool kids to soccer practice, complete homework assignments, etc.
3. Plan a work, study and family schedule that reflects your priorities. This can be done loosely (i.e. work 9am-5pm, family 5:30-7:30pm, study 8-10pm), or with hour-by-hour detail.
4. Eliminate wasted time. Limit time spent watching television, playing video games, surfing the Internet, talking on your cell phone. These activities can easily rob you of valuable time that can keep you ahead, and not behind, in what you have to accomplish. Even 15-minute time slots can be used to peruse required reading materials, e-mail an instructor, participate in online school message boards, begin an assignment, empty the dishwasher, wash clothes, etc.
5. Work ahead in school work when time allows. If you are caught up and doing well, don’t skip study time. Keep working ahead in homework assignments so that you have some flexibility if you have to work late, a child gets sick, or something else unexpected happens.
6. Do not neglect physical or mental health. Take time to exercise and keep the physical and mental juices flowing. This increases mental alertness and improves attitude.
7. Find shortcuts and enlist help whenever possible. For example, household chores and making dinner could become a family task. Also, try communicating via text messages instead of phone calls. Study via online degree programs instead of on a campus. Shortcuts remove some of the pressure and add more time to your schedule.
8. Maintain an upbeat attitude about everything. Focus on the positive and minimize the negative. You will experience less stress and find more enjoyment in work, school and home.
9. Pick your battles. Whether at home or work, try to get along with those around you. When you are at peace with others, there is less to cloud your mind. This helps you to focus better and accomplish more in less time.
10. Try not to get discouraged. It takes time to change old habits; so don’t give up. You can do this!

Everyone drops the ball now and then; but you can become a successful juggler with patience, practice and perseverance.

Don’t waste any more time — start juggling today!

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