As you may know, 2024 is starting very soon. We will be going back to our busy schedules and getting things done. All the stress and exhaustion are returning. But what if I told you there was a way to reduce some of that stress while getting even more done in an effective way? That’s right. It’s possible. I want to share with you how I plan my time and the tools I use to get there.
How to use a planner effectively?
- Buy a planner you like.
First and foremost, get a kawaii planner. I know everyone tells you this, but I promise there is a reason for it. But don’t buy just any old planner. Invest in one you are actually going to use. It is so important and necessary for you to have a cute planner you are excited about using or else you simply won’t. Trust me. I’ve been there.
- Write everything in it.
Once you have your planner, write everything in it. If you are in college, as soon as you get your syllabus, get a colored pen and write everything for that class in your planner. Seriously. Write down everything. It’s super helpful. Things may change, but you can change them later.
- Use Google calendar for time blocking.
After things are written in your planner, open your computer and get on your Google Calendar. I recommend doing this either by week or month. I do it by month because that’s just easier for me, but find what works best for you.
The thing I love about Google Calendar is that it allows me to do something I can’t do in my planner which is time-blocking. Google Calendar shows each day and all the time on that day. So hour by hour you can mark things in and see exactly how much free time you have.
It’s a great visual of just how busy you are. This is great because then you can work on things like working out, eating, sleeping, showering, watching TV, working on assignments, hanging out with friends, meetings, work, and more. Having this calendar will be helpful in organizing all of that so you aren’t overwhelmed.
- Make a daily to-do list.
Every day I make a to-do list. I write things that need to be done, things that need to be worked on, things that need to be worked on but aren’t pressing, and everything else such as planning and organizing my time. This just helps me because I enjoy writing everything out so I have a full grasp of what needs to be done.
That is how I plan my time. I know it seems like a lot, but it really is super helpful. If you are going to skip anything, skip the to-do list. Don’t skip time-blocking. It seems complicated and time-consuming, but I promise it’s not. Planning is super important when it comes to being successful in 2024.
How to get back into work mode after vacation?
Going back to work after a vacation can be though, I understand that.
The holidays are officially over and it’s time to get back into “work mode”. After such a nice time of relaxation and rest, it can be a little difficult to get back into the mode of working and having a constant to-do list. The thought of going back to work isn’t the most attractive of sorts, but it is a must-do. But fret not! Here are some ways to back into work mode after vacation.
- Get started early.
I know you may not be excited to go back to work, so the thought of going back early seems even crazier. But trust me, getting a head start is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It allows you to get caught up and get started on things that may take some time.
- Make a running list of everything you are going to have to do.
If you know what you are anticipating when you get back to work, make a running list. This way there won’t be as many surprises when you get back. This also gets you back in the mindset of planning and getting back in a routine.
- Give yourself a buffer day.
Give yourself a day to prepare before you go back to work. Clean up, get your stuff together, and prepare for going back to work. It’s not a good idea to go from vacation mode straight into work mode. Do your laundry, make a to-do list, and prepare for going back to work.
- Check your calendar.
Make sure you plug in important dates, meetings, and due dates into your calendar. This will help you anticipate upcoming dates and get things done on time. It can help with knowing you are mentally prepared and that you can prevent procrastinating.
- Do the simple things first.
It can be best to start with the easiest tasks first. It knocks them out of the way and it can help build morale so you will keep working. It encourages and motivates you to keep going and work on the harder things that will take more time. This also helps ease you into work.
Those are some ways to get back in “work mode” after the holidays. What are some of your favorite ways?
Time management is the glue that keeps us together. So when it comes to doing it in an effective, user-friendly way, this is the way to do it. You can customize it to whatever works for you, but keeping up with your schedule is important and necessary.
Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you find my kawaii blog helpful.