I recommend setting a timer before commencing your task.
Have you ever looked at your day’s schedule and instantly felt dread and exhaustion?
The other day my daughter told me about all the things on her schedule and it exhausted me listening to them! I encouraged her to take them one thing at a time and not psych herself out!
Here’s the thing. We have 24 hours in a day. We have no choice about that. Of course, there are some items that have definite time constraints, like work. She had to work for 3 hours.
There was no negotiating there. But think of the things that we totally overestimate how much time they will take. My suggestion here is to set a timer before you begin your task.
Need to fold laundry? Set that timer and start folding.
Don’t allow yourself to get distracted by anything but folding the laundry. Record how much time it really took.
Need to empty the dishwasher? Set a timer, and empty the dishwasher, putting EVERYTHING away where it belongs.
Today, write down the things you want to accomplish. Write down how much time you think they will take. Then when you do them, set that timer and write down how much time it actually took.
By doing this, you’ll be aware of it the next time around. It could potentially prevent you from feeling stressed out by your list of tasks.
Furthermore, consider how often you rush through your tasks because you believe you lack time. By setting a timer and estimating how long it will take to complete the chore, the nest time, you can avoid hurrying through it. Remember, haste makes waste! Stay present in the moment and ask yourself if you truly need to rush.
If you don’t have an Apple watch, you can ask Siri to set a timer on your phone! Check it out here.