I was sharing with a collegue the other day how I have been noticing there seems to be a theme for Fall. Very FULL schedules = STRESS. It’s not that our schedules are not full in the summer, but they’re more often full with playful things. On the other hand, fall seems to bring so much change in all areas of our lives as we get back into routine. I noticed myself lately floundering a bit like a fish out of water, half of me still in summer mode and half in fall. The weather in Kelowna has been so exquisitely warm and sunny and I have been feeling a deep desire to enjoy every minute of that blissful sunshine. The question that keeps cropping up is ” How do I get things done and still have time for fun?”  Have you ever found yourself thinking that?

I sat staring at the piles of paper on my desk, with all the personal and business projects waiting patiently for me. Usually I write out long lists (which often put me into overwhelm mode). This time I remembered a collegue telling me of a fun idea that cured her of her overwhelm condition. She loves sticky notes, so she took all of her to-dos and put them on sticky notes and stuck them on the wall beside her desk.  As she completed each task, she pulled them off and shredded them.  The combination of seeing her goals and then getting them done gave her great satisfaction. She was no longer wasting energy staring at her overwhelming to do list. I happen to love sticky notes as well and  decided to try this. It immediatatley lightented my load and inspired me to do more of the the tasks that have felt daunting.

Here’s another little trick I do when I find myself procrastinating on the not-so-fun tasks or a project that feels really huge. I set a timer for a specific amount of time (perhaps even 15 minutes ~ just to get me going). When the timer goes off, I either re-set it or move onto another task.  I don’t answer the phone, texts or respond to any other distraction while the timer is on.  It’s a great way to stay focused.

When you’ve completed a task, be sure to reward yourself with a little break. That can look like a walk outside, a cup of tea, share time with a friend, a little happy dance……anything that energizes you in a positive way. Oh, and take some deep breaths and don’t forget to be in gratitude.  These little tips will have an amazing ability to get you out of your head and into your heart. Now that you’ve got this, you’re ready to start.  Remember to set that timer.

I would love to hear how these ideas work for you.  Do you have your own tips for having fun and loving yourself in the wonderful transition into fall?

In Joy

Geri