Do you ever feel like your to-do list is getting longer and longer? You start worrying about forgetting tasks, and it increases your anxiety. When you leave your to-do list things in your head, you’re more likely to forget them. In this article, we’ll go over three steps to stop to-do list overwhelm.
Step 1: Brain dump
The first step to stopping to-do list overwhelm is to do a brain dump. A brain dump is where you take everything that’s floating around in your head, all of your to-do lists, and Post-it notes, and you put them all in one place. Doing a brain dump helps you get everything out of your brain, making you less likely to forget them. You can do it any day of the week, but doing it on Sundays is recommended, so you start your week fresh.
Step 2: Organize your list
The second step is to organize your list of to-dos. You’re going to have some small tasks, like taking a letter to the post office or putting away things on your bathroom counter, and then you’re going to have larger tasks, like studying for an exam or completing a project. Go through your list and try to figure out how much time each task will take. If it takes less than five minutes to complete, do it immediately after completing your brain dump. If you’re not sure how long a task will take, it’s best to overestimate it.
Step 3: Time block
The last step is to time block. Time blocking is when you schedule blocks of time to complete specific tasks. Add in tasks that have set due dates or set dates during the week. Set the time frame for each task and break up larger tasks if necessary. Keep your time blocks to one week to avoid getting overwhelmed. Also, track the amount of time you’re spending on tasks that aren’t on your to-do list, like scrolling through Instagram or sitting in front of the TV. When you start tracking, make sure you’re doing it distraction-free so you know how long each task will take.
Conclusion
Stop feeling overwhelmed by following these three simple steps to manage your to-do list. Doing a brain dump, organizing your list, and time blocking will help you get things done and avoid feeling like your to-do list is never-ending. Remember to take breaks and rest when necessary, but stay focused and distraction-free during your time blocks. With these three steps, you’ll be able to reset and start your week stress-free.