There are days when my mind races ahead of me. Instead of being productive, I rush around and racing through activities just make me exasperated. Instead of organizing my thoughts onto a ‘to-do’ list, I feel a thousand things rushing through my head. Cook dinner, feed the baby, catch up with that friend. Feeling as though I never have enough hours in the day..
I found that by rushing myself and my children, it actually made me less focused and inefficient in completing tasks.
Alternatively, being calm, slowing down and making time for people, I find myself keeping that interior peace (I so need).
Praying throughout all my activities and being more contemplative during the day has helped me to maintain that continual presence of God.
Each day, I am trying to remember that in every activity I do, there can be meaning and purpose behind it. Regardless of how much I have planned that day, it can all be done for the glory of God and offered up to Him. This way, when we work, we can try to put a hundred percent into every task, even if the job goes unnoticed.
Below are a few tips which I find helpful in staying focused and organized throughout my day.
Tip #1: Let go of certain situations and relax
I am slowly learning to let go of situations beyond my control. There are days when I overwhelm myself multitasking, trying to do a million things at once. This can cause the whole household to go into chaos and become unsettled!
When it doubt, a good rule is to focus and make time for the people you care about; which most of the time means your immediate family. Stop what you are doing. Give your full attention to your husband or children for those few moments, instead of hurriedly drying the dishes just so the kitchen looks neat. Time and attention for people is what counts.
It can also be helpful to put your phone away and avoid using the internet during family time. Checking messages or returning calls can be done at a later stage. This way, your family has your full attention and you can actually enjoy family time!
Tip # 2: Avoid hurrying your kids
Becoming agitated and hurrying your children through activities may make them feel scared and overwhelmed. ‘Hurry up’ and ‘quickly’, are words you could try to avoid using. Let’s face it, no matter how much you hurry a child, they will still tend to move at their own pace! Sometimes just stopping, taking a breath – even saying a ‘Hail Mary’ – can help you keep your patience. By the time you have finished your pray; they have put their shoes on or hopped into their car seat, and you can both much happier for remaining calm.
To avoid being late or rushing, children can be told in advance of what is happening so they are more prepared. Instead of switching off the television at the last minute without warning, let your children know it is going to happen. ‘In 5 minutes Mummy is going to switch off the TV. You will need to put on your shoes and get ready to go to Grandma’s.’ Try to give clear, simple instructions. When the child is prepared for what is about to happen, it may result in fewer disruptions, tantrums or confusion. Allow time for them to go at their own pace, so you don’t end up standing impatiently at the door putting extra pressure on them and ruining the overall morale.
Tip # 3: Get dressed and ready as early as possible
Generally, I always get dressed and ready for the day’s activity well ahead of time. It may be easier for you to get ready in the morning before your children have awoken. This way, prior to leaving the house, all you will need to do is freshen up a little. Rushing to find yourself an outfit for the day with kids pulling out different pairs of shoes for you can put you under pressure!
Advance rather than delay is always a good idea particularly with young children. You may just need those few spare minutes for that surprise nappy explosion! Which always seem to happen moments before an outing!
Tip # 4: Prioritize your activities
Think ahead of how much time and how long you will take for an activity. Then stick to the time allowed. It can be difficult prioritizing your time at first, and even getting started. But by doing it this way, you give your self the opportunity to perform each task to the best of your ability. Performing earlier tasks at a steady reasonable pace can help you avoid rushing through the last few items on the list and doing a poor job.
St Josemaria, who is known as the ‘saint of ordinary life’, says “conquer yourself each day from the very first moment, getting up on the dot, at a fixed time, without yielding a single minute to laziness. If, with God’s help, you conquer yourself, you will be well ahead for the rest of the day.”
Tip # 5: Avoid unnecessary activities which may cause you stress
Before you plan an activity or trip, think if what’s planned is really necessary. It can be tricky bringing young children out and coordinating their sleep and feed times. Saying ‘yes’ for a catch up with a friend without thinking it through, may result in the whole trip becoming quite chaotic, particularly if the timing does not suit the children. For some mums, driving an hour away with kids in the car isn’t a problem and for others it causes major stress!
Mentally going through a planned trip out with the children can also help. Anticipate their needs and plan in advance. For example, bring enough snacks if you will be out for quite a while, this could save you having grumpy, irritable kids!
In saying this it is important to know your children’s limits, if you are going shopping don’t try to accomplish too much. Going to the shops can be quite exciting for kids, but when it drags on for longer than an hour and a half the whole thing can turn into disaster! This may cause you to not want to attempt it again and that would be a shame.
Tip # 6: Be as organised as possible
Often, a lot less may go wrong if you are organised from the start. If your activity or event has been well thought though, it can save you a lot of trouble and take the pressure off. Rushing children at the last minute, whether it is finishing off their meal or putting on their shoes isn’t ideal. A good habit is to start doing the little things when you have a spare moment. An example of this may be slipping on your toddler’s shoes earlier on, especially if you know it may cause a fuss later.
When I plan a trip out, I generally aim to leave the house 10 minutes prior to the planned time. When it comes to leaving, I am usually just on time, opposed to being late!
Even if slowing down doesn’t come naturally to you, doing so, may bring you a lot more peace and serenity throughout your day. You will find that your children are also generally happier as mum is a lot calmer and more relaxed.
I also like to invoke the help of Blessed Mother Mary in those times of stress and rush that may be beyond our control. A simple prayer that I pray is ‘Mary Queen of Peace, Pray for me’. I have to admit, I am always amazed how effective this prayer is; I seem to be given immediate strength to carry on.
Do you have any tips on how you organise your time to avoid rushing? Please feel free to share them below!
References:
St Josemaria, The Way
Originally posted 2014-05-05 22:02:43.