Time Management Time management can be a challenge for many of us. As adults, we may find ourselves struggling to achieve balance as we manage more demands on our time such as work, caregiving, household management, and higher education. When you are feeling overwhelmed by the number of things you need to get done, it can lead to a state of decision paralysis which can get in the way of getting anything done. If you are feeling stuck, here are a few strategies to help manage your time a little more effectively. - Make a priority list. Instead of creating a “to-do” list of everything you need to accomplish, create a smaller priority list that is focused on what is most important to get done in the time you have. This can feel more achievable and increase your focus!
- Break things down. Take tasks that feel overwhelming or involve multiple steps and make them smaller. Progress rather than completion is the goal. For example, if you need to clean your kitchen, you may break it down into gather the dishes, empty the trash, wash the dishes, wipe the counters, etc. This can help boost your sense of success as you complete each smaller task.
- Minimize distractions. Whether it is work emails while you are at home or social media at work, find ways to limit the temptation of distractions from the task at hand. There are a wide variety of apps and programs that can help keep you focused and off your phone.
- Avoid multitasking. While this may seem contradictory, there is plenty of research that suggests that we are not as good at multitasking as well think and it often gets in the way of productivity. Whatever task you are working on, stay focused on that single task.
- Make a plan. Good time management skills are not built with one tool but through time spent finding what works for you. Time invested up front, planning how to tackle challenging tasks, becomes an investment in your future success.
National Garden Meditation Day (5/3/2023) May 3rd is National Garden Meditation Day which is a day for reflection and time spent out in nature. There are many benefits that can come from gardening or just spending time in nature both physically and mentally. This month, take some time to visit a park, botanical garden, or just sit in your backyard and practice meditation. Here are a few mindfulness meditation practices you can use whether you are a meditation newbie or a regular practitioner to connect with nature this month. - Tune into one sound in your environment. Focus on it as you take slow, deep breaths. Appreciate the sounds of nature that you may not attend to on a typical day.
- Sit on the ground and notice the sensations you are feeling as you make contact with the earth beneath you. What does the ground feel like? Focus your awareness here as you take slow, deep breaths.
- Find a comfortable position and focus on all of the gifts provided by nature. Take slow, deep breathes as you mentally thank nature for these gifts.
Meditation is a practice so don’t get discouraged! If you find yourself distracted by other thoughts or sounds, just bring your attention back to your focus and your breath. With practice, meditation can have many benefits including decreased stress, improved sleep, and even decreased blood pressure. If you think you or someone you know could benefit from learning more about meditation to manage stress, reach out to a professional. A mental health professional can help you develop mindfulness meditation practices that work for you! https://nationaltoday.com/national-garden-meditation-day/#faqs | 
