Want to stress less during back-to-school season as an entrepreneur?
If so, then you’ll want to take a few moments now to prepare yourself and your family for the busy weeks to come.
Changes in seasons are natural, and back-to-school season is no exception.
While there may be some slight discomfort at the start of the season due to changing schedules, shifting hours, and new routines, you’ll soon fall into a familiar routine.
Follow these practical tips to make this back-to-school season less of a stress fest for you and your loved ones.
Create a centralized information area
A new season means a flood of new information from a variety of different sources.
Having a dedicated area or space to store information helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
There are different ways to centralize information.
If you’re going the digital route, consider using a shared online calendar, setting up online file storage, or setting up specific email folders for incoming items. Download apps and programs where necessary.
If you’re opting for more analog solutions, use a paper planner, large calendar, or dry erase board to capture important dates.
Set up a bulletin board for posting notices and information. And create physical file folders to store important documents and materials.
Automate daily processes as much as possible
One of the benefits of a routine is that the same tasks are performed again and again on a regular basis.
You can make the most of this by automating daily, weekly, and monthly tasks in your home or business.
Doing so will help free up your calendar as well as your mental headspace.
What can you automate throughout the week?
Try scheduling online meal, grocery, or supply deliveries at regular intervals. Create rotating meal plans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Consider setting up recurring bill payments and assembling a series of preselected outfits for work or school.
Set your time and energy budgets in advance
A change in seasons means a change in energy levels. And going from a relaxed daily routine to one that’s distinctly busier can be quite jarring.
Just as you set a budget for back-to-school supplies, clothing, and shoes, consider setting a time and energy budget for yourself.
Doing so will help clarify exactly what you are going to invest from your schedule.
How much time are you willing to spend during the week socializing with friends, participating in community events, and volunteering at school activities?
Likewise, how much energy or effort are you willing to invest in the above items?
Are you going to spearhead planning for the entire semester or only make yourself available to complete brief, one-time tasks?
Add some flexibility to your weekends
Weekends are meant for relaxing. Unfortunately, they can quickly fill up with a variety of different household and personal activities, from shopping and tryouts to rehearsals, clubs, and events.
Rather than waiting until the last minute to deal with an overbooked schedule, take time now to add a buffer of time to your weekends.
Instead of jamming multiple non-urgent activities into one day, choose one or two items to commit to.
You may also think about setting aside at least one full day of the weekend for you to relax and unwind.
If you’re unable to block out an entire day, consider setting aside partial hours for yourself.
Block off a Saturday or Sunday morning, afternoon, or evening for yourself to rest and recover from the week.
Learn How to Manage Back to School Season
Back-to-school season is a busy time of year. That’s why it’s so important to effectively manage your time and energy.
If you want clarity around managing your time in your business or life, book a free 30-minute video strategy session with me today.
How about you? What approach are you going to take when it comes to end of the week work? Join the conversation and leave a comment below!
This article originally appeared on Inc.com.
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