Do you cram and overstuff it too?

If you’ve been doing the stay-at-home thing for a while, at some point you may have been bit by the organizing bug.

“Well if we’re gonna be home for this long we may as well make walking room in at least one of the garages or finally donate the clothes circa 1999.”

I did the same. Except for no basement in our home and such a tiny garage that we can barely open the car doors in there.

Which may seem like a complaint but I actually have a lot of gratitude for my limited storage.

‘Cuz more space doesn’t always make your life easier, more comfortable, or more pleasant.

Without the extra square footage, the hubster and I haven’t accumulated a ton.

But had we more space, there’s no doubt we would have found ample knick-knacks and must-haves to fill it up.

You might find you do the same in your schedule.

You see space and you cram it up and overstuff it.
Just because it’s there.

Which causes you to:

• Overcommit
• Feel really overwhelmed
• Make decisions harder than they need to be

The solution?

The beautiful B: Boundaries.

Putting boundaries around your time is how you stop overpromising and start doing things like respond to emails on time or enjoy a free Saturday (sans guilt).

Here are few practical ways to put boundaries on your time:

• Get clear on your working hours. Do you stay up until the wee hours on your laptop or phone? Wish you were more present for your family? Tired of missing out on much-needed sleep? Commit to a time to clock off every day and stick to it. Remember Brooke, If you don’t respect your time – no one else will!
• Incorporate consistent “Me” time: The days you don’t exercise, eat well or get out of your workspace, you will without a doubt feel crankier, less motivated, and not as peppy. “Me” time doesn’t only come on Sundays. Implementing it in some way, shape, or form each and every day will consistently reboot your energy, motivation, and clarity.
• Be selective about your commitments: Don’t say yes to everything. In fact, make “no” your go-to until you can weigh all your options, review your schedule, and reassess your priorities. Cramming in too much leaves you stressed, exhausted, and making stinky decisions. Commit wisely and don’t feel bad about doing what’s best for you and your family.
• Invest in some help. Ever heard anyone get help at home or at work and say: “Gee, I wish I’d put that off for another two years!” ? Whether it’s help with laundry, a personal trainer, an admin, a research assistant, or someone to mow your lawn — give yourself permission to get the support you need to get things done. You will never look back.

So my dear friend, where are you cramming in too much in your schedule? And where can you create intentional boundaries?

Do you cram in too much time for work, leaving you with little or no time for self-care, family, health, or relaxation?

Or on the contrary, do you cram in too much time for social activities? Do you find yourself running around like a crazy person, making it to all your commitments?

I’d LOVE to hear from you. Shoot me a reply to let me know an action you’ll take to create boundaries on your time. Sharing your intention is the first step to making it happen.