Tips to Ease Schedule Fatigue

Clients often schedule an appointment because they are tired of being tired, tired of feeling like they will rip someone's head off, tired of running from thing to thing in their lives.

So how do you stop running? How do you stop getting frustrated?

Here are my tips.

Energy Inventory. Get crystal clear on what gives you energy and what takes away your energy. Do an inventory of your life and write down everything that gives you energy and everything that exhausts you. Try to do more activities that give you energy and if you must do activities that take energy away, find ways to add activities back in that give you energy.

I Need to Get Back to You. Form a new habit of saying, "I need to get back to you." Whenever anyone asks you to do something, instead of immediately answering with an automatic "yes," say, "I need to get back to you." This response gives you a chance to check your calendar and decide if you want to do something or not.

What is your Motivation? You don't have to be everything to everyone. Next time you find yourself doing something you don't want to do or feeling frustrated by your to-do list, ask yourself WHY am I doing this activity? What is my motivation? If it is because of a sense of guilt, shame, or to make yourself feel better, then that is why you are so frustrated, most likely. Doing things and filling up your schedule to 'feel better' ALWAYS backfires because it ultimately doesn't work. Feeling better about yourself comes from within, not accomplishing more. I know too many women who over-commit to feel like a 'good mom' or a 'successful career woman' and spend their days frustrated and tired. Then the valuable people in their lives, e.g., their kids, spouses, dear friends, bear the brunt of their frustration rather than the joy of a positive woman in their lives. When we get clear on our motivation, we can let go of the activities we are doing as fillers and get clear on what is most important.

Prioritize Yourself. You are the only you on the planet. The best way to stay strong and connected with yourself and those around you is to take care of yourself. Move your body, watch what you eat, drink water, get your sleep. When you put yourself as a priority, then others will.