In a society filled with 24-hour shopping networks, 50-hour work weeks, and balancing demanding careers with family and social obligations, it’s no wonder people are quickly burning out. We rarely have time to relax, let alone work out.

The internet, fax machines, computers, cell phones and palm pilots keep people so connected that it is easy for the boss, the spouse, or the kids to place further demands on a person’s time and energy. Rest and relaxation time are often spent worrying about the next major task that needs to be completed and who can enjoy rest when their mind is spinning over future jobs? What’s more, people often feel guilty for taking a few moments to themselves when that time could be better used on chores, time with the children, the presentation for the office or volunteering.

Clinical professionals agree that the best thing you can do to avoid burnout is to set limits. Only you can determine what your priorities are and with a little time management, you should be able to eliminate those unnecessary things that cause excess stress, even if that means upsetting a neighbor, friend, or loved one.

“You shouldn’t have to feel guilty,” says Sheila Garten, a clinician at Portage Path Behavioral Health. “It’s extremely important to have time for yourself to recharge. Learn to say no to some of the demands that don’t benefit you.”

Counseling professionals remind you that is unreasonable to expect that you can achieve perfection when “perfection” doesn’t exist. Instead of pursuing the perfectly clean home, the perfect project at work, or trying to be Super Parent, your energy is better used spending a reasonable amount of time on all your endeavors. The consequence of trying to be perfect in everything can lead to anxiety, burnout and lingering self- doubt.

When planning what you need to get done, keep the following tips in mind.

• Use your biological rhythms. We all have a time of the day where our energy peaks and we can concentrate best. Use this time to accomplish your most important tasks rather than struggling through them when your energy is low.
• Safeguard your time. Learn to say “no” to distractions during your elected work/workout time. Interruptions are a two-fold problem. First, is the interruption itself, whether that be a request, person, activities, or phone call. Second, there is the expectation of further interruptions which can disrupt your flow.
• Optimize your environment. Keep everything you need available so you won’t have to search for the checkbook, computer disk, or dumbbells and become distracted while looking. Keep distractions to a minimum (most people are distracted by the television, a radio, or the noise of children).
• Unplug your phone or rely on voicemail messages or email while you are working (or working out). The messages will still be there when you stop.
• Keep your door closed and only open it on breaks.
• Arrange your work place out of the flow of traffic or with your back to it.

When formulating your to-do list, be sure to include everything that takes any of your time, such as sleep, meals, and hygiene. To prioritize your list, put items that are urgent and important at the top. Once the important tasks, or the ones with deadlines have been accomplished, it’s easier to complete the smaller, day-to-day tasks.

“Make sure you are realistic about what you can and can’t accomplish in a given time,” advises Linda Bradley, Portage Path Intake Coordinator. “This way you won’t be disappointed if you don’t finish something in the time you planned.”

Another good time saving idea is to multitask your errands. While returning library books, stop at the gas station and gas up the car on the way home. Shop in stores that have multiple features, such as a superstore with household items, as well as groceries and an ATM. “Don’t shop during peak times (weekends and evenings),” warns one article on time saving. “Shop early in the day when the lines are shorter.”

Whenever possible, delegate some of your tasks. Perhaps your team at work can help take some of the load off, or your children can run a few errands or take care of the yard work for you.

Ultimately, the best way to save time is to really analyze what is important to you and what tasks you can afford to cut out of your routine. By organizing and prioritizing, you might just find you have some extra time to kill.

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