Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Anxiety and Time Management

Before I start can I just say that this post truly is the fruit of embracing the struggle and figuring out what works for me. I’m inspired by the prayer of the Apostles in Acts 4 where they ask, in the Name of Jesus (see Catechism of the Catholic Church 2666), not for comfort but for boldness. I find that so curious knowing that, when I ask another to pray for me, I usually ask them to pray for an increase of peace (but I think we sometimes use “peace” and “easy” interchangeably) and that all might go well with whatever the situation is: I want that cushion of comfort! But we’ve heard it again and again: we were made for more. More than comfort, more than ease. We were made for greatness! And greatness, I think, starts with simplicity.

Simple doesn’t mean easy. I’ve noticed with myself that I tend to overthink things. I get overwhelmed easily by thoughts of “I can’t”, “I don’t know how” and “Ugh, when?”.  It’s hard to figure out the right priorities and, in the end, absolutely nothing gets done. If I’m going to be productive in anything - from household chores to a prayer life to a social life to a professional life, I find I do best when I have even the simplest of structures to live up to. (Yes, I do use Marie Kondo’s method in my bedroom.) So time management and a little bit of structure, you ask?



At this point in my life, as a single young woman, I’ve found it helpful for both me and my bank account to simply prioritize ONE THING a day and do that one thing well. “Be who you are,” said some Saint or another (really all of them), “and be that well”.

My Monday Priority is listening to podcasts. My favorites (because I know you’re wondering) are Abiding TogetherThe Gathering Place with Blessed Is SheThe Lila Rose ShowThe Show with Edmund MitchellSinners’ Take and Do Something Beautiful with Leah DarrowI will absolutely listen to podcasts Tuesday-Sunday as well but, for whatever reason, Monday is the only day that I remember to check for new episodes so that is when the downloads happen. I will take a look at the length of each episode I choose to download and keep that in the back of my mind throughout the week depending on what’s going on and what I have time for.

My Tuesday Priority is going to the grocery store for snacks and lunch items (keeping the lunches few because I prefer leftovers). 

My Wednesday Priority is cleaning bathrooms/showers. This one is easily my least favorite — surrrrrrprise, I know — but, in the interest of cleanliness, I believe that consistency is more important than perfectionism. 

And so on and so forth. 

Oh, and on weekends I spend as much time outdoors as I can. (I’m writing this on a Saturday, sitting outside in my own backyard on a picnic blanket sipping iced tea. It’s totally simple, friends, but if I were typing this inside I would feel isolated.)

Obviously, if something that’s time sensitive comes up then you should use common sense and adjust your priorities but I will say that this little bit of structure has helped me be more productive, a better housemate, and a happier person. I will also say that I expect these priorities to shift slightly throughout the seasons (seasons of life, yes, but I’m actually thinking of the four seasons). I live in Northern VA and, come Winter time, the outdoor priority is far less likely to happen. Instead I’ll start dreaming of moving to SoCal (don’t be alarmed if you see a stranger with blonde hair and a sweet smile playing guitar or violin on the beach). In all seriousness, going forward I’m thinking I’ll get a monthly gym membership because moving your body is SO IMPORTANT for coping with anxiety and, at least for me, it really doesn’t happen as much when it’s cold outside.

In my opinion, the trickiest part of this is accountability. DO NOT USE YOURSELF, especially if you know that you struggle with isolation. Ask someone - a family member, friend, mentor (ask God to provide someone, especially if you feel lost. Prayer is not magic but He will provide and it might not be exactly how you are expecting) — to help keep you accountable. Invite them along and you can be their accountability partner, too.

There’s a little catch here that I think can oftentimes trip us up. Your accountability partner does not first have to be a “good friend”. Perhaps a deeper friendship will blossom from keeping each other accountable. Remember: friendships have to start somewhere. Perhaps a specific purpose at the very beginning will help you become better friends without you even realizing what’s happening!

Whatever you’ve got going on in your life right now, own your season. Choose one thing a day and do it well. Personally, I think that’s a better idea than sitting around overwhelmed by the idea of it all and getting nothing done, amiright? 

You can do this! I believe in you. Follow the example of the Apostles and live boldly — starting in your own home.