Get Organized! Choose the Right CalendarThe most stressful thing about a busy lifestyle is keeping all of your appointments organized. If you've been busy and stressed lately, you may find yourself adding to that stress by missing or being late for appointments, dates, or even jobs. But there is hope! One of the best ways to cut down on the stress of a hectic schedule is to keep a personal calendar. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Choose something portable. If you're rushing around town to get to work, pick up the kids from school and drive them to soccer practice, get to that important dinner meeting, and still make it home in time to watch The Office, the last thing you're going to want is something like a big calendar cluttering up your space. The best answer is to get yourself an assignment notebook (one like your kids may use) or day-planner. These are great because they're small enough to fit into your purse or laptop bag, but big enough to give you ample space in which you can write down all your appointments and due dates.
Keep all related information at-hand. Have you ever caught yourself jotting down a phone number or other important information on a piece of scratch paper you know you're bound to lose? Try getting a calendar with a notes section. Do you often carry around paper, bills, or other loose items? Getting a day-planner with pockets might be a good idea. There are all kinds of different types of calendars out there; make sure the one you get works best for your lifestyle.
Remember your environment and audience. It's easy for notebooks to get lost in the daily shuffle of pages, especially if you live with family or roommates. That's why it's important to keep in mind who will be using the calendar and where it will be used. If your kids use similar assignment notebooks to the one you do, make sure to get one with a cover that will stand out. If the papers on your desk have a tendency to pile up, get one that is easy to recognize underneath a mountain of work.
Experiment! Use colored markers or stickers to signify important events. Go over your schedule at the beginning and end of the week. Use different colored pens for tasks to be performed at home as opposed to at work. Personalize your calendar and have some fun!