Tip Tuesday – Tips for Staying Sane During the Busy Fall

Do you feel it? The air is a bit cooler at night, and the fall rush has commenced. Even though it has been years since I have been in school, I still feel the anticipation that rolls around after Labor Day arrives. It seems like there is a renewed sense of urgency in the air when September arrives.

Fall can bring about angst, but there are ways to stay sane as we approach the holidays. Here are a few tips to help you navigate and rev up for what seems like the busiest time of the year.

1. Update your calendar. I may sound like a broken record, but not using or LOOKING at your calendar (and please tell me you only have one calendar!) is the road to disaster. This time of year is crazy with activities and events, and if you don’t have them in your calendar, you are going to overbook and miss important events.
2. Say no. We are a YES generation. Our society has taught us that more is more, and saying ‘yes’ is best. But it’s time to start saying ‘no’. Whenever you are asked to attend an event or schedule an activity, look back at your goals. Making sure the task is in line with your goals and time commitments will make it easier for you to say no.
3. Plan ahead. Remember when you were in school and you had a major project due? To complete your project you needed to note your due date and work backwards. You can do the same thing now. It will allow you to plan out your time so you aren’t stressed out over getting something completed on time. Using your calendar to map out time to ensure that you are inching closer to the end will make you and everyone else around you much happier.

This time of year can be stressful, or it can be enjoyable. As New Englanders, it’s time that we ENJOY these post-summer months. Go apple picking, schedule a time to drive to see the foliage, or simply sit on your patio and drink a hot cup of apple cider.

How do you stay sane during this busy time of year?

Photo: Country Living