Potential Magazine Fall 2015 - Florida Edition | Page 27

Don’t Take on Too Much
Biting off more than you can chew can lead to increased stress.
There is a simple solution. Learn to identify what you really want
and need to do, and if you have ample time and resources to do it
and do it well. When you’ve reached your limit, don’t accept any
additional obligations. Learn to say no.

The hectic schedules that surround going back
to school—and the nine months that follow—can
cause real chaos and unnecessary stress in your
household. Follow these tips for getting and
staying organized to ensure you’ve got the time
and energy you need to keep your family focused
and un-frazzled.

Establish a Routine
Variety may be the spice of life, but establishing a regular routine
can help your household operate more efficiently. There’s no
one way that’s right for every family, but once you find the
rhythm and flow that works for you, stick with it. Set a time that
everyone needs to be out of bed each morning, and try to allow
time for a quick, healthy family breakfast. Designate a homework
and study session each afternoon. Enforce appropriate bedtimes
for younger students, to ensure they get enough sleep. Consider
placing a whiteboard or chalkboard in the kitchen or mudroom
that outlines the day’s schedule, so every family member knows
what to expect and, remember, make time for diner together.

Visit potentialmagazine.com to find advice on gracefully declining.

According to WebMD,

75-90 %

of all doctor’s office visits are for
stress-related ailments and complaints,
that can lead to health issues like
headaches, high blood
pressure, heart
problems,
diabetes, skin
conditions,
arthritis,
depression and
anxiety.

Create a Schedule
Whether you use a paper planner or a smart phone app, take five
minutes each day to add events and deadlines to your calendar
and to review the items already there. On Sunday evenings, take
a look at the week ahead so you don’t get surprised. If using an
app, take advantage of the alert and reminder functions. You’ll be
better able to stick to your routine and avoid schedule conflicts.
It’s also helpful to work from a daily to-do list that you keep
handy, so you can refer to it often.

Plan ahead and put all important school
calendar dates on your and your family
members’ calendars. ­
—Cheri Love, mother of 4

Look out for our
upcoming College
Organizer—containing
everything you need to
know about getting into
and paying for college.

All Together
You can put your plan in motion, but the entire family has to be
on board to keep it going. Encourage your spouse and kids to use
a calendar and daily to-do lists too.

We have one big paper calendar with
everyone’s schedule posted in the
kitchen so everyone can see it.
— Jennifer Chambliss, mother of 5
Have a “school supply” drawer in
a common area to stash
extra pens, paper,
glue-sticks, pencils, etc.
Go ahead and stock
up now while items
are at “back to
school” sale prices.

sup
ply

TIP

—Cheri Love,
mother of 4

www.potentialmagazine.com

PHOTOGR APHY BY
ERIKA TR ACY

27