3 Signs That You Are Too Busy

This week has started off on an unorganized note for me. I mean, here I am just now getting this blog post out when I should have had it written over the weekend!

I have felt behind for a while now, and I have been wondering why I can’t get my act together. After thinking about this for a bit I realized it was because I am too busy. Even though I try to say no to many things and do my best to keep from being overloaded, I sometimes find myself more busy than I’d like to be.

I try to give myself grace sometimes because life just happens. Things come up that we can’t anticipate but have to deal with just the same.

So, how did I realize I was too busy?

Here are a few signs:

1. I woke up dreading the week.

This morning I woke up and, as usual, mentally ran down my calendar thinking about all that I had going on this week. When I thought about all I needed to do, I just wanted to crawl back under the covers. I realized it was too much and that I’d not be able to do the things I really want to do.

With school coming to a close, there are several events going on that I have no control over, however I must be present for them. Also, I have a committee meeting requiring work on my part, a dentist appointment, and need to take my car in for an oil change. All this on top of working 2 1/2 days and taking care of my home.

This may not seem like a lot to you, but I like to have white space, a place to breathe so I don’t feel so overloaded.

2. I’m not able to get the important things done.

For me as a wife and mother, I have several tasks and responsibilities that I consider to be more important than anything else I do. Quiet time with God, planning and preparing meals, doing laundry, taking care of our home, and spending time with my husband and kids are priority for me.

I know I’m getting too busy when these activities must be put on hold because I’ve got too much else to do. I let the urgent take over the important.

3. I am short tempered.

When my calendar gets overloaded, I get frustrated. I’m mainly frustrated with myself for either accepting too many responsibilities or not planning well for events over which I have no control.

When I get frustrated, then it doesn’t take much for me to lose my temper and use angry words with people. Usually it’s my family that gets the angry words.

I’m much more peaceful and calm when my schedule is adequately updated and I have a plan in place to take care of my responsibilities.

So what am I going to do now?

First, I’m going to take a deep breath.

Next, I’m going to fill in my schedule for the week and see what really needs to get done. I know I can get the important things done if I put them first.

Then, I’m going to take one day at a time and do what I can that day. I’ll make sure to include downtime that will allow me to recharge and be ready to tackle the rest of my responsibilities.

Finally, I’ll evaluate what I can do better in the future to keep me from being too busy.