“I don’t think I can fit one more thing to my schedule.” When you’re already on the verge of burnout, a new fitness routine can feel like the thing that will push you over the edge. Even eating healthy can feel like one more, heavy thing on the To-Do list.

I don’t want you to feel like you’re adding more to your list. That’s why, when I work with clients, the first thing I do is help them streamline their schedules. Because a healthy lifestyle isn’t sustainable if you feel like it’s adding to your stress. A successful, sustainable, healthy lifestyle involves delegation, multitasking, and setting boundaries. And once I guide my clients through the process, they should feel like there’s less on their list.

If your schedule is so packed that you can’t find time to make the healthy changes you want to make, you can start by trying these 5 streamlining tips:

1: Clarify what you want on your schedule

When you define how you really want to spend your time, it gives you a clear goal to strive for and it keeps you motivated. Why do you do the things you do? How do they make you feel? What do you want to free up time for? Give yourself something to focus your schedule around.

2: Cut the fat… from your calendar

Look at everything that you did during March. If you have a calendar that you use, look at it. Now cross off everything that didn’t need to happen by you. Next, cross off everything that didn’t need to happen at all. Finally, cross off the things you did because you thought you should do it, not because you wanted to do it.

Now look ahead to April and ask the same three questions. Of course there are things that will stay on your list even though you don’t have to do them or don’t want to do them. But we both know that there are multiple things on your calendar that you can either say no to or delegate. Which leads me to…

3: Delegate and automate

It’s not just that your schedule is full of things that you’re doing out of a sense of obligation. It’s also that your schedule is full of things that you don’t need to be doing. As an achiever, it can be really hard to let go of a task believing that it won’t get done as well as if you did it. Or worse, it might not get done at all. But more often than not, those tasks will get done and be fine. 

You might also balk at the idea of hiring help, but trust me, that discomfort will disappear the minute that task is off your plate. Hire someone to do your laundry, mow your lawn, or walk your dog. Hire a virtual assistant to handle your email and spreadsheets, and book your calls.

Think of the daily/weekly task that you hate doing the most. And outsource it.

4: Define your boundaries

Are you particular with what you say yes to? It’s very, very easy to get into a pattern of saying yes to everything. But is it worth it? We’ve all had the school function that we agreed to volunteer at even though we were already over-extend. And the end result isn’t good. Details are missed, things don’t get done, and in the end, our efforts weren’t really that helpful.

Instead of saying yes to all the things, start saying yes to the things that are good for you, your family, and your livelihood. Let that be your boundary. And if you struggle with discerning in-the-moment if you have time for a task, you can always respond with,  “I’ll get back to you.” Then you’ll have time to make an informed decision.

5: Don’t be afraid to reschedule

Even after you learn how to streamline your schedule, you’ll still have days where you’re underwater. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or overstressed, look at your to-do list and  cancel, delegate, or reschedule anything that can go—but at least one thing. Removing even a single item can help you to feel like you’re more in control of your schedule. 

Self care without sacrifice!

If you’re ready to streamline your schedule and make time for your health, schedule a call with me. I know how to make things fit. That’s why one of my taglines is “Self care without sacrifice.” Taking care of your health won’t add to your to-do list. You already eat, you already sleep, and you already move. All I want to do is show you how to change how you’re doing it. 

A healthy lifestyle is more than physical health. It’s also about choosing the things that enhance your mental and emotional health. So let’s streamline your schedule. Let’s find healthy foods that you love. Let’s choose exercises that you enjoy. And let’s learn to delegate, multitask, and create boundaries. If you’re ready to do that, then give me a call! I'm ready to talk to you about it.