Everything you need to know about time blocking 🕰️

So, there you are, with a whole list of errands and tasks running through your head. But when to do what? Should you run errands in the morning, after picking up the kids, or after finishing work? And what about cooking and cleaning? Do you even have any downtime today??? 😱 You’re standing there confused, and it’s not even 8 am yet. Congratulations 🤝, you’ve joined the club of potential time blockers! Have you heard of the time blocking technique? Allow me to explain it to you. Let’s goooooo!

What is time blocking?

cue the monotonous professor voice

Time blocking is a time management technique that involves dividing your day into blocks of time and planning specific tasks or activities for each block. This helps to prevent distractions and increase focus by allowing you to fully engage in one task at a time, without worrying and getting overwhelmed about what you need to do next. What this does is eliminate the decision paralysis that happens when you don’t know what to do next, because everything is laid out in blocks before you!

How it works ⬇️

You can make a layout yourself in a notebook or use my template. Look at your to-do list and figure out the best time to tackle each task. Color code a block, write down what you’re going to do, and then move on to the next one! By the end, you’ll have a clear overview of what you’re going to do for the (next) day, or even the week if you’re planning on a Sunday evening (look at you being prepared 😎).

You know the paradox of multitasking? We, women, can multitask without batting an eye (yes, that’s a flex 💅). But actually, it can be counterproductive because your attention is split between different things. You end up either frustrated or with half-finished projects. With the time blocking technique, you make sure that you’re focused on finishing one thing before moving on to the next. This saves brain energy and leaves you with some at the end of the day. Where you at, moms? Don’t we all need this? 😩

Time blocking and ADHD?

We have something going on over here! Time blocking can be an amazing tool for people with ADHD. People with ADHD often have difficulty focusing and are easily distracted. By breaking up the day into smaller blocks of time and focusing on one task at a time, time blocking can help to get around distractions and gain more focus.

Also, planning blocks of time for different tasks can reduce feelings of anxiety and impulsiveness. You’re actually taking the guesswork out of what to do, and that relieves a ton of stress! We all need structure and a sprinkle of organization in our lives, and this is a great way to do it! ✨

But… Don’t overdo it 😶

Oh, the ambitious people we are. I’d like to call us ambitious optimists! It’s very easy to cram our schedule with everything we need to do, without allowing for breaks or miscalculations. It’s a common mistake!

This is a gentle reminder that if you want to stop feeling disappointed and overwhelmed after a long day when you’ve completed only half of your schedule, it’s important to adjust your expectations. Remember, it’s better to accomplish fewer tasks well (and feel good about yourself!) than to rush through everything, leaving you frazzled at the end of the day and not productive at all. So, when planning your day(s), be generous with the time you set aside for each task. And schedule in that walk to clear your mind every now and then! Thank me later! 👊

Customize it to fit your life 💃

If a certain part of your day is particularly busy or you have a work project that needs focus, you can adjust your schedule’s time blocks. This time blocking schedule comes with a blank one as well, so you can fill in your own times. Whether you want to use it for a few hours or just one hour and divide it into smaller increments, the world is your oyster! This way of planning is very flexible, and I 🫶 that. Whip it out whenever you want and need it!

Find what works for you!

I want to end on the note that this technique is not a one-size-fits-all thing. Try it for yourself to see if it’s your next ride or die. For some, it’s a life saver; for others, it’s a 🫤 and they move on to something else. And that’s okay, because we’re here to manage our time better, figure things out, and take care of ourselves! 🫸🫷

Until next time!

Lots of love,
Maya