Time Blocking: Throw out your to-do list!

What is it?

It’s magic! Time Blocking is a way to breakdown your day into blocks of time (just like it sounds!). Each “block” is dedicated to a different set of tasks. This allows you to throw out your mile long to-do list and start your day with a schedule of exactly what needs to be done and when. During each block, you can forget about all the other little things and focus on just what you need to do during that block.

How will it work for you?

Do you work full time? Are you a stay-at-home mom? Are you a student? This method can work for ANYONE! You can break up your time blocks in any way that works for you, and tackle the tasks that matter most to you. Using the alarm app on your phone can also help you know when to switch between blocks. Bonus: it also allows you to block in time to relax! All you need is a way to write/type out your schedule and a few minutes to plan your day. (And I got one of those covered for you at the end of this post!)

How to set it up

Here is an example of one way you could use this method. Basically, you want to break your day down into manageable time chunks, 2 or 3 hours at a time. If you work full time, your day may look a little like mine. If you are at home most of the day, you might swap out one of my blocks for an “Errands” block or a “Housework” block.

You can make your own with this editable version that you can download for FREE! Just click the black “Download” button here!

Download

I like to sit down on a Saturday or Sunday when I get a few minutes and work out my schedules for every day of the upcoming week. They stay mostly the same, but I can easily add in tasks or take some out. I also like to set timers for the ends of each block so I know to switch to my next block.

My favorite part about this kind of schedule is that if I finish my tasks for that block before the block is over, I can just chill out! I can scroll through Instagram or go play with my dog Mabel! And if you can’t quite finish all your tasks in the time of one block, you can always find ways to squeeze them into another block. Just keep that in mind and adjust your blocks accordingly next time that task comes around.

If this sounds like something that could change how you do to-do’s, let me know! Comment below or come on over to @pinetreesandpaperclips on Instagram and show me how you block out your time! I’m so excited to see the unique schedules and methods you all use!

Make Time For Yourself: Scheduling Self-Care

We all need self-care. Self-care is a way for us to reset and relax. When we don’t take time for ourselves, we can start to become overwhelmed, overworked, and stressed.

Self-care is such a broad term. Some people consider simple things like taking a bath to be adequate self-care, where others may consider that only a daily task that doesn’t benefit their mental health.

Whatever you consider self-care, you probably know that it can be hard to make time for yourself. You may want to spend some time on yourself, but just can’t find time between work schedules, housework, and other obligations. So how are you supposed to de-stress and unwind?

SCHEDULE IT!

We all have a schedule of one kind or another, whether its written down in a fancy planner or just stored in the back of our minds. Rearrange that schedule to make time for yourself. Write it down if you have to, to have a visual reminder. You can also plan ahead and decide what you want to do for self-care for the rest of the week!

Especially with the stressors we have in 2020, it is important to make self-care a priority! Find other tasks in your day that may not need to get done right away, and replace them with self-care. Instead of vacuuming as soon as you get home from work, spend some time reading a book you love or taking a walk and listening to your favorite songs. Replace 30, or even just 10 minutes of the time you usually spend cleaning up to do something for yourself. You can even use your daily commute for self-care and listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks that make you happy.

Use my bright and happy Self-Care Planner to plan your own self-care for the week!

Self-Care ScheduleDownload

Ideas for Quick Self-care

There are so many things that can be self-care and can help you feel less stressed and more energized that you may not even consider to be self care.

Things like going to bed on time, trying new hair or skin care products, or eating a good, healthy breakfast can all help you change up your daily schedule and add a little more energy back into your day.

Some other ideas for self-care that can take 10 minutes or less are:

1. Calling a friend or planning an outing with friends
2. Reading a chapter in a book
3. Journaling about your day
4. Playing with a pet
5. Meditating or just focusing on taking deep breaths
6. Look through old pictures on Facebook or in a photo album
7. Change into sweats or pajamas
8. Painting your nails
9. Drinking more water
10. Read an article on Goodnewsnetwork.org

Let me know in the comments what you are planning to do for yourself this week!

Hello, and welcome!

Hi! I’m Bailey and you have found Pine Trees & Paper Clips!

This blog is all about organization, time management, de-clutter, home improvement, and other similar topics. I offer modern solutions for centuries-old problems using schedules, lists, and other free resources. Plus, I have the inside scoop on products that will change the way you do your daily routines!

I have created other blogs in the past, mostly just as a journal for myself to remember what was going on in my life at the time. This is my first time offering my knowledge in an area that I feel like I excel in. I combine the Southern perspective, as we have always done housework a little differently down here, and a technology-based core to help you find new ways to have more time for yourself, your family, and your hobbies.

During the week, I am a full-time speech therapist at one of two nursing homes in central Mississippi. I adore my sweet patients, and I’ve honestly learned so much from them about ways to keeping a happy and fun home. My husband is in medical school, so I take a lot of pride in “holding down the fort” and supporting him while he studies and works hard. I am a bit embarrassed to admit, though, that he does almost all of the cooking. He enjoys it and is much better than I am at cooking. Hence, why this is not a recipe blog, although I may steal a few from him to share here and there!

I plan to post once or twice a week, and most topics will include free printable resources to allow you to try my techniques in your own home! I hope you all enjoy getting to know me and learning how to have a happy home with lots of time for family!