Lists, lists, lists – it seems like you have a million of them going all at once. Shopping lists, work priority lists, household to-do lists, lists to keep track of other lists! While lists can keep you organized and focused, they can also feed your stress and anxiety when they get out of control.
Today, set aside the papers documenting your tasks, appointments and reminders and instead focus on a new kind of to-do list: one that is just for fun!
Creative Journaling Through Free-Writing
1. Start by reflecting on how you usually use lists in your everyday life. What purpose do they serve? How do they help or harm your productivity and mood? Write a few sentences in your personal journal to get your thoughts flowing. For example:
I have a small notebook where I write lists of things I need to remember: errands to do, phone calls to make, things to buy at the store, etc. Writing reminders for myself is helpful because I am very forgetful, but I do feel overwhelmed sometimes when I look at everything I’m trying to accomplish in a day!
2. Now imagine your ideal to-do list for a day you have free to devote to anything that made you feel happy, relaxed and creative. How would you spend your time? Spend 10 minutes free-writing ideas in your journal. For example:
• Reading mystery novels
• Playing chess or cards
• Working on DIY home projects
• Writing snail-mail letters
• Creative journaling or sketching in my garden
3. Look over what you wrote. What do you find enjoyable about these activities? How are they different from your regular to-do list tasks? Explore these ideas more in your journal. For example:
A lot of my fun “to-dos” are quiet, meditative or reflective. My hectic schedule doesn’t always allow for a lot of downtime, so I crave just being able to read or write or putter around the house. It’s relaxing for me to have time where I am not feeling rushed or pressured.
4. Brainstorm ways you can merge your fun to-do list with your day-to-day schedule. Write out a sample weekly plan for yourself where you leave time for more fun. For example:
Monday: Game night
Tuesday: Finishing the planter box I started building
Wednesday: Mystery book club
What is on your fun to-do list? Share your favorites in the comments!