Time management can be an elusive thing, especially if you are struggling with ADD, ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, stress, or any other conditions that can impair your ability to plan. This struggle can add to your growing list of stressors and in turn exacerbate them, creating a negative cycle that can keep you both unproductive and feeling down. However, the opposite can also be true. Your ability to flex this muscle, can have a tremendously positive impact on your overall mental health. As a new season approaches, it seems fitting to address this issue, and move toward a brighter time (; Here are some things that you can do to help you get into a healthy, functional planning routine:

Set up a daily schedule for planning and review:

• It will work best to set aside the same time each day to complete this review and planning time.
• Look over your calendar and plans for the day’s activities.
• Make any changes that may be needed for the day. This can be based on things you were able to accomplish previously, or new activities or priorities that may have come up, etc.

Set up a weekly schedule for planning and review:

• Review the previous week’s activities. Reflect on things that worked, things that may have been less helpful, and what you can implement going forward that will be most helpful toward accomplishing your goals and tasks.
• Make sure to review any scheduled activities or appointments for the week. If you are using additional applications as reminders, take this time to enter this information. Make any adjustments or confirm as needed.
• Note any tasks that need to be prioritized for the week, based on goals and commitments; and plan the time you will set aside to complete these tasks.
• Unspecified tasks and errands can be scheduled into the other times available during the week at this time as well.

Happy Planning!