Stress and Time Management

I can't remember (and am too lazy to go back and look) if I have mentioned that I am majoring in Psychology with a minor in English. As part of my Psychology 101 mid-term, we were to write a four page paper (half a page per chapter) on stress and what we learned from the first eight chapters to help us manage it better. Ok, I'm not claiming to be an expert, but this introductory Psychology class has made me realize some truths about myself that I had speculated on, but hadn't fully accepted. And one of those things I have been in denial about for the past ten or so years.

I suck at time management. 

There, I said it.

Apparently, I was just riding the Denial Bus thinking I am amazing at managing my time (and stress).  When it comes to getting things done in my personal life I can't balance the things I'm supposed to do in my free time (reading, blog stuff, Netflix) with chores and school work. Hubs hates it because I sometimes forget to do or don't get to things he's asked me to do. And it's become a huge point of stress for me since I often times don't get all the things on my to-do list done.

What did I learn from writing the paper?

Schedule out study time. Detailing each day down to the subject and/or assignments I am working to complete and break times. Having a set routine each day helps your mind and body slide into each section of your day more smoothly. I can do this. It's the sticking to the scheduled plan that gets me every time. Also, being the the right environment to study (or work) is crucial to productivity. Decrease distractions and experiment with your surroundings to find what works best for you.

A lot of my stress comes from what I, or society, perceive to be stressful or uncomfortable. I found that I can change my perception of a task, setting, or activity when I actively change my own mindset about it.

Well how do I form a new habit like that?

Knowing that reactions and habits can be learned, means they can also be unlearned or altered. By taking the necessary steps (1. Specify your target behavior. 2. Gather baseline data. 3. Design a program. 4. Execute your program) to make a plan of change, you can alter almost any habit or reaction. Once the new habit is established, stress around your old habit will diminish. Nothing happens overnight and this is totally easier said than done.

Ok. That is a lot of information. Trust me, I know, but this is only skimming the surface of Psychology and that scares the shit out of me. I have so far to go.

You nailed Albert.

How do you manage your time and stress? I can use all the tips I can get.