Balancing life

My life is hectic. Attempting to find a balance between work, social occasions, being healthy, and time to myself, is shattering. Some days I knowingly keep my phone on do not disturb, to avoid all contact with the world. We are all placed under extreme deadlines in various situations, which makes us feel like we have non of our shi*t together. I have an extreme problem with organisation, I don't go to the supermarket without a list of ingredients, and I most definitely can NOT leave my room unless everything is perfect for my return (yes that does include lining up towels). So as you can imagine, I have a hard time scheduling everything into my day to day routines, without getting flustered and over thinking simple solutions. To help me conquer a busy week, I have come up with some tips which help make life less about stress; and more about enjoyment. Hopefully these can help you once or twice down the line.

The biggest thing I'm the worst at, is failing to park correctly. I don't mean parallel parking (although I'm not too good at that either), I mean reading signs which indicate: how much parking is, where I can actually park, and what time I need to be gone by. I have had a few (or more) parking fines than the average person because of this, and after a long day of keeping up with our lifestyle choices, walking back to your car with yellow plastic sticking between the window wipers is not ideal. My tip for this is to, mostly read the sign (lol) but also, make sure you always have change in your car. A couple of times, I have been late to my lectures or job, because I have no coins to immediately pay for my parking. Which results in me running around, finding a cash point etc etc.

I now change £10 into coins weekly, so I am never flustered when it comes to having a couple of quid in demand. This has helped my life so much! From getting to a drive thru and finding out apple pay isn't working, or walking into a shop which only accepts cash... at least I have a back up. I would actively try this if you don't already, you would be surprised how such a little thing can help.


Another great tip which has been helping me lately, is to plan my meals for the week! I only do it roughly, so I have an idea each day what I'm going to eat, and what I need to buy in my weekly shop. This also helps me eat healthy, and stick to it. If I know I have nothing in, I will end up out for tea, or simply eat rubbish because I 'can't be bothered'. I live with my boyfriend, so making food together is a fun process. I normally make double of everything, so my lunch is sorted the next day (which is always helpful if you're rushing about.) Try it!

Here is my favourite meal prep box! You can find various ones, but for me, I need various compartments. So this one is perfect. 

Like I previously stated, I live with my boyfriend, so planning to see him naturally happens. But I have never been one to put my boyfriend before my friends or vice versa. I love to see them equally, and luckily for me, we share a similar friendship group. I always see my friends, at least twice a week. For coffee on a day off, or on the weekend for food. Although it's not always easy to fit in the social aspect, I always thank myself later for doing so. Weeks where I deprive myself of those little luxuries are always my worst and most boring weeks. However, if you aren't as fortunate as me, and don't have a flexible social circle, or live too far away from your friends: Then make sure you priorities time for yourself, no matter how busy your schedule is. 

Get yourself a diary! This might seem like an obvious decision, but so many people don't have one. I have an organiser which I can not go anywhere without. It has a section for my finances, meetings, to do notes, the list goes on. This helps me plan my week, and writing it down helps me see if I'm going to be too flustered. It is a little saviour of mine and contains everything I need to know. It stops me from also missing out on anyone's birthday, or anniversary etc. This is mine, obviously it's pink, but that's just me. They do them in various colours and I could not recommend them enough. This will be the third year of using mine, and touch wood, but I haven't missed ANYTHING I have needed to do.

Hopefully my little tips help you, and keep life a little less stress infused. I am no expert in keeping calm, believe me. But I heard a 'motto' a few years ago, 'if it's not going to matter in 10 years, don't spend 10 minute worrying about it' which could not be more true. Another little beauty is, 'If you've got time to panic about it, you've got time to fix it.' 

Good luck!

Tamara x