While answering emails at work the other day I suddenly realized that I have a lot to get through over the next six months that includes moving and a Thesis/Capstone project research trip (and begin work on said project) and finding a new job and my last class and keep this blog updated and look for some freelance work to help pay for those trips abroad . . . and freaking moving . . .

*cue breathing into a paper bag*

Or, as it happens, make a cup of tea and work on a plan that will help keep me from dropping the ball on anything and panicking at the last minute. There’s also the day-to-day stuff to consider, like housework and appointments that don’t seem quite as important until they don’t get done.

First thing I needed to do was make a comprehensive All The Big Things list with deadlines, and then break down those main tasks into smaller bites that can be accomplished at a manageable pace. As much as I am a fan of working in Google Drive for pretty much everything, when it comes to lists I feel better when I actually write things down on paper.

Next step was making sure I had a planner that fit my needs.

In November I took a bus with some friends to NYC and had the chance to visit this awesome bookshop at Rockefeller Center called Posman Books where I picked up a planner that spoke to my book-loving heart, and the size is perfect for taking with me everywhere. Over the years I have purchased all sorts of planners and even drew out my own in bullet journals, but when given the chance I will overload it with unnecessary details that makes it confusing, so I decided to go back to a simple layout where I write down the important stuff, and leave the everyday tasks (it’s time to do laundry again?) for the Rocketbook Wave reusable notebook my step-son gave me for Christmas. Once I have the chance to use it (and the smaller Everlast notebook) and figure out the tricks, I might write a post because they are pretty cool so far!

One thing I should mention is that I hate making mistakes and having to cross things out when I fill in a planner, so I invested in a variety-color pack of the Pilot FriXion pens that the Rocketbooks require and it took so much of the stress out of the process for me! They’re erasable! Of course, don’t leave a notebook in a hot car or else risk the ink fading, but otherwise… They work on any paper, so fun colors I can make mistakes with – Perfect!

Then I pulled up good ol’ Netflix and Supernatural played on the telly while I got to work. It was a little slow-going, I got distracted by Castiel a few times, but I have two months done and I feel so much better. When I get the assignments for my class I will add those in, and work on March.

Is the stress still a low-level hum in the background of my brain? Yep, but writing it all down and putting some kind of order to the chaos will make it more manageable, and that’s the most important part for me.

What do you do to manage the stress of a long-term task list?