{"id":12198,"date":"2025-02-20T04:14:08","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T09:14:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/professional-organizer.com\/WordPress\/?p=12198"},"modified":"2025-02-13T22:26:23","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T03:26:23","slug":"how-to-create-and-use-margin-in-your-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/professional-organizer.com\/WordPress\/how-to-create-and-use-margin-in-your-life\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create and Use Margin In Your Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Busy times dominate our lives. Being busy is comforting and can help relieve anxiety, but it can also be a stressor. \u00a0When you have back to back schedules that require a high level of transition between activities, you can also feel fragmented. That is when building margin into your life is appealing.<\/p>\n

Creating a margin in your life means intentionally building space and time within your schedule for rest, reset, and recharge. By creating a buffer you are prioritizing your goals and projects as well as proactively working on your self-care.<\/p>\n

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Data gathering<\/p>\n

A change like adding margin comes with pitfalls and it is wise to address obstacles. The most successful changes happen when you start small<\/a>. Think of the smallest way you can change your habit of too much to do or too little time for transitions. Is it a matter of thinking about how much time it takes? Gather data with a timer. Have you thought about the times you need more margin? Could you make a small simple change that makes a big difference?<\/p>\n

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Prioritizing<\/p>\n

The best plan begins by knowing what to prioritize. First, prioritize self-care to be sure you are best equipped for your productivity. Setting a bedtime and adhering to an exercise routine are the best priorities. Alongside this are ways to connect and projects that have meaning. You define these priorities in a way that gives you time for thought, that being by spending time in solitude, reflecting and processing with someone, or journaling. A once-a-year reflection works well because priorities change.<\/p>\n

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Time blocking<\/p>\n

Time blocking<\/a> is a popular tool for calendaring and planning. You can block time for projects as a boundary for breaks and margin. Be sure to set adequate time by doubling the time you think the project will take.<\/p>\n

There are other time blocks that can help you with margin. Build in travel and transition time in time blocks. That is time that is allocated for traveling between locations which allows for traffic snarls and gathering items to get in the car. Set a preparation time block the evening before that is for making breakfast and lunch and setting out your clothes for the next day. \u00a0Whatever you find makes you stressed or run late, set a time block to help you manage that activity.<\/p>\n

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Mindful mantras<\/p>\n

Every plan needs good execution. Do you hit snooze when your alarm goes off? Do you delay that reminder task when it rings? \u00a0To execute your plan for margin you must have a strong \u201cwhy\u201d behind your plan. Being mindful<\/a> of that concept brings your plan into reality.<\/p>\n

Mantras are helpful here to help you remember to be more consistent in your plan.<\/p>\n