This blog post is going to share with you the benefits of list making and 15 lists that will help you get your life together.
As a mom, my life can sometimes feel like an open internet browser with 3941 open tabs running at all times. Having an organized calendar, consistent routines and structures can really help. However, there is one thing that has completely changed my life in terms of mental organization.
Making lists.
Back when I started learning about bullet journaling, I started getting in the habit of making lists. I would whip out my notebook and just start making running lists of things going on in my mind. This did two things for me; one, it helped my mind calm down and leave me to feel more grounded in the day to day. two, it gave me more time.
Over the years I have cultivated a list of the lists that make life feel more balanced and organized and I am going to share 15 of them with you. Before I do that, I want to tell you some of the health and wellbeing benefits that making lists can do for you.
The benefits of making lists:
Mindfulness and Present Moment Awareness. When making lists, you engage in a form of mindfulness. You become present in the moment as you assess your tasks and intentions. This mindfulness helps prevent the mind from wandering into future worries or past regrets, promoting a sense of calm and contentment.
Stress Reduction through Organization. Organizing your thoughts into lists creates a sense of order in your life. This organization minimizes the stress that can come from feeling overwhelmed by an ever-growing to-do list. Having a clear plan helps you prioritize tasks, making them feel more manageable and achievable.
Reduced Mental Clutter and Anxiety. The act of making lists allows you to transfer your thoughts from your mind onto paper or a digital device. This simple action helps declutter your mind, providing a sense of relief from mental chaos. By externalizing your thoughts, you free up mental space, reducing anxiety and promoting a clearer, calmer state of mind.
Enhanced Focus and Productivity. Lists serve as roadmaps for your day, breaking down tasks into actionable steps. This structured approach enhances your focus and productivity. As you check off items on your list, you experience a sense of accomplishment that boosts your mood and motivation to tackle the next task.
Avenue for Creative Expression. Lists are not limited to tasks; they can also include ideas, goals, dreams, and more. This flexibility provides an avenue for creative expression and self-discovery. By listing your aspirations and interests, you engage in a positive, self-affirming activity that fosters a sense of purpose.
Okay, now that you know the benefits of making lists, I want to help set you up with the proper tools for list making.
I suggest using a spiral notebook, something small that you don’t mind carrying around with you. I personally am obsessed with the Bando spiral notebooks, they feel so good to write in and I love that they can lay flat and sit with just one page open. As I got more into making lists, I switched over to a disc bound spiral notebook.
Here’s how to set up your lists:
Grab your notebook and make a title page for each list. You can even make a directory at the front of your notebook with a numbered list and then use post it tabs to label each page with the number associated.
15 lists that will help organize your life:
Monthly intentions. I like to set intentions for the month ahead that help give my month clarity and focused direction. ( ex. gym 3 times per week, more meal planning, etc. ) I also list out the affirmations I’m currently working with to reprogram my subconscious mind.
Things to buy. I keep a running list of things I need to get.
Master to-do list. Anything I need to get done, goes on this list.
Spending list. I like to keep a list of what I spend on during the month so I can pay attention to my spending.
Recipe list. I like to include things I want to try or make.
Things to clean out / declutter. Each area of the home you need to tackle goes down on the list so you can check it off when you’re done.
Inventory list. Toilet paper, paper towels, supplies, etc.
Appointments to make list. Any and all appointments need to go on this list. Dump your brain with all the things you need to schedule in.
Fitness plan. Make your monthly goals around your health and wellness.
Emails/Cards/Notes to send. This always helps me to remember birthdays for the month or just to make sure I stay in touch with long distance friends.
Errands to run.
Bills to pay.
Books to read/shows to watch.
Restaurants to try/ places to check out. This will always help when you need to find a place to go to dinner, especially if you want to try new places.
Things to manifest. This might be my favorite list. Keep a running list of anything and everything that you want to manifest into your life. It really helps to write it down and act as if you just put an order into the universe.
Listen to this episode of the Blissfully Ambitious podcast where I break down each list more specifically for you. Hope you enjoy.
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