Rush Hour

Time management can cause major stress.  There are a number of things you can do to help alleviate that stress.  I am in the process of preparing for a gathering in my home that requires quite a bit of coordination.  I had a similar event last year and was so stressed out by the time the event happened that I was not able to fully appreciate the festivities.  I told myself that I would never let that happen again.  Since that time I have given the organization of that event a lot of thought and came up with a few tips that I am using for this event which will make it smooth sailing for me.  Here is what I have put into place.

Planning ahead requires a lot of thought, so to make that transition easy here are a few tips you can benefit from to help you through that rush and time crunch.  All of this has to do with better Time Management.

• Make a List and Check it Twice!
• Always make a check list for you to monitor your tasks to complete for the event
• Always check it to cross off what has been completed so you know what still needs to be done
• Before you select the date for the event you might want to do a little research.
• Go on the internet and check the weather for that date.  Even if it might be an indoor event, you still want your guests to be able to arrive safely without too many obstacles (rain/snow etc.)
• If it is a small event (20 or less) give your guests several options for dates that will work.
• Once you have secured the date, do your best not to change it. Changing the date can cause stress on you and also coordinating your guests.
• Plan your time accordingly:
• Try not to schedule anything major the week before the event.
• Block this time off as preparation for the event and try not to let others dictate any time obstacles that will hinder you from managing your time.
• For your benefits, go on the assumption that the event is going to happen the day before it is actually scheduled. 
• Take YOUR time.
• Do things at YOUR pace
• Don't be in a hurry, thus avoiding the "Rush Hour".
• Allow time for contingency plans just in case there is a change.
• Be flexible
• Physically schedule your timeline out for the week (examples)
• Grocery shopping
• Picking up items for the event
• Cleaning
• Running necessary errands

Don't try and do everything in ONE day.  If you apply some of the critical tips it will help you decompress as you go along.  When the day of the event happens, you will be the guest star and be able to enjoy the festivities.