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Time Management
Most caregivers juggle multiple roles and are likely to find that the most precious commodity in their lives is time. You've probably heard how important it is to "take time for yourself," and if you're a caregiver you've probably also wondered how to make that happen on a regular basis.
Here are some suggestions on how to better manage your time to make sure you have time for yourself and the many things you need to do each day.
- Keep an appointment book or calendar available to schedule your day.
- With an appointment book or calendar, you can make "appointments" for all kinds of things ranging from visits to the doctor to doing laundry. You may be surprised how much time you save just by sticking to a schedule.
- If you use a computer, there are many software programs that you can use to set up a schedule. There's a good chance your computer already has this software installed.
- Delegate.
- If someone else in your household has the time and ability to take care of a chore that you usually do, why not ask them to do it for you? If no one in your household can take over a chore, there might be a friend or neighbor willing to help. See the page on How to Communicate Your Needs for links to tips on how to ask for help.
- You may also ask yourself if it would be worthwhile to hire someone to take over one or two of your tasks. Do you do your own yard work? Chances are there is a teenager in the neighborhood who would do at least some of it for a few dollars a week. Do you live in an area with a grocery delivery service? It might be worth a few dollars to have your groceries delivered if it means a free hour or two for yourself.
These are just a few things you can do, but there are literally thousands of books that provide good advice on time management. Do a search for "household time management" at Amazon.com, or ask for books on the topic at your favorite bookstore.