Time Blocking: Not Just For Productivity!
If you follow Take Control ADHD regularly, you’ve no doubt heard the phrase time blocking.
This isn’t a new concept or something I came up with, but it’s a trick I like to share with my clients, podcast listeners, GPS members, and now you!
What is time blocking?
I like the way the people at the popular task management system, Todoist, explain time blocking:
Time blocking is a time management method that asks you to divide your day into blocks of time. Each block is dedicated to accomplishing a specific task, or group of tasks, and only those specific tasks. Instead of keeping an open-ended to-do list of things you’ll get to as you’re able, you’ll start each day with a concrete schedule that lays out what you’ll work on and when.
I love this strategy for task and calendar management. Not only do I recommend it to others, but I use it myself as well. It’s a great way to gate your time during the work day to ensure the work you plan on doing actually gets done.
What about the other hours in the day?
I started to think about the benefit of time blocking for other parts of the day; other activities that are important and can’t be missed. Or, beyond even the other daily necessities, what if we made it a priority to gate or time block personal time or time for self-care?
While I am an ADHD coach who owns an ADHD coaching business and co-hosts an ADHD podcast, I’m here to tell you, your life should not be all about your ADHD or your productivity!
Today I’m here to tell you that taking time away from the hustle and bustle of the every day is just as important as checking off items on your to-do list, and that time should be regularly accounted for!
Guard your free time
The free time on your schedule should not be optional! This time should not be used as an open slot to be filled with more “stuff” to do. Your personal time should be blocked and as non-negotiable as any meeting or project deadline is on your schedule.
It is extremely important to allow yourself time to be a person outside of your to-do list. If you spend all your time working and constantly striving to self-improve, you will soon find yourself at the bottom of a burnout hole, wondering how you got there and how to get out.
I want to save you the struggle of burnout by encouraging you to time block “me time” in your schedule.
I understand that not everyone’s schedule allows for long blocks of time away from your daily responsibilities, but I guarantee that even a small amount of time exists in each and every schedule if you want it to be there.
Once you find the time and block it on the calendar, enjoy it! Your life is more than your productivity and you should enjoy the time you have! Have fun!
Thank you for your time and attention,
-Nikki
