Every single morning I write myself a to-do list. I write it out on paper as well as in my notes app on my phone at times. At the start of each week I even plan my entire week with to-do lists. This habit of mine is so helpful and really helps put my life together smoothly. 

To-do lists simply help me feel put together. It is a routine of mine that I really appreciate and I know that not too many people still keep up with doing this. On paper I write the day of the week and the date. Then I write down everything that I know I have planned today. After the basics, I make a separate list of things I need to get done throughout the week. I look over my weekly to-do list and add those tasks onto days that I am available to complete them. I include things as simple as: calling and scheduling my hair/nail appointments, going to dance, going to the tanning bed, working out, cleaning my car, etc. I write these things down in chronological order based on what I will do first and then last of the day. Even though I know I have dance practice every week at the same times, I feel much more put together when I can see everything I have to do and the order in which my day will go.

Not only do they help organize my life daily, but it really calms me. Knowing that I have a correct, accurate schedule of my tasks as well as other little reminders, I know I will not forget anything on my plate. I always feel much more at ease after I create my to-do lists. My stress is minimized, especially on days/weeks that are really busy. Anytime I feel overwhelmed about anything I just create a list. If I don’t have a pen or paper, then I use my phone for the lists. This is reassuring to myself because it gives me a plan on how to go about my daily life.

Additionally, checking off things on my to-do lists makes me feel accomplished. I go into every day knowing what I need to complete, and completing everything is rewarding. After school when I go to the tanning bed, that is one thing I can cross off. Then I go home and workout, which is something I get to cross off when I am done. At the end of the day looking at my list of everything completed, I feel satisfied with myself. 

My to-do list today is…

-Tanning 3:30

-Workout 4-5

-Hair appointment 5:30

-Pack for Mexico

-Remind mom to get me from the store:

• New toothbrush
• More shampoo/conditioner
• Burt’s Bees face wipes

-Shower

-Finish watching “The Bachelor”

It is as simple as that! I include things I need to do, and things I want to do. It only takes a few minutes to create a daily to-do list. There are only benefits of doing this, so go ahead and try it!