eremedies

The Power Of the List

Did you know that making a list can simplify your day, relieve stress, and help you be a more organized person? These things have amazing powers. Learn how to tap into them below.

* List-making can be therapeutic. Make a list of your best qualities when you feel down, or things you're grateful for. Make a list of things you have to do to stay organized. Make a list of books to read as a reference. It's up to you!

* Keep your list in a common, regular place. Use a special notebook or pad that you use only for lists. You'll always have access to it and it will be a source of comfort. Use a pen you like and keep the two together. Avoid little scraps and carry the notebook with you if you need to.

* Make your list specific. Add drawings, doodles, clippings, whatever you like. This will help you remember the relevance and keep information together. Write so that you can read your handwriting again later!

* Don't forget to cross out what you've done! This is very relaxing and satisfying. Cross it out with a neat line through it, not just a checkmark.

* Update your lists. Maybe you put in a movie you thought you wanted to see and decided against later. Cross it out. Or make a new list from scratch. Cull things that no longer apply. It's ok.

* Prioritize your list with different colors (red for urgent, orange next, blue for fun stuff) and highlighting or underlining. Make it fun for you and easy to read and follow.

* Don't get frustrated if you don't finish everything on your list. Revise the list or wait until later. What's the rush?

* Use your list as a place to pull everything together. Some other list ideas: places you want to visit, yearly or longterm goals, movies to see, books to read, what you're looking for in a mate, gifts to give, things to buy, groceries, people to call, your best qualities, what you love about your life, ways to cheer yourself up later, little things that make you smile, your favorite things, books you've read, Cds you've heard, websites to visit, and anything else you can think of!