As we prepare ourselves for another new week ahead, we sometimes can stress out thinking about all the things that need to get done – work, home, social commitments, children’s activities, etc. If you can relate to any of this, then we’ve got a handy tool to help cut out a point of stress: your meals for the week.

Tip #1: Write down your meals on our handy planner.

First of all, we know we have to eat during the week to fuel our bodies.  All too often we don’t think about this and when we do get around to dinnertime, we’re so short on time and so hungry we tend to eat what’s fast and easy.  Unfortunately, the fast and easy usually means fattening and unhealthy.  If we make a meal plan for the week, we can save money on groceries by buying only what will be consumed as well as save time thinking about what to do for dinner. The bonus is ultimately saving your waistline.  It may seem like planning for the week will take a lot of time but it will actually save you time in the end.  Here’s a simple worksheet you can use to help you get organized.  Once you’ve created your menu, go out to the grocery store or your local farmer’s market and pick up the items you’ll need to prepare the meals.  If necessary, plan for just two or three days in advance and go out again on Wednesday to get produce fresh for the rest of the week’s meals.

Tip #2: Plan your errands by writing down your tasks for the week.

Think about all the places you’ll have to go and the errands you’ll have to run. Then, make a plan ahead of time.  If you’re able to drop off books at the library on your way to taking your kids to basketball practice or fill out holiday cards while watching their practice than you can save time and possibly gas by doing as many errands at once.  In the end, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment because you were so much more productive.

Writing down what’s in your head is also a great practice for resolutions. Since resolutions are usually long term, you’ll want to include this tip:

Tip #3: Work backwards, from the final goal to the first step.

Write down where you want to be. Now think about each step in reverse until you get to the present day. It will break down the tasks for those hard to reach resolutions and will ultimately help you anytime you’ve got a big goal to reach.

Finally, mentally prepare yourself for the week ahead but don’t forget to enjoy what you’re doing today.  Enjoy your family, be with friends or relax on your own.  No matter what you do today, do it with presence allowing yourself permission to worry about tomorrow when tomorrow arrives.

Want to read more?

Day 1: Motivation
Day 2: Just Breathe
Day 3: Back to Basics with Your Health
Day 4: Giving is Receiving