Thanks for bringing up this topic..Reading your post made me realize that I too keep lists in my head and then worry that I will forget to do the things I need to do..This mental list keeping causing me anxiety and stress. I keep notes on my calender but it's really not enough..My partner keeps a note pad in his pocket and keeps a running lists of different things. He adds ideas and items of importance to the list as they come to mind that way he doesn't forget them..I have always been resistance to list making myself but I am beginning to see the value in making a written list of the things I need to remember. I think this might help me to free up my mind and I might be able concentrate on doing some things that I enjoy. It might help me to get and stay organized. If I had a written list than I wouldn't have to rely on my memory which is not as good as it used to be..The fact that I am retired seems to make it hard to keep track of time and before I know it days, weeks and months have go by. Time seems to be moving so much faster for me now..Its hard to keep up sometimes..I think keeping lists of some kind might help..
Lists can be very helpful. Just make sure that the lists are serving you. Also, be sure that you put relaxation time and time for hobbies, family, socializing, etc.on your list.
It's also a good idea to prioritize your list; for example, put a 1 beside items that need to get done today, a 2 for items that need to get done this week and a 3 for items that are not urgent. Don't worry about the non priority items and be sure to make some relaxing activities a priority.
I thought you were talking about those lists that people make of all the things they want to do but don't intend to. I do keep appointments on stickies on my computer. Today I dug some potatoes. It wasn't planned but there was a space for it so I did it. It is going to freeze solid soon and I won't be able to get them. There are lots of things I could put on lists I just don't. If I have some spare time I'll look in my brain box for something to fill it with. I just find it so much easier on my anxiety level if I don't have anything pushing me. My brother who was type A has become the same way since his operation for Cancer. Nothing like death staring you in the face to put a different spin on life.
You could throw out the lists and work more on a routine. You could leave spaces in your routine for relaxation. You could decide what to do when you have one of these spaces rather than trying to make time for your lists. I find lists depressing. I could make a list on all the things I need to change on my new used tractor. Instead I will just do them when there is time or help. Lists just reinforce how much I am not going to get done.
Today I am very sore so I'm going to get very little done. A list wouldn't do me much good here.
One thing I noted was that I tend to have a lot of lists which I carry in my head. This cluters my mind, and I think drives worry.
I'm going to try to place one list, open on my computer, for my daily exercise. I suppose I could just create a habit,and then not have to be concerned that I'll forget.
