Let’s be real, juggling multiple commitments can feel impossible sometimes. As a mum, writer, and university student, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to keep all the plates spinning.
But over time, I’ve learned a few strategies that have helped me ease my commitment anxiety and create a life that feels more balanced, intentional, and (dare I say?) peaceful.
Here are five tips that have made a world of difference for me, and might just help you too.
1. Use a Diary (Seriously, This is A Lifesaver!)
I am a huge advocate for using a diary. If I don’t write things down and plan my day, nothing gets done. My diary keeps me sane, it’s where I plan my weeks, set goals, and track everything from uni deadlines to laundry days.
At the start of every year, I grab a fresh weekly diary and spend some time in early January mapping out my long-term goals. Then, I break them into smaller, weekly goals like “edit one chapter” or “write 1,000 words.”
Throughout the year, I sit down each week and plan what’s ahead — grocery shopping, meal prep, writing goals, blog content, and household tasks. Having it all written down helps me prioritize and stay on track.
Of course, life happens, like when my toddler recently came down with croup and my entire week’s plan went out the window. But that’s okay! I simply reschedule what I can and move on. Flexibility is key.
2. Don’t Overload Your Plate
The life you have left is a gift. Cherish it. Enjoy it now, to the fullest. Do what matters, now.
Leo Babauta
This one took me a while to learn. I have a habit of taking on too much and then crashing from the pressure. Sound familiar?
These days, I focus on smaller, more manageable goals. I block out specific times for study, family, and household tasks, and I don’t overload any single day. Breaking everything into chunks helps me feel less overwhelmed and more productive.
And here’s the truth: sometimes things can wait. If the laundry piles up for a couple of days, it’s not the end of the world. Your mental health and peace of mind come first.
3. Get Small Tasks Out of the Way in One Day
This tip goes hand-in-hand with not overloading yourself. As a mum, I’ve found it so helpful to dedicate one or two days a week to tackling the smaller household jobs so I can focus on bigger commitments the rest of the time.
For example:
- Sunday is my meal prep day: I get lunches, toddler snacks, and easy meals ready for the week.
- Monday is my reset day: I do laundry, change sheets, and give the house a tidy.
Having these dedicated days keeps me organized and helps me start the week feeling clear-headed and productive.
That said, sometimes life throws a curveball and things don’t get done, and that’s okay too. I’ve learned to accept that and adjust without guilt. Balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about flow.
4. Prioritise Your Commitments and Adjust Where Needed
Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.
Stephen R. Covey
Prioritizing commitments can be tricky, especially when everything feels important. I like to look at my tasks through two lenses: urgency and importance.
For example, if I have an assignment due soon, that takes priority over personal writing projects. My long-term goal is to publish my book, but my more urgent goal is to graduate from university, so I give that my focus first.
Knowing your priorities helps you allocate your time and energy wisely. And remember: priorities shift. Allow yourself to adjust them as your season of life changes.
5. Take Breaks (You Deserve Them)
Do something nice for yourself today. Find some quiet, sit in stillness, breathe. Put your problems on pause. You deserve a break.
Akiroq Brost
This is something I still struggle with, but it’s so important. We live in a hustle-obsessed world that glorifies constant productivity, but, rest is just as productive as work.
When you don’t take breaks, burnout creeps in fast. I’ve learned to slow down and schedule rest just like any other commitment. For me, that means short breaks during the day to play with my toddler, and completely unplugging on Sundays: no chores, no deadlines, just rest.
When I do this, I start the week feeling refreshed and focused. My creativity flows more easily, and I’m far more productive overall.
So please, give yourself permission to pause. You’re doing enough. You are enough.
Balancing multiple commitments isn’t about doing everything perfectly; it’s about doing what matters most, with intention and grace.
Use tools that work for you, set boundaries, rest when you need to, and remember: it’s okay to slow down. Life isn’t meant to be rushed; it’s meant to be lived!
Emilie Turner 