Busy Brain? Meet Your Match!
Girl, I Get It. Your Mind is BUSY
Between back-to-back meetings, endless errands, family calls you can't skip, and that mythical moment labeled "self-care"—it's exhausting just thinking about it. If your mind feels like a browser with 45 tabs open, you’re not alone. Trust me, I see you.
Whether you're managing ADHD or just trying to wrangle your mile-long mental checklist, slowing down enough to plan your day can seem impossible. But here’s the deal: Timeboxing, especially when powered by an online calendar like Google Calendar or Outlook, can help you regain control without losing your peace.
Why Timeboxing + Digital Calendars Are Your BFFs
I adore my paper planners, fr! To be honest, when life is “life-ing”, digital calendars offer flexibility. You can easily drag and drop your tasks when plans inevitably shift, and notifications gently remind you to refocus without feeling overwhelming. Recurring tasks significantly reduce mental load by automating your routines, and since digital calendars sync across all your devices, your perfectly structured schedule travels with you wherever life takes you.
Why These Apps are Life Savers for ADHD & Overwhelm
Digital calendars aren't just practical—they're genuinely supportive tools, especially if you're navigating ADHD or constant overwhelm. Instead of holding everything in your head, your calendar becomes your external memory, freeing you from constant anxiety. Visual scheduling naturally reduces decision fatigue, making your day-to-day life feel lighter. Color-coding tasks isn't just aesthetically pleasing; it provides emotional clarity—red might signal intensity, while green can represent ease and calm. Alerts from these apps act as gentle reminders rather than harsh commands, making them feel more like supportive nudges. Plus, easy editing reduces stress and guilt when things inevitably change.
Your Homework (Yes, You’ve Got This)
Tomorrow, I want you to pick your three most critical tasks and thoughtfully block out time for each in Google Calendar or Outlook. Be sure to include intentional breaks and downtime—these aren't luxuries; they're necessities. Choose colors and alerts that genuinely resonate with your style and brain. At the end of the day, pause and reflect: Did this structure ease your chaos? Were you able to move through your day with greater clarity and ease?
Final Words of Encouragement
You’re not doing too much—life just expects a lot from us. Let your calendar become a compassionate partner in your journey, not a strict overseer. Remember, timeboxing isn't about rigid control; it's about crafting intentional moments of calm in your beautifully busy life.
You Don’t Need More Time …. Just a Better Way to Use It
Do you ever feel like your to-do list is running your life?
You're not alone. We’ve all had those days where the hours slip away, and despite being busy, it feels like nothing meaningful gets done. That’s where timeboxing comes in — a simple but powerful way to reclaim your time and energy.
Timeboxing isn’t about piling more onto your plate; it’s about being intentional with your time. By setting specific time limits for tasks, you give your brain a clear target, eliminate decision fatigue, and avoid getting stuck in "busy but not productive" mode.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through how timeboxing works, why it’s so effective, and how you can start using it to stay focused and actually get things done. Plus, I’ll give you a little homework to help you put it into action.
What is Timeboxing?
Timeboxing is exactly what it sounds like: setting a specific block of time to work on a task or activity — and sticking to it. Think of it as giving each task a reserved seat on your calendar.
Instead of saying, "I'll work on this project today," you say, "From 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, I’m focusing on this project — and nothing else."
🔹 The key is to treat it like a meeting with yourself — no rescheduling, no multitasking, and no distractions.
🔹 When the time is up, you stop — even if you’re not finished (unless it’s absolutely necessary to continue).
By creating boundaries around your time, you give yourself permission to focus without the pressure of doing everything at once.
Why Timeboxing Works
Let’s be real — most of us struggle with focus because we have too much freedom. When your day is wide open, it’s easy to get stuck overthinking or jumping between tasks. Timeboxing creates helpful guardrails that:
🔹 Reduce decision fatigue – You already know what you’re working on and when.
🔹 Boost focus – Your brain is more focused when it knows there’s a defined endpoint.
🔹 Quiet the perfectionist voice – You’re not aiming to make it perfect; you’re aiming to make progress within the time you’ve got.
🔹Create motivation – The countdown of a timer adds a little urgency that helps you stay on track.
🔹 Protect your energy – When your work time is boxed in, you also protect time for rest and personal activities.
Let me paint a picture — imagine you’re working on a big presentation. Without timeboxing, you might say, "I’ll work on it tomorrow." But then tomorrow comes, and you spend an hour tweaking slides, 20 minutes checking emails, and before you know it, the day is gone.
Now, imagine you timebox it: You schedule 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM to focus ONLY on writing the presentation script. Afterward, you schedule 30 minutes in the afternoon to refine the slides. Suddenly, you have a plan — and you’re no longer drifting through the day hoping you’ll "find time" to get it done.
The result? You get the presentation finished faster, with less stress — and you still have time to relax afterward.
How to Start Timeboxing
Timeboxing works best when you keep it simple. Follow these steps to start building it into your day:
1. Identify Your Priorities
→ Write down your top 3-5 priorities for the day. What absolutely needs to get done?
2. Create Time Blocks
→ Open your calendar and assign specific time slots to each task. Be realistic!
High-focus work → 60–90 minutes
Admin work → 20–30 minutes
Breaks → 5–15 minutes
3. Commit to the Time
→ When it’s time to work — just work. Turn off notifications, set a timer, and protect that time.
4. Stop When the Timer Ends
→ Even if you’re not finished, stop when the timer ends. You can always reassess and timebox more later.
5. Adjust and Reflect
→ At the end of the day, review how it went. Did you overestimate or underestimate? Adjust tomorrow’s timeboxes accordingly.
Homework
Let’s put this into action!
Pick three key tasks you need to get done tomorrow.
Block out specific time slots on your calendar for each one.
Set a timer and commit to the timebox — no multitasking, no rescheduling.
Reflect afterward: Did you stay focused? Did you finish within the time? Adjust as needed.
Remember: Progress over perfection.
The goal isn’t to finish everything perfectly — it’s to make meaningful progress and protect your energy along the way.
Final Thoughts
Timeboxing isn’t about packing more into your day — it’s about taking control of your time so you can focus on what matters. It’s about giving yourself permission to work hard and rest without guilt.
So, are you ready to take back your time? Start small, stick with it, and watch how much more focused, calm, and productive you become.
Now go set those timeboxes — you’ve got this! 🙌🏾
Revitalize and Thrive: Embrace the Winter Pause for a Remarkable New Year
As we step into a fresh year, there's a palpable sense of excitement in the air. We hear talk of resolutions, goals, and the relentless pursuit of change. It's a season of action, but what if we took a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect? Let’s explore the significance of embracing a winter break before diving into the new year.
As we step into a fresh year, there's a palpable sense of excitement in the air. We hear talk of resolutions, goals, and the relentless pursuit of change. It's a season of action, but what if we took a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect? Let’s explore the significance of embracing a winter break before diving into the new year.
Winter is a season of rest and renewal. Just as trees shed their leaves and hibernate, we too can benefit from a period of quiet contemplation and recharge. Winter offers us the chance to align with this natural rhythm and prepare for the vibrancy of spring.
This concept of a winter pause resonated deeply with me during this past holiday season when I found myself unexpectedly sick over Christmas and New Year holidays. I was forced to slow down and take care of my body. I had no choice but to look inward, seeking rest, peace and healing. I realized the importance of creating a quiet and restful space to aid my recovery.
My body was sending me a clear message—it longed for rest. My nervous system wanted a way out of my anxieties. I understood that the pause was necessary. The world could wait, and the to-do list could be put on hold. It wasn't procrastination; it was a necessary step towards healing and a newfound appreciation for the value of slowing down before returning to the normal pace.
As I eventually recovered, I carried with me the lesson that the work would be waiting for me, the chores would wait as well. What truly mattered was my well-being and the clarity that this pause provided. It was a reminder that while sick, we can find moments of introspection, calm, and healing. So, embrace the pause, for it will rejuvenate you, and when the time is right, you'll jump-start your plans and goals with newfound energy and purpose.
So, Imagine yourself in a cozy space, wrapped in a warm blanket, sipping a comforting drink… This is the essence of a winter pause. It's an opportunity for introspection, a chance to recharge your batteries, and a means to build a solid foundation for your aspirations.
In a world that values immediate action and rapid progress, it's easy to feel compelled to jump headfirst into our goals as soon as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. However, taking a winter break allows us to take a break, pause and begin your goal year with clarity and understanding and a deeper understanding of your yearly intentions.
Commencing a winter break involves disconnecting from the constant digital chatter and reconnecting with yourself. Put your screens away, set up that out-of-office message, and carve out a space for tranquility. This disconnection allows your mind to reset and revitalize.
During your winter break, prioritize mindful relaxation. Whether it's a leisurely stroll in a nearby park, revisiting a beloved hobby, or simply basking in moments of quiet, these activities rejuvenate your spirit and alleviate stress.
As you re-enter the world of action, consider setting intentions first, rather than goals. Intentions are like guiding stars, adaptable and aligned with your values. They enable you to focus on the journey, embracing adaptability and purpose along the way.
In a world that celebrates immediate action and perpetual motion, embracing a winter pause aligns with the timeless wisdom of nature. It enables you to begin the year with clarity, renewed energy, and a deeper understanding of your path ahead. So, take that break, savor the tranquility of winter, and observe how it empowers your journey toward a fulfilling year.
Until next time,
-A