One of the most overwhelming parts of being a Caregiver is staying organized. You’re juggling so many balls and keeping them all in the air can sometimes feel impossible. We all know that writing things down helps, but the next thing you know you have sticky notes all over the house, a stack of disorganized To-Do lists, a journal you can’t find and 3 different calendars trying to keep all the family appointments straight! Or is that just me?….
Enter the Bullet Journal. This method of organizing consolidates all the lists, calendars and journals into one place and has been a game changer for me. But the best part is that its 100% customizable to exactly what YOU need and want to track. It becomes an extension of both your brain and personality as you make it your own. Below are the basics of what the Bullet Journal system is and some tips on getting started:
What’s A Bullet Journal?
Creator Ryder Carroll refers to the bullet journal as a “mindfulness practice disguised as a productivity system”. Even though you customize it to your needs, there are certain components that stay consistent and help with organizing. At the end of the day, it’s about having a place where you can take things out of your head and put them into a place you can use the information. You start with a blank notebook and have:
1. An Index aka a table of contents
Once you put page numbers on your journal, this makes it easy to find what you’re looking for.
2. A Future Log aka a yearly overview
This is an overview of the year where you list all of the months and their important dates, birthdays, big appointments, activities etc.
3. Monthly Logs aka monthly calendar
This allows you do get more detailed about the events, tasks and happenings of the month.
4. Daily Logs aka daily To-Do’s and journal
This is where you list your daily tasks and To-Do’s but also where you log what happened during the day. This section serves as both your daily agenda AND your journal to be able to remember important things that happened or ideas
5. Collections aka lists & trackers
You know the 200 sticky notes, scraps of papers and lists you have floating around? The collections part of the bullet journal is a way of having all of them in one place where you keep them organized. Ideas for collections: gratitude journal; track exercise, water or weight loss; plan an upcoming vacation; write down blog or social media post ideas; meal plans….
Depending on your ability or desire, Bullet Journals can be colorful, artistic and witty. Or if you’re like me, it’s black and white and to the point!
How To Get Started:
The Bullet Journal is a very easy system, but understanding the basics and the “whys” behind the set-up is important. To get started I suggest:
1. Buy The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll
Ryder is the creator of the Bullet Journal and having this foundation is key to success
2. Get a dotted grid journal
This allows for the freedom to set up your pages in the most efficient way for YOU
3. Get some inspiration online
Check out Pinterest or Google and search “Bullet Journal ideas”…you’re welcome!
If you’re overwhelmed as a family Caregiver and not even a Bullet Journal can help, reach out to us and lets come up with a gameplan and get you the support you need!
Images: @productivedoodling @feli.noel_bujo
