Do you feel like your world is spinning out of control? Losing control of your life can happen easily but it is not a good place to be. You see when we feel like our lives are out of control, we feel more stressed. Lack of control can snowball and have some undesirable side effects so we need to gain control as quickly as possible. More control equals less stress.

Here are some tips on gaining and keeping control

1. Make a list of what is important in your life eg: spending time with your kids, family or friends. A good way to do this is to think about what you would like people to say about you at your 80th birthday. A kind, loving person or always had a tidy house?

2. Make appointments in your diary for all these important things. Schedule time with the kids, a date with hubby and don’t forget time for yourself, a walk, a bubble bath or a facial.

3. Sticks to your schedule, this may not always go to plan but work hard to keep to your schedule.

4. Review your day, this will make you feel fantastic especially when you see all you have achieved and that all the important areas of your life are being attended to. Adjust your schedule for minor hiccups and for the days ahead.

5. Allow others to help you, kids love being involved get them to help with chores around the house, this has huge benefits, giving them new skills, assisting you (less stress), gets them involved while spending time with you.

6. Learn to say no, if it isn’t helping you achieve what is important or it interferes too much with your schedule; don’t be afraid to say no.

7. Be realistic, so what if your house is a mess and friends are visiting, they like you not your house. Do what you can in the time you have without tipping your world of its axis. Focus on the important things!

Remember you only get one life, jam pack it with the things that are important to you. The things that are important to you make you a better and more fulfilled person.

©Sheryl Fonoti is a WAHM, life coach, motivational speaker and author. Visit her website http://www.dreamstoreality.co.nz and sign up for her free e-zine