I am a type 9 enneagram, and if you are familiar with enneagrams, you know that type 9s value inner peace very highly. So, when I am stressed or overwhelmed, all I can think about is how to get out of that state of anxiousness. One thing that helps me so much is making lists. Here are 10 lists you can make to get your stress out of your head and onto paper to create your inner peace.
1. To-Do List (Most Important)
Love a good to-do list. This one is for things that need to be done today or tomorrow. "Study for that exam," "online homework," or "quiz due at midnight," are all perfect for this list.
2. To-Do List (Least Important)
This list is for the things that you have a week or more to finish. Keep a list so you don't forget about it, and when it becomes more important, it can graduate to the "Most Important To-Do List."
3. Cleaning/House Chores
Cleaning is a stress reliever for me, so I like to have a running list of things I can do to organize or clean my room. I usually put things like: organize closet, clean bathroom, dust, wash sheets, etc.
4. Meals For The Week
This is very helpful if you are like me and eat out too much. If you make a list of meals, buy ingredients for those meals and plan on making them. You will feel a lot more guilty if you just get take out.
5. Grocery List
I actually have a whole other article on grocery lists, so you can probably guess that I am passionate about this one. In short, making a list before you go to the store is incredibly beneficial.
6. Things You Want To Do To Improve Yourself
This one can be very helpful. I know I am constantly overwhelmed with myself when I feel like I can be doing better than I am in certain areas of my life. Thoughts like, "I'm not being a good student," or, "I am just not being patient with people or myself." can be very discouraging, so make a list of how you want to work on yourself. It is such a relief when you can look down at your paper and visualize how you want to improve.
7. Gratitude List
This is so good for the soul. When you are feeling down, it can seriously get you out of a funk. Write down anything from, "family," to, "Christmas socks." It is definitely my favorite list to make.
8. Bucket List
I have had a bucket list since I was like 10, so I just add on whenever I think of something new. It has anything from seeing my favorite band in concert to travel to Europe.
9. Favorite Things
I make lists like this all the time. Favorite movies, songs, places, foods, etc. Whenever people ask my favorite ~blank~ I can never seem to remember, so having a list is handy.
10. Things You Are Saving For
Sounds materialistic, but this could be gifts, something you've been wanting for a while, or something you need that is a little more pricey.
Lists can seriously change your life. I make lists for absolutely everything and I really don't know if I could function without them. So, give it a try! Make a list and see how your life will instantly become more organized and less stressful.
