LIST: Take a hint from Old St. Nick, making a list helps cut down on stress.

The University of Iowa released a list of why making a list helps — haha.

“To-do lists provide structure and improve organization by identifying what you want to

accomplish. Prioritizing items provides direction for what to do next and decreases likelihood of becoming side-tracked, contributing to more efficient use of time. Lists can be created and revised fairly quickly. Overall, using to-do lists can save you time.”

Are you easily distracted? Do you sit by a window and watch the birds and critters scramble around outside? Making a list can help keep you on task.

“Lists can contribute to decreased stress and anxiety. Research shows that having a plan decreases anxiety. This results in feeling less overwhelmed, with an increased sense of control.

“Lists benchmark progress, contributing to a sense of accomplishment.”

We find it helpful, too, to add things we accomplish on the list, to be able to cross them off and see that we are making strides.

“To-do list can hold one more accountable when it is written out, like an informal contract.

“Lists can support flexibility. They are easy to reorganize when additional tasks need to be added. It is also easier to adjust priorities and rearrange items if the list becomes too long. They can help you identify how you might use unexpected available time.”

Remember, you aren’t Superman or Wonder Woman. Keep your list realistic.

“A common mistake is putting too many items on the list. This results in feeling discouraged and concluding that lists are not helpful because the end is never reached. Although there will be days when everything will not get done, it is disheartening if this becomes the default.”