Hi everybody, happy Wednesday!
Wednesdays are the days where we turn the spotlight on you, our readers, and provide content on what you all want to talk about. In our social media polls this week, the topic that people wanted to hear about the most was time management in relationships. This article covers strategic, concrete ways for you to meet your time management goals with your partner to create a healthier, more balanced relationship. If you have a topic you want to see content about, comment below!
-Amanda, EverydayDateNight.com Social Media Coordinator
July 27, 2018 by Midwest Psychological Services
Do you feel like you never see your spouse? You’re either too busy or too exhausted to cross paths from day-to-day. This is a common problem in the modern world, especially for couples with opposite work schedules. Nevertheless, it’s important to make time for your spouse and for your marriage as a whole. Here are some time management tips for married couples to help you balance the chaos.
Create a Schedule for Each Day
The schedule does not have to be rigid, but it should provide a general outline of how the day is going to go. This lets every family member know what he or she is expected to do in the day, and it clears time to potentially enjoy with one another. You might notice that your lunch times overlap or you have some free time together in the evening. Spend some time each night to make a rough plan for the following day.
Don’t Overextend Yourself
In the moment, it’s easy to say “yes” to every task and opportunity at work. You might also do this with your friends, committing to several events in a short frame of time. If you already have limited time with your spouse, you’ll shorten that even more by being a ‘yes man.’ Be realistic about your availability and only commit to what you can logically complete.
Plan Your Date Nights in Advance
Spontaneous date nights are fun, but they aren’t always feasible for busy married couples. If you and your spouse have hectic schedules, you may need to plan your date nights in advance. This could become a monthly event – the first Friday of every month is reserved for you. It could be something you plan a week in advance, if you don’t know your schedules far out. If you already have personal time planned out, you’re less likely to make commitments that would conflict with it.
Find Routines That Work for You
The human body thrives on routines. The more consistent your schedule is, the less your mind has to think about. Try to get yourselves on some sort of schedule. Go to bed around the same time, wake up around the same time, eat around the same times each day, etc. Your routines may not be the same, but if you each have them, you will naturally feel more energized. Knowing your partner’s routine will also help you plan when to spend time together. Something as simple as 30 minutes together for dinner can make a big difference.
Communicate throughout the Day
Just because you can’t see your spouse doesn’t mean you should feel disconnected. Talk to each other throughout the day whenever you can. A quick phone call at lunch or some texts during the day will keep you in each other’s minds. If you have some free time after you both get home, use it to tell each other about your days. This one-on-one time gives you a chance to vent about the day, and it gives your spouse a chance to feel involved with your life.
Work with Your Therapist to Further Balance Your Time
Some time management plans are tricky. If you’re having a hard time finding time to spend with your spouse, talk to your marriage counselor about it. Of course, this suggests that you have time to see a counselor. If you cannot see a couples counselor together, you could still come in for individual counseling. Your therapist can listen to your schedule and your concerns to provide helpful advice for your work/life balance. There is a solution for every problem, even if it takes a while to figure out. The counselors and therapists here at Midwest Psychological Services are here to help every step of the way.
This article was originally posted here.
