The Case for Not Overscheduling: Finding Balance as the School Year Begins
As summer holidays draw to a close in Australia, the return to school signals a shift from slow, intentional days to packed schedules and routines. I’ve noticed my calendar beginning to fill up with commitments—meetings, extracurricular activities, social events—and with it, the familiar sense of overwhelm creeping in. After six weeks of living at a slower pace, I’m reminded of how important it is to guard our time and not let busyness take over.
Being "too busy" has almost become a badge of honour in today’s world, but research shows the consequences of overscheduling are far from positive. Chronic busyness can increase stress, reduce focus, and lead to burnout. Meanwhile, embracing downtime has immense benefits, including better mental health, clearer decision-making, and stronger relationships. Choosing to be intentional about how we spend our time creates space for what truly matters.
If you are like me and you feel like your commitments are already spiraling out of control as the school year begins, here are five strategies to help you take control of your calendar and live more intentionally:
1. Set Your Priorities First
Before saying yes to any activity, reflect on your values and goals. Ask yourself: Does this commitment align with what matters most to me or my family? Using your priorities as a filter ensures your time is spent on things that truly add value to your life.
2. Create White Space in Your Calendar
Leaving intentional gaps in your schedule allows for rest, reflection, or simply time to recharge. Just as minimalism in your home can create calm, white space on your calendar can reduce stress and leave room for spontaneity.
3. Practice Saying No Gracefully
Saying yes to everything often leads to overwhelm. Instead, practice polite but firm ways of saying no. For example: “Thank you for inviting me, but I’m unable to commit at this time.” Remember, declining a commitment isn’t rejecting a person—it’s protecting your energy.
4. Limit Kids’ Activities
For parents, managing children’s extracurricular schedules can be a significant source of busyness. Focus on quality over quantity by encouraging your kids to choose one or two activities they truly love. This approach prevents burnout for both them and you, while leaving room for meaningful family time.
5. Review Your Schedule Weekly
Take time at the beginning of each week to review your calendar. Ask yourself: What commitments truly need to stay? Regularly reassessing your schedule helps ensure your time is spent intentionally, not reactively.
If you’re struggling with feelings of overwhelm or find it difficult to prioritise, you’re not alone. Many women feel the weight of trying to juggle too much, especially during busy transition periods like the start of a school year.
That’s where I can help. As a life coach, I specialise in helping women create more intentional, meaningful lives by setting boundaries, clarifying priorities, and learning to say no without guilt. Click here to learn how my coaching services can help you reduce busyness and embrace a calmer, more purposeful life.
This school year, let’s resist the urge to overschedule and instead create space for what truly matters. With intentional choices, you can preserve the peace of summer and carry it into your everyday life.
