The calendar was a war zone—doctor appointments, pharmacy runs, family drama, and my own job barely holding on. I couldn’t remember the last time I ate lunch sitting down, let alone met a friend for coffee.
Caregiving had taken over every square inch of my time. But I wasn’t ready to give up my own life.
Through trial and error (and a few tear-filled breakdowns), I learned how to create a schedule that included me. These 9 scheduling secrets helped me take care of my parent and myself without burning out.
And yes—it’s actually possible.
1. Batch the Chaos
Errands, calls, prescriptions—group them. I made Tuesdays our “medical” day: refills, paperwork, phone calls. This meant I didn’t have to chase a new task every day. It gave structure to the madness.
The Family Caregiver Alliance says batching tasks reduces decision fatigue and increases caregiver stamina.
Bonus: My parent started anticipating “Tuesday Tasks,” which helped reduce resistance.
2. Use Time Blocks, Not To-Do Lists
Instead of listing everything you “should” do, block time for categories: “10–11 a.m. medical calls,” “2–3 p.m. rest or reset.” It’s more realistic. And when life happens, you shift blocks—not beat yourself up.
Apps like Google Calendar or TimeBlocking Planner help—but a pen-and-paper system works too.
This helped me stop measuring success by how many tasks I checked off. I started measuring how well I honored my capacity.
3. Schedule you first. Always.
Yes, even 20 minutes. Yes, even if they complain. Your energy is the fuel that powers this entire caregiving machine.
I blocked in “Non-Negotiable Suzanne Time” daily. Sometimes it was a walk. Sometimes it was silence. But it was mine—and it taught everyone around me (including myself) that I matter too.
The Cleveland Clinic agrees: self-care isn't indulgent, it’s essential.
4. Pre-plan decision days
Instead of wrestling with hard choices every week, set aside a monthly “Decision Day.” Review finances, assess safety, talk with siblings, revisit the care plan.
This creates space for strategic thinking—not crisis response.
I used the first Saturday of each month. I lit a candle, made coffee, and reviewed notes without rushing. It gave me power back over the chaos.
5. Color-Code Your Life
One caregiver uses 3 colors: Blue for parent care. Green for her. Yellow for shared tasks. Visually seeing how little “green” was on the page? That was a wake-up call.
Eventually, she aimed for at least 20% green. That tiny visual cue kept her honest.
6. Share the Schedule Publicly
Put it on the fridge. Email it to siblings. Add it to a shared calendar. This reduced the “Why didn’t you tell me?” texts and let others see how full your plate really is.
The National Alliance for Caregiving suggests collaborative calendars to reduce miscommunication and increase support.
It also helped when people offered to help—they could plug into the open slots.
7. Build in Buffer Time
Appointments run late. Elders forget shoes. You get stuck in traffic.
Adding 15–20 minutes between tasks saved me from constant adrenaline crashes. I called them “Recovery Zones.”
When possible, I used those minutes to breathe. Stretch. Text a friend. Anything except rush.
8. Create a Weekly Preview Ritual
Every Sunday, I sat down for 15 minutes and reviewed the week ahead. I highlighted:
- What absolutely had to happen
- What could be moved or skipped
- When I’d get alone time
This ritual was grounding. It reduced Sunday night dread and made Monday mornings less chaotic.
9. Treat Fun Like a Medical Appointment
You wouldn’t skip a CT scan, right? Don’t skip your joy.
I booked “Friend Time,” “Movie Night,” and “Walk + Podcast” into my week like doctor’s appointments. They were non-negotiable. And they made me more patient, more grounded, more me.
As the Mayo Clinic says, joy and laughter are medicine.
Here’s What These Scheduling Shifts Changed:
- I stopped living in emergency mode
- My parent felt less anxious because the week had rhythm
- I finally started doing things that made me feel like a person again
- I began to imagine a life beyond caregiving
These weren’t big moves. They were tiny levers. But they shifted everything.
What to Do This Week:
✅ Choose a batching day
✅ Create a color-coded calendar
✅ Add one non-negotiable fun block
✅ Email the weekly plan to your siblings or care team
Small steps. Big relief.
The Truth About “Balance”
Balance isn’t perfect. It’s not equal parts. It’s fluid.
Some weeks caregiving takes 90%. Some weeks, you carve back a little more for yourself. The win isn’t symmetry—it’s sustainability.
Can you keep going like this for 6 more months?
If not, let’s shift the structure.
You Deserve More Than Survival Mode
And it starts with time.
Time for you. Time to think. Time to be.
You’re not selfish. You’re strategic. Because when your life has room for joy, caregiving becomes more humane—for both of you.
Ready for more calm and clarity? Join the waitlist for From Burnout to Balance—the support system that makes caregiving feel like a breeze. You'll be the first notified when the masterclass opens again. Limited seating.
