Crossing Things Off the List

This afternoon, we’re leaving for vacation. It's been on the calendar for three months, and ever since, I’ve been keeping mental lists of things to do before we go. Some are in the notes app on my phone, others scribbled on paper, but regardless of where they “live,” they’re all on a loop in my mind. This isn’t just about vacation prep, either; there’s always a list of things I want to accomplish—things to do, things to be, things to become—playing on repeat in my head.

The to-do list is never quite finished, and for me, it's a source of constant pressure. Clean the garage, organize closets, cut the grass, pick up the walnuts. And that's just personal stuff. We haven’t even touched on work and business items.

One key to my sanity is my weekly food prep. I’m a creature of habit with meals, and prepping ahead keeps my blood sugar steady and reduces decision fatigue. Usually, Sundays are reserved for this ritual. But the Sunday before we leave, my husband, Glenn, and I planned a day together instead.

Though we live and work together, we’re like ships in the night sometimes. I’m an early riser; Glenn’s more of a 7:30 a.m. person. I turn in early, while he’s usually up until 9 p.m. We see each other at work but often go about our own routines. Our weekends are no different—he spends Saturdays at the office, and Sundays he’s often at church or visiting one of his grandchildren. Most of the time, this is fine with me. I have yard work, house chores, writing, and food prep to keep me busy, and I love my alone time. But we both knew we needed more time just being together, so we planned a day right before our trip. We hadn’t nailed down the details yet—maybe a hike and a meal somewhere new—but as our departure drew closer, spending all day Sunday out together added pressure to my mounting list.

So, what exactly was on my plate? Making sure we had enough dog food, charging the dog collars, writing detailed instructions for the dog sitter, and even inviting her over on Sunday to go over the whole routine—from feeding to ensuring one dog’s crate was securely latched so he wouldn’t escape or injure himself trying. I also had an appointment to look at a vehicle for my daughter and had to set up bedding for the dog/housesitter. And since our sitter is 17, I thought it best to tuck away anything fragile. Then there was my own food to prep, plus packing a few comforts for a friend who’d be driving while we fly. It may or may not sound like a lot, but the internal pressure was building.

As an action-oriented person, I can write lists, but these things still accumulate in my psyche. By Saturday, I was out of sorts, feeling the weight of that endless to-do list. I wanted to keep our plan to spend time together, though, so once I explained my stress to Glenn, he suggested a simpler approach. Instead of going out, we’d stay in, talk, and maybe check off a few tasks together—even if that meant him just keeping me company while I cooked. This might sound mundane to some couples, but for us, it felt refreshing. It was exactly what I needed—for both myself and our relationship.

Right away, I felt better, just knowing I’d start crossing things off. This simple act relieved so much internal pressure. It reminded me of an article I read a few years back. Though I couldn’t find it again, it explained how tackling lingering to-dos can benefit both mental and physical health.

"Yes, research shows that checking things off your to-do list can improve both mental and physical well-being. When tasks linger in your mind, they can cause stress, impacting not only your mood but also your heart health. Completing these tasks provides a sense of accomplishment, reduces anxiety, and can even lower the risk of heart disease by alleviating stress. Small steps like setting manageable goals and actively working through them are effective ways to boost mental health and reduce the physical burden of ongoing stress.” (www.heart.org)

It’s that same feeling when you’ve got a packed weekend ahead—part excitement, part dread—then you get that text, “Sorry, we have to cancel,” and suddenly, you relax, take a deep breath. I’d bet that’s good for your health too—spare time!

So, next time you feel the pressure building, take a look at your to-do list. Is there something you can cross off, rearrange, or even delegate? Your body will thank you.