Why Use Lists

Keeping a list of tasks you need to perform is like taking notes when you are listening to a lecture. When you take notes, you need to filter external information, summarize it in your head, and then write it down. Many studies have shown that note-taking helps us distill the information we hear and remember it better than we would if we had just heard or read it 

Lists are easy to read, organize information, provide structure, help you arrange things in order, and prioritize the important tasks. They help accomplish goals, avoid repetitive behavior, and are excellent tracking tools.  The mind loves lists. The brain decides which pieces of information to hang onto for later, partly as a result of how much work you do to them upfront – so the more you mentally manipulate a piece of information, the better you will remember it. That’s why it is surprisingly easy sometimes to remember what is on your to-do list even when you are not looking at it.

Anyone with a full schedule and no structure will struggle to cope. Anyone with a full schedule, who is managing their diabetes is going to struggle even more.  A system is needed – and scribbled notes or sticky notes everywhere are not going to cut it. 

To-Do Lists
One of the most important reasons for keeping a to-do list is the organization. Organizing your tasks with a list can make everything much more manageable and make you feel grounded. Seeing a clear outline of your completed and uncompleted tasks will help you feel organized and stay mentally focused.  The list should be clear and to the point to help get the task done and prioritized.

Checklists 
Checklists will help ensure that important steps in your daily routines are not missed. Even with a routine it super easy to forget something when you have a lot of moving parts.  Checklists reduce the number of things to hold in your head.  Even when you have a routine, it is very easy to miss a step, Checklists map out actions and that reduces stress. Whether checked off or not, your mind will remember more easily.

Using a planner to record appointments, reminders, and notes is essential.  I personally enter appointments, write notes, and preplan my paper planner and enter reminders and recurring appointments in my electronic calendar.  Find what works for you and helps keep you sane.