This is how I go about it, too. I've tried to get on the "todo list" bandwagon, but it just doesn't work for me. All it does is add more work and stress without giving any compensating benefits.
I mean, this is what I do too. But I'm not sure I'd describe it as "less stress." Especially when there's some nagging task I haven't taken care of for weeks. I can literally feel that, like I'm carrying it around.