How to Get Time on Your Side
Everyone seems to be looking for work/life balance but what I have come to learn is that I can do it all, just not all at the same time. Finding more time in life is part strategy and part learning to say no. Laura Stack, author of Find More Time and Leave the Office Earlier shared these practical tips in a Pink Magazine story that are worth repeating.
1. Reduce Waiting Time. If your doctor or hairdresser always runs late – plan ahead. Make good use of this waiting time and get some work done, pay a bill or two or enjoy a quiet moment to catch up on a book you want to read. Be prepared so you are not stuck with only outdated magazines in a waiting room.
2. Limit Your TV Watching. Record your favorite shows and skip the commercials. Plan to watch your favorite shows but avoid mindless TV lounging and use that time to pursue more worthwhile endeavors.
3. Say No to Yourself. If you are not excited about attending a social function, then don’t go – stay home and relax. It’s also ok to change your mind if you would rather spend some time in your garden on a sunny Saturday instead of grocery shopping.
4. Cut Down on Cleaning. Clean a little bit along the way each day instead of a mega cleaning day each week that could take hours. Spray down the shower after each use with a cleanser; change filters in your heating/cooling units to reduce dust and wipe down the kitchen counter after each use.
5. Batch Tasks. When you can, bundle administrative tasks together to be more efficient with your time. Open all our bills in one sitting; place to be filed materials in special place and do this once a week. Pick a regular day or time and handle these tasks all at once.
6. Don’t Put Things Down Just for Now. Temporary places too often become permanent places. Put it away now so you don’t have larger piles to deal with later.
7. Reduce Your Time at the Store. Make a list and stick to it. If you shop online take advantage of free gift wrapping services or gift with purchase options. Put away a stash of hostess gifts you can easily get to when invited out so you don’t have to make a special trip.
8. Hire It Out. If the kid down the street will mow your lawn for $20 and it saves you the time and hassle – go for it! Consider hiring out what you don’t want to do (and can afford) so it will give you more time to do what you want.
9. Change Your Pace. Be strategic about when you shop or do errands. Saturday morning is always crowded. Consider going to the grocery after work. You may be tired but you will shop faster and you will get to sleep later on Saturday with the extra time you earned by going on a weeknight.
10. Focus on Simple Pleasures. When your work day is done, focus on what makes you happy. It doesn’t have to be expensive to be rewarding. A bubble bath or a glass of wine can be satisfying ways to unwind at home. Special occasion extravagances are very nice, but focusing on simple pleasures will give you more for less, more often!
It’s all about finding time to have a life that you can enjoy. So I hope Laura’s tips will help you on your way.
