Time

I am having a hard time wrapping around the fact that it is September.  It's September!

I have had this topic of time on my mind lately. Time in relation to daily tasks, as well as the big dates in the near future that seem to get here faster and faster. And because there are too many daily tasks to fit into a day and too many of these big life happenings, like buying a fixer-upper house, thrown into the mix, it seems that I have been living life lately attached to lists and my day planner.

I don't know if you live like this, but I need to find some kind of reprieve.  I know that organization and lists are important, but they don't leave room for the possibility of spontaneity or life's unexpectedness. 

So here are some ways that I have tried to change the list-living.

1. PRIORITIZE.  Spend some time figuring out what exactly you want to do on a daily basis, then weekly, monthly, etc.  For example, I need to work out daily (or at least several times a week) for my sanity, not to mention health. Or taking time to make real food for dinner in the evenings- it is a priority for me not be eating out (often), buying boxed dinners, or eating overly processed foods.  My only caution here is to be realistic, don't make too many daily priorities. Really, just make it the absolute priorities!

2. Schedule time for yourself.  I often find in the middle of a workweek that I need time to be alone- even if it's a 20 minute nap.  And I miss writing, or blogging/thinking/doing things that are related to this blog, so here I am making time for it. 

3. Pay attention to "time wasting".  This is a biggie for me.  And one area specifically I can identify is TV in the evenings.  I can somehow get transfixed for over an hour of doing nothing else but sitting and watching.  Don't get me wrong, being able to relax is important too, but do I really need an hour every evening? 

4.  Be present.  While at work, be there. While with your loved ones, be there.  This is far better easier said that done, but is always a good reminder.

5.  Get sleep! I am the most unproductive when I am tired. I'm cranky, slow, and can't put together complete sentences.  This is probably the most difficult one for me.  I can always cut back on a half hour of sleep- that's what coffees for! But being chronically tired really does impact your health, your immunity, and down the road, it will add up! Shoot for at least 7 hours.  And if it means going to bed 15 minutes earlier to start making sure you get that, do it, and then add to that 15 minutes to increase your sleep.

I hope you are all off to a great September.  Happy Labor Day!