Time Management – Where Does Your Time Go?

Deep down, you know that there are 168 hours in a week, but you may feel puzzled about where they all go. Use this list to help you get started figuring it all out. See which activities you could perform more efficiently and which activities you may want to cut back on. 

Necessities You Probably Want to Keep 

1. Budget for sleep. Eight hours is still a good rule of thumb for most adults. Experiment to see if you function just as well on seven or six hours.
2. Eat every day. Invent your fast food—Cook chili in batches and freeze single servings. Turn salads into a balanced meal by adding beans or slices of chicken breast.
3. Hold onto your day job. Working and commuting take up a big chunk of most people’s lives. Moving closer to work or telecommuting could free up some of that time, depending on your situation.
4. Clean your house. Clever housekeeping goes a long way. Less clutter means less dust. Get in the habit of cleaning a little each day. Wipe the refrigerator down while your coffee brews.
5. Groom yourself. Except for showering and brushing your teeth, most routines are discretionary. Use fewer products and get an easy-care hairdo.
6. Exercise regularly. An active lifestyle may extend your life, so why skimp here? Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. By integrating exercise into your other daily routines, you could save some time, like taking the stairs and parking further away.
7. Learn new things. Lifelong learning is worth the investment. Take a business class or visit a natural history museum.
8. Pursue your hobby. Time devoted to enhancing your creativity and accomplishments pays off. Schedule time for yourself just as you schedule your other essential appointments. Practice playing the piano or learn to draw.
9. Connect with loved ones. Relationships with family and friends are central to our well-being. Build a strong support network and take time to share experiences.
10. Engage in spiritual practices. You know which teachings you aspire to live by if you belong to a specific faith tradition. Whatever your beliefs, you can focus on values that give your life purpose.

Stuff You Could Probably Cut Back On 

1. Check your messages less often. Set a limit on how often you check emails and voicemails. Twice a day may be all you need.
2. Turn off the TV. Leave the TV off except for when you intend to watch a specific program. It will cut down on channel surfing.
3. Get off the Internet. It’s easy to get carried away with browsing, social media, or the latest online games. Calculate how much time you ideally want to spend online and gradually cut back until you meet your goals.
4. Abandon nonproductive thinking. Catch yourself when you start to feel anxious or angry. Consider whether the event is worth your attention and anything you can do about it. Pretty soon, you may be enjoying an audiobook rather than fuming about traffic jams.
5. Streamline your errands. Do you find yourself making repeat trips to the supermarket because you forgot one item? Plan your weekly errands to cover everything you need with less driving time. Check which businesses have free or low-cost delivery services that will spare you from any driving at all.
6. Prioritize your shopping. Each new possession represents something else you will need to take care of. Examine whether it’s more critical for you to spend time with your children or own all the latest kitchen gadgets.

Managing your time effectively will help you lead a happier and more meaningful life. Use these tips to free up your schedule for the endeavors closest to your heart.