Make More Time for Yourself

There's only 24 hours in any given day and so the thought that you could "make more time" does seem a bit ridiculous.  But, I have run across a few tips from life coaches that actually worked.  Here's what I discovered:

• Handle things once.  I've heard this for many years, but it really works.  If you're sorting through your mail, immediately through out the junk mail, catalogs or circulars that could clutter things up.  I also throw away those tempting catalogs, not only were they a temptation for my money but I found I spent a lot of time "just looking." 
• Don't listen to the news first thing in the morning.  This tip surprised me.  I used to listen to the news while I got ready for work each morning and thought nothing of it.  I had already eliminated listening to the news just before bedtime so that it didn't interrupt my sleep.  But, when I stopped my morning listening I was surprised at how much fresher and how much more upbeat my outlook on my day was than before.  Now I take 5-10 minutes mid-morning and mid-afternoon to look at the news highlights online and then sign off.  Try it, you may be surprised too!
• Make good use of waiting time.  Tuck a book in your purse or in your car.  Take a notepad to write your shopping list or notecards to write thank you or appreciation notes.  Some people pay bills but that may be a bit too public for most.  Whatever you do, if you are spending your waiting time in a public area, please do not use it to talk on your cell phone in public as that is annoying.  A little quiet time does wonders!
• Be decisive and move on.  Have you ever been with a group of friends who couldn't make up their minds as to which restaurant to visit?  Or, have you been shopping with a friend who took hours to decide between the blue shirt or the red one.  Be decisive, make a decision and move on.
• Turn off technology during your high-energy time.  OK, this one took me a bit longer to embrace.  For years I have had a small TV on at my desk while I worked.  After trying this tip a couple of times I realized how much more productive I am when I turn the TV, radio and iPOD off for a couple of hours each day. 
• Monitor time-sapping addictions.  If you suffer from chronic Internet surfing'itis like me, you understand this tip.  Whatever your addiction, whether it is reading useless catalogs, Internet surfing, watching TV, or your own unique habit, monitor your time.  It's OK to indulge, just make a commitment to do this activity for 15 minutes, 20 minutes and so forth and then move on to something more productive. 

These tips alone, according to Kathryn Matthews in O Magazine, could save you up to 4.5 hours each day in time!  Try some of these and you may be surprised at how easy they are to implement and how much more relaxed and less stressful your day can be.

(Tips from "How to Get 7 More Hours into Your Day," by Kathryn Matthews, O, The Oprah Magazine, May 1, 2007.)