There are 24 hours in a day. And ideally we are spending at least seven of those hours sleeping. After we take out time for cooking, cleaning, carpooling, work responsibilities, childcare we don’t have much time left to chip away at that ever growing to do list. And all too often what gets pushed aside is time for ourselves and our health.
We’ve all heard it. If you don’t take care of you, you are in no shape to help others. But how do we manage to fit in this time. To make room for our essentials? There is no magical answer. And if you know of one, please fill us in! But here are a few strategies that have worked for us…
- Start your day with intention. Pray, meditate. Whatever works for you. But quiet your mind. Take a moment or two to stop, breathe and think before you tackle your day
- Make a to-do list. And cross off what is not as essential or important to complete that day! A impossible to complete list of tasks is overwhelming and will leave you defeated and unmotivated. When you create a list that is realistic and more manageable it is much easier to dive in and get started!
- Say no!! That is right. It is okay to say no. We can’t do it all. And no one expects us to. Let go of the fear of letting others down. Be honest with yourself and others about what you can and CAN’T do!
- Ask for help. Are you willing to help out a friend in need? Do you spring to action when you see a family member falling apart? Of course you do! But guess what. That same community is waiting in the wings ready to help you!! Don’t be afraid to ask.
What are your strategies for making time for your essentials?? Share them below!
