I wrote a list once of the stuff I needed to get done in a day...it scared me quite a lot.
I have no doubt at all that if you're reading this now, you've managed to squeeze in 5 mins between doing the washing, cooking dinner, writing a report and going to the gym.
Not easy is it? If you live with someone else too (as many do who live in the city), it becomes even harder to find time to do what you need to because there's always someone getting in your way. Even if they're great and you get on with them, it's rare to find someone who isn't ever going to talk to you - and I doubt you'd want that either.
(picture from the blog Stuck in Customs)
So, you work all the hours you can, then eventually collaspe in a heap at the end of the day to try and get some sleep. By that time you're either so wired there's not a chance in hell you're sleeping for at least another two hours, so on goes the TV, or you crash and burn ready for a few hours of fitful sleep before the alarm goes off.
As your time is precious, I'm going to keep this short.
Here are my tips for gaining more time and feeling less tired / rubbish / shattered:
- Make a freaking decision! This is your life!! Take control. Learn to say no and cut back - quality not quantity!
- Use your lunch break - even if you only have 30 mins, take it. It's your right and it's important. Your much more likely to be productive if you actually step away from the mayhem. Take a walk around the block and get some fresh air. Breathe deeply and find something beautiful to appreciate.
- Eat mindfully - instead of ramming a sandwich down your throat at your desk, take a few minutes to appreciate what you're eating. Stop whatever else you're doing and really taste your food. This will give your mind a break and give you a feeling of space.
- Use your tube time - if you commute in any other way than driving, use this time to it's fullest. If you walk, doing a walking meditation, being mindful of each step. If you're stuck on the tube or bus, read a novel or inspirational story, write a to do list or draft some emails. Sitting starring in to space (unless it's a conscious decision) is wasted time you could be utilising.
- Take 10 mins for yourself before you try to sleep. Turn off all gadgets and close your eyes, bring your awareness to your body and try some yoga nidra. Allowing yourself to wind down from external stimulation will help you relax and prepare for a good night's sleep, which in turn allows you to be more productive.
In summary, no, you can't create time, but you can use your time effectively to improve your health, your well-being and consequently, your productivity.
If you want to learn about even more practical ways to actually feel like you have all the time you need to get stuff done, why not sign up to my mailing list to get regular updates from the blog along with exclusive free access to the members section of the website which has much more in depth 'how to' guides for someone like you who just needs real advice for feeling better quickly.