Time Management: Mastering Your Health Resolutions

Time is a constant, but it’s what we do with those 24 hours that define us as individuals. Here’s why you should get time on your side.

For the past several posts, we have discussed different tools necessary for success with your New Year’s resolutions. These tools are a largely skills that will help bring thoughtfulness and awareness to your daily life. Today, we discuss your fourth tool, time management.

#4–Time Management

Time is a constant. It is a constant because we all have 24 hours in a day. Yet, it is also a variable because it’s what we do with those hours that defines us as individuals.

Take a moment and think about that. The thing that will define us as individuals is something that we all receive equally. No one has a 36 hour day, and no one has a 12 hour day. 24 hours; it’s what we all get.

So if it’s what we do with our 24 hours that defines us, doesn’t that mean that every minute of your day counts? Take a look at your day as you live it. Make sure that everything you are doing serves a purpose. You will start to notice when you are doing things that are not an appropriate use of your time.

For example, I am the one who grocery shops. When we need things at the house, it is tempting for me to just run out to the store. That run out to the store ends up taking at least 30 minutes, even if I’m only going for one or two things and even if I’m shopping at a store nearby where I live.

In my section on self-respect, I mentioned that you should take at least 10 minutes for yourself every day. 10 minutes is my Me Time that I struggle to fulfill some days, and I’m spending tripple that by running to the store for one or two things!

Instead of going to the store every few days, I have started letting the list get longer and using more pantry goods to get me by when I run out of things. It helps promote variety in my foods and creates space for some Me Time!

Another helpful way to schedule time for yourself is to actually schedule time for yourself. Put it in your calendar, set an alarm, get excited! Yes! You’re going to exercise, read, play with the kids, walk the dog, cook a really great meal, talk with friends, finish that project that you’ve been wanting to get done. Whatever it is, do it and love it! Then, tomorrow, have an alarm set to do something else. Take time for yourself every day and feel good about it.

Taking time for yourself is an essential element for achieving happiness.

If you’re interested in reading another perspective about time management, I suggest this article “Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time” by Harvard Review.

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