Archive for 'Self-Care Time'
Find Time to Move Your Body No Matter What!
Posted on March 9, 2010 by Paula, under Self-Care Time, Time Choices, Time and Energy.
Find time for a little exercise every day – it’s really important, and it’s been my mantra for quite some time now!
You may think it’s a tall order, but note that I said “a little exercise”! That’s because it’s much more important to do something, and do it frequently – then to exercise strenuously and well, but only every once in a while. Not only is that less helpful for your fitness over the long haul, but it also sets you up for possible injury.
But how do you find time to work exercise into your busiest days? And what if you’re sick, or over-tired,or away from home, or just don’t feel like it? It can certainly be a challenge, I know. But for starters, making movement a priority AND being mindful of even your smallest choices can really, really help!
For example:
- What if you park at the far end, rather than the near side of the parking lot?
- What if you walked back upstairs when you forget your glasses, rather than asking your partner to bring them down to you?
- How about walking to the grocery store for the half gallon of milk, rather than hopping into the car?
A lot of the efficiencies that we undertake in our lives are geared towards saving us steps. I’m suggesting that you flip that over for yourself, especially when you don’t have time to go to a gym or do some other form of planned exercise.
Instead of saving yourself some steps, try adding a few. This will get your energy moving, and I guarantee you’ll find it refreshing.
Time choices like these can have the added advantage of diminishing your carbon footprint (less time in the car), modeling helpful behaviors for others in your life, and gaining you some quiet time (those walks to the store) to boot. Even very small increments of time spent exercising present you with lots of bonuses, as you can see!
Of course it’s great to get out for a longer walk or run or bike ride — or to join the Pilates class, or practice yoga, you name it! These things are wonderful and I heartily encourage them.
BUT … even on a day when your schedule is “too full” or you don’t feel quite up to it, you can still work some movement into your moments. Try it! And let me know how it goes – I’d love to hear!
What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up for your FREE Finding Time Success Kit. It puts 3 key tools for your time success right into your hands! Grab it and see how you can recharge your energy, reduce overwhelm and frustration, and come to learn that 24 hours really ARE enough!
Let’s explore time together …
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Find Time for You – MORE than Once in a Blue Moon
Posted on December 30, 2009 by Paula, under Self-Care Time.
As a reader of The Time Finder Blog or my articles at ezinearticles.com you know that Self Care is something that I view as a responsibility – NOT a luxury or self-indulgence.
Self care is something to attend to every day. It is most DEFINITELY NOT something to pursue only once in a blue moon – but all too often, that is the case.
You are probably very familiar with the scenarios. Your To Do List is overflowing and there are people making additional requests of you and your time. You want to do just-one-more-thing and then, you tell yourself, you’ll journal or meditate or go for a walk.
Only that “one-more-thing” turns into three, and before you know it you are falling into bed, exhausted – having never paused or taken a breath – and STILL feeling overwhelmed.
When I work with my clients on this pattern in their lives, they find it helpful to step back and explore the secondary gains that they reap from it. For many, it comes down to issues about responsibility and choice. Rather than making clear choices about their priorities (a very self-defining step to take) they let the scarcity of time force their choices (thereby relieving them of that responsibility).
This often comes from the erroneous idea that one’s own priorities (including self care) are somehow selfish and that, conversely, suffering through constant feelings of overwhelm is somehow virtuous. This mindset leads to a perennial state of feeling either martyred or victimized, because life always asks for more than we can deliver. It’s a mindset that also takes our time choices and time priorities out of our hands – an escape from responsibility, but also a sure set up for dissatisfaction.
I’m excited that this December we’ll experience the unusual phenomenon of a Blue Moon. It’s something that always pulls me up short, and ours is tomorrow, in fact. The next one won’t occur until August of 2012!
What could be more fortuitous – a Blue Moon on the Eve of the New Year! As you pause to appreciate this phenomenon, may you think of it as a touchstone … a reminder to amp up your self care (AND your self-responsibility) in 2010. Be good to yourself more than once in a blue moon … you deserve it, AND it’s your responsibility!
Oh, and please drop me a line before the next Blue Moon … I’d love to hear how this goes for you!
What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up and download The New Finding Time Personal Boundary Template. It’s FREE, and when you sign up you will also receive (if you don’t already) my FREE, weekly Finding Time Tips and my FREE, monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine!
Let’s explore time together …
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Find Time to Give Yourself the Gift of Nurturing in All Seasons
Posted on December 23, 2009 by Paula, under Self-Care Time.
Finding time for self care is always a challenge, as it’s so often the first thing that we drop from our to do lists.
I’ve encouraged you to think of self care as a responsibility, and for many, that’s a helpful perspective. You could also think of self care as a gift that you give yourself. (Indeed, why not be generous and caring with yourself, as you are with others?) Time to care for yourself could also be a regular reward for accomplishing necessary tasks.
However you choose to work it into your life, it’s very important that you follow through and include self care in your regular repertoire. What is most vital is not the amount of time that you spend on self care – but the quality of that time AND the follow-through (i.e. that you come to know that you can count on yourself)!
Once you have self care established as a regular part of your routine, the fun part is deciding how to use that time. You know yourself better than anyone! I suggest that you start generating a list of things that you find nurturing. Be open and uncritical about any/all ideas that come to mind. You may surprise yourself.
Once you have your list, you can pick and choose, depending on your inclination and the time you have available. I suggest that you plan your self-nurturing activity ahead – either at night or first thing in the morning. That helps to solidify your commitment to following through – as well as giving you something concrete to look forward to.
In her blog Designing a Passionate Life, my friend and colleague Paula Harvey has written a post about “Nurturing Yourself During the Holidays.” You’ll find some interesting ideas for self-nurturing activities there.
Do you regularly build in time for self care in your life? What activities do you find nurturing? I’d love to hear about what you discover as you explore the power of regular self care in your days!
What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up and download The New Finding Time Personal Boundary Template. It’s FREE, and when you sign up you will also receive (if you don’t already) my FREE, weekly Finding Time Tips and my FREE, monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine!
Let’s explore time together …
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Find Time to Exercise, Whatever the Season – 3 Tips!
Posted on December 15, 2009 by Paula, under Self-Care Time, Time and Energy.
Finding time for physical activity can be a special challenge when the weather isn’t always conducive to getting outside. Then it’s tempting to procrastinate about exercising, or let it drop out of your routine entirely.
But ultimately, dropping the ball on exercise will leave you feeling drained of energy and less connected to the flow of your day. That’s because the benefits of exercise can be felt in every area of your life – the physical, emotional, intellectual – you name it!
So here’s something to try, to help you make sure that exercise doesn’t fall off your radar when weather is bad or busy times (like the holidays) affect your routine:
- Make exercise a priority. When you plan your to do list for the coming day, if exercise is going to be on your agenda, be sure to write that on your list.
- Don’t over-extend. Make sure that your daily to do list includes what you realistically can do. Remember, it’s a TO do list – not a SHOULD do list!
- Expand your view of exercise. Don’t limit yourself to considering a 2-mile run exercise but not a 15 minute walk. ALL exercise is important and helpful. Let yourself see and celebrate that!
Including some form of exercise in your day is a powerful way of connecting with yourself, your time, and your energy. And now, here’s something else to think about …
Did you ever consider that the aches, pains and feelings you have in your body could be related to the blocks that are holding you back in your business?
Are you interested in learning the skills and techniques that can help you address that? This is exactly what Krista Hearty, Entrepreneur Energy Coach, is going to share with you on her upcoming FREE Teleclass: “7 Steps to Unleash the Brilliance of Your Body: Breaking Through Business Blocks Using the Power of the Chakras”
Join her on Wednesday December 16th (that’s tomorrow) from 2-3pm EST for this FREE inspirational and experiential Teleclass. Grab your spot right now! I’d love to hear about what you discover as you explore this!
What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up and download The New Finding Time Boundary Template. It’s FREE, and when you sign up you will also receive (if you don’t already) my FREE, weekly Finding Time Tips and my FREE, monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine!
Let’s explore time together …
P.S. Being an Entrepreneur is one of the most profound paths to personal growth you can experience and there are bound to be bumps along the way that can be lessened if you are well guided. If you sense that there is power within you that has yet to be unleashed then be sure to register for Krista’sinspirational and experiential teleclass!
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Finding Time to Enjoy Holiday Times … When You are Already Busy!
Posted on December 9, 2009 by Paula, under Self-Care Time.
Finding time in the span between Thanksgiving and the December holidays can be a huge challenge.
Here we are on December 9th, with Hanukkah starting this Friday night, and Christmas and New Year’s soon to follow. How do you prepare for these celebrations, get everything else done, and take care of yourself, too?
It’s a tall order, AND it’s most definitely do-able. You’ll need to do some planning, find your comfort zone, set your boundaries, and then be prepared to be disciplined about your follow-through!
Melissa McCreery has recently published an excellent article on ezinearticles.com that focuses on How to Take Better Care of Yourself When You Don’t Have Time. Among the very practical tips that she shares is an insight I particularly want to emphasize about self care – it’s so spot on!
Savor and cherish. You may not have all the “me time” that you really need. You may have to make some compromises or fit things in a less than optimal way. That’s how it works for most of us. The thing is, it only works, if you savor the time that you do have. Whether you have five minutes or an afternoon, make sure you are present for the time that you devote to yourself.
Navigating the holidays in a way that enhances everyone’s experience … including your own … also involves staying within your comfort zone. That, in turn, means knowing yourself, and then making choices that put that knowledge into practice.
What happens when you commit to working within your comfort zone?
As you create exciting holiday alternatives, remember; every time you add something, you must let go of something else. This involves setting boundaries.
If you usually spend countless hours juggling others’ needs, managing your time according to your holiday comfort level may seem revolutionary. And yet everyone benefits when you set boundaries. By taking the responsibility to work within your circle of contentment and competence, you give everyone the best of yourself.
Do you know your comfort zone? Have you put what you know into practice? Try starting small. Drop me a line and let me know how it goes .. I’d love to hear!
What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up and download The New Finding Time Boundary Template. It’s FREE, and when you sign up you will also receive (if you don’t already) my FREE, weekly Finding Time Tips and my FREE, monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine!
Let’s explore time together …
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Find Time for Dessert!
Posted on November 26, 2009 by Paula, under Self-Care Time, Time Boundaries.
Finding time for our goals and priorities, our daily tasks and responsibilities … these are things that we all are challenged by and work hard at in our busy lives. Our baskets of time are often filled-to-overflowing, and when it comes to things-to-do, we live in a world of great plenty!
Indeed, we could spend all of our time chipping away at necessary tasks and never complete them!
“So,” you ask, “what about the small pleasures that life offers? How do I find time for them in the midst of all those tasks?”
Well, what I’d suggest is that you use planning, and time boundaries, and discipline!
- Plan treats and rewards for yourself throughout your day to validate your efforts and recharge your batteries. (The treats don’t need to be edible … they can include things like a walk, a warm bath, a span of time for just surfing the web or for meditating – whatever gives you pleasure and energizes you.)
- Time Boundaries help you follow through on your plan. If free time on the web is your reward, try using a timer so that you don’t run over, or short change yourself. If exercise is your pleasure, be sure to set aside enough time for all that’s involved. Don’t forget stretching, cooling down, a shower – everything!
- Discipline keeps you on track. When that timer goes off, stop surfing and get back to whatever is next on your list! If it’s really dessert that’s your treat and you planned for one helping, don’t take two, no matter how tempting it may be!
When you know that you can trust yourself to respect the boundaries that you set and follow through on your plan with discipline, then you can relax and thoroughly enjoy your “dessert” – whatever form it may take!
Do you validate and reward yourself for your follow-through? I encourage you to make this a staple of your time management repertoire … and I’d love to hear how it goes for you!
Want to learn how to set effective boundaries to honor yourself, your time, and your relationships? You can ask for the time and space you need, and get it, too! Claim your FREE MP3, “Honoring Your Time With Boundaries”, and discover tools to move you toward a stronger self and stronger relationships! So, take your next step, click HERE and grab your MP3! When you sign up you will also receive (if you don’t already) our weekly Finding Time Tips, our monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine, and our Finding Time Personal Boundary Template! All FREE – our gifts to you!
Let’s explore time together …
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Find Time for Boundaries and Self Care During the Holidays!
Posted on November 17, 2009 by Paula, under Self-Care Time, Time Boundaries.
Finding time as the holidays approach gets harder and harder, doesn’t it? This time of year, it’s so easy to let yourself get swept up and swept along in the rush and bustle.
That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead and schedule in some time to breathe! Your ability to enjoy the holidays and not feel depleted (and, ultimately, disappointed) depends on your ability to find ways to take care of yourself throughout the season.
My advice to you?
First and foremost, change your view of self care. It is not an indulgence, it is a responsibility.
Making self care your responsibility means that your next job is to find time for yourself. To do this, you’ll need to use your skills with setting, communicating, and following through on time and relationship boundaries.
I’d advise you to start small, especially if boundary-setting is relatively new to you. Begin with a boundary you know you’ll be able to maintain. Maybe try something like going for a 10-minute walk first thing in the morning. Communicate your boundary to those who need to know. Then follow through on your plan, validate your success, and build from that base.
Broken down into steps, it sounds pretty easy, doesn’t it? It’s important to start thinking about this and practicing now, because as the holidays get closer and closer, your life’s demands will accelerate and finding time will get harder.
The rewards for taking care of yourself using time and relationship boundaries are huge. Remember, self care is your responsibility no matter what the season. Start now, and enhance your holiday enjoyment while you find time!
What do you think? Do you use boundaries in your life? Are they a challenge for you? I’d love to hear what you think!
Want to learn how to set effective boundaries to honor yourself, your time, and your relationships? You can ask for the time and space you need, and get it, too! Claim your FREE MP3, “Honoring Your Time With Boundaries”, and discover tools to move you toward a stronger self and stronger relationships! So, take your next step, click HERE and grab your MP3! When you sign up you will also receive (if you don’t already) our weekly Finding Time Tips, our monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine, and our Finding Time Personal Boundary Template! All FREE – our gifts to you!
Let’s explore time together …
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Find Time to Honor Yourself and Your Relationships with Boundaries
Posted on October 21, 2009 by Paula, under Self-Care Time, Time Boundaries.
Finding time for what matters most, when we all have too much on our plates is a daily challenge for most of us.
It’s a challenge that is difficult for everyone – and can be made more difficult for women because so many of us are socialized to say “yes” to others’ needs and wants, almost without thinking. Indeed, many of us have grown up with the notion that self care is selfish. Couple that with the idea that we should be addressing everyone’s needs, and you can see how our plates quickly become full-to-overflowing!
Contrary to the myth that self care is selfish, I want to emphasize that self care is a core responsibility! If we do not care for ourselves, we cannot be available to others, it’s that simple.
Even further, constantly saying yes to others’ wants is damaging to relationships, because it depletes you, drains your energy, and ultimately leads to feelings of resentment (often unspoken). It is also disempowering of the other person, to always have you addressing his/her needs, especially if you are doing things that the person could do him/herself.
On the other hand, saying no to others’ demands, and establishing a boundary for yourself, can be a gift to everyone involved. It can find you more time, strengthen your relationships, and give you back control over your life!
Want to learn more? There’s still time to sign up for today’s FREE Teleclass on Honoring Our Time With Boundaries. I’ll be interviewed by Melissa McCreery as part of the celebration of Too Much on Her Plate Week.
That’s today, October 21 at 7PM ET. Please join us – it’s going to be an excellent class and I’d love to have you there!
What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up and download The New Finding Time Personal Boundary Template. It’s FREE, and when you sign up you will also receive (if you don’t already) my FREE, weekly Finding Time Tips and my FREE, monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine!
Let’s explore time together …
Other Posts You Might Enjoy!
Finding Time For Yourself, Even on Your Busiest Days
Posted on October 15, 2009 by Paula, under Self-Care Time, Time Boundaries, Time Choices.
Finding time for yourself when you are over-the-top busy can seem impossible, can’t it? Your To Do List is overflowing, and there’s a back-log of tasks left over from yesterday (and maybe the day before) as well. You are running from one thing to another, and can’t see any breathing space on the horizon.
How often do you have a day like that? More often than you’d like, I am guessing. In our fast-paced, plugged-in, super-scheduled world, it is easy to do this to ourselves.
I am a big proponent of time boundaries, and would generally advise you to schedule in time for self-care, even when you’re jam-packed with tasks. But I know that’s not always possible. So when you can’t even find 10 or 15 minutes for yourself, what can you do?
Here’s where you need to become a multi-tasker. Scan your schedule and look for the times when you will either be moving from one task to another, or when you will be doing something that doesn’t require your full attention. Make these your times for briefly focusing on your breathing, mentally checking in with yourself, giving yourself a pat on the back, and remembering things that you are grateful for.
I’d encourage you to, at your leisure, come up with a menu that works for you. Maybe there are some affirmations that are particularly meaningful. Maybe simply focusing on your breathing or thinking of 3 gratitudes is grounding and revitalizing.
Whatever it is for you, finding time for self-care, even in the midst of your busiest days, is always within your grasp. You can give yourself what you need, no matter what your situation. Remembering this is a huge asset, as you navigate your busy life!
Speaking of time choices and time boundaries, watch for an e-mail today about a FREE Teleclass next week, when I’ll be interviewed by my friend and colleague Melissa McCreery. It’s on Wednesday, October 21 at 7PM ET. Please join us on the 21st – and drop me a line – I’d love to hear your thoughts about this!
What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up and download The New Finding Time Personal Boundary Template. It’s FREE, and when you sign up you will also receive (if you don’t already) my FREE, weekly Finding Time Tips and my FREE, monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine!
Let’s explore time together …
Other Posts You Might Enjoy!
Find Time for Sleep – It’s SO Important!
Posted on October 6, 2009 by Paula, under Self-Care Time, Time and Energy.
Finding time to get enough sleep is among the greatest challenges that many people face in this busy world of ours. How many are chronically short on sleep? Are you?
The other day I heard a story on Fresh Air – Terry Gross interviewed Po Bronson about the book NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children that he co-authored with Ashley Merryman.
Toward the end of the interview, Mr. Bronson shared some thoughts about the sleep needs of children, noting that children today are sleeping about an hour less than they did 30 years ago – a change that has a debilitating impact on young people’s performance in all areas.
What particularly caught my attention about this was the impact of losing or gaining a small increment of sleep.
You know how we talk about the big difference that 5, 10, 15 minutes of exercise can make? Well, the same goes for sleep – especially with young people. Here is Mr. Bronson:
You know, the surprise, Terry, is not that sleep matters, it’s how much it matters and how little bits of difference can even – can matter as well. You know, Karscadan’s(ph) data out of Rhode Island and Walstrom’s data out of Minnesota shows that – I’ll broadly characterize it here – that A students average 15 more minutes sleep than B students, who average 15 more minutes sleep than C students, and so on. Every 15 minutes can count.
In another study Dr. Avi Sadeh of Tel Aviv University had sixth graders and fourth graders get a little more or less sleep than they usually get – for three nights. He then gave them intelligence tests. The sleepy sixth graders were testing out like the fourth graders. So a loss of even three nights of sleep for a half hour each night was quite significant.
Interested in more on this topic? Take a look at the website of the National Sleep Foundation. Here’s just one more tidbit – from their section on Myths and Facts About Sleep:
Myth: Men and women are affected the same way by insomnia.
Fact: Insomnia is nearly twice as common in women than in men, and women are more likely than men to report insomnia to their healthcare professional. A woman’s sleep is uniquely influenced by menstrual cycle, biological life stage, stress level, health, mood, parental status, work hours and other life responsibilities.
So find time for sleep. For yourself, for your kids – for energy, productivity, and health! And please drop me a line – I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions!
What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up and download The New Finding Time Boundary Template. It’s FREE, and when you sign up you will also receive (if you don’t already) my FREE, weekly Finding Time Tips and my FREE, monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine!
Let’s explore time together …
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