The times they are a-wastin’

“If I could turn back time, if I could find a way…”

Oh Cher, thank you for this catchy chorus that puts a tune to the superpower many of us wish we could possess. 

As we all woefully know, we cannot turn back time. We have not found a way. Time flies when we are (or are not) having fun. But with small changes, we can efficiently use the time we have and even maximize each precious minute

First, we must begin by being honest when it comes to how much time we waste. This is a tough one because none of us want to admit that we waste time. We all have smartphones practically glued to us, and on which we can easily connect with others, mindlessly watch hours of videos or scroll through social media posts. Tick-tock, there goes another hour wasted.

I noticed my own tendency to want to check my phone first thing in the morning. Before I had fully awoken, I was blasting the brightly-lit iPhone screen into my half-opened eyes. No bueno.

So I made a change. Now when I wake up, I take ten deep breaths. Not passively breathing, but mindfully feeling my ribcage expand with each inhale, and visualizing my diaphragm contracting as it moves downward to make room for my lungs to fill. On the exhale, I push all the air out until there’s none left, and imagine the upward movement of my diaphragm as it relaxes. Then I repeat. 

I essentially start my day with the easiest, but I’d argue, the most beneficial exercise: mobilizing the king muscle of respiration, the diaphragm, and its accessory muscles. Bonus: this focused breathwork keeps me in a calm and centered state as I start my day. My phone was having the opposite effect on me. New emails, Instagram likes, and random baby videos were revving up my nervous system. The fight or flight response is not an ideal first conscious reaction after a deep sleep. 

What does this have to do with time? Everything! By using the first few waking minutes by doing something as healthy and simple as conscious breathing, I’ve set the tone for a productive day. A clear and focused mind is a powerful one.

But as the day unfolds, distractions abound. The darn phone is nearby and if you use a smartwatch, you’re constantly connected. I have begun to tuck away my phone, unless I’m expecting an important call or using it for work. As a parent, this can be tough as we feel we must always be available. If you feel panicked by not having your phone nearby, allow yourself a quick check every half hour, then put it away again.

I’d also encourage you to look at your schedule and ask yourself where you might be wasting time? Is it possible to allocate time limits to certain tasks (as in, I will respond to emails for X amount of time, and then move onto the next item). Ask yourself which tasks are essential and which are fillers? Can you let go of any non-essential items to give yourself a breather? 

We are all so ‘busy’ that we have forgotten how to simply be. Clearing your schedule will allow you necessary space to think. Psst: it’s okay to say ‘no’ to others in order to say ‘yes’ to yourself. By setting healthy boundaries, you’ll actually feel more free. 

With these small changes, you may notice that you’re checking off necessary items on your to-do list more quickly, and with your new-found freedom you might be excited about adding in things that brighten your soul. You’ll have more quiet time to think, create, read, journal, exercise, plan a trip, try new activities, or fill-in-the-blank-whatever-your-heart-desires. 

Reclaim your time. I’m certain you can find a way.