Feel you never have time for what truly matters? Follow these expert tips to create more free time – even in the midst of mayhem!
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Stop rushing around
Instead of worrying about things you haven’t done in a day, pick three realistic things you want to achieve and take short time-outs in between, even if it’s to sit down and have a coffee or listen to your favourite song.
Click here to read about why you should schedule a massage
Don’t compare yourself to others
Instead, imagine your own ideal life and work out how you’d like to spend your time. Recognise what trade-offs you’ll have to make to create that flexibility. For example, if you want to work fewer hours, it might mean less income.
Savour the moments
It’s easy to keep going at full tilt, but if you’ve got 10 minutes to read a magazine (we recommend w&h!) savour that time instead of racing through it.
Simplify your schedule
It’ll make your life less frantic. Rather focus on the activities you and your family genuinely like most, and let the others slip away.
Learn to say no!
Write a list of the people, body language or phrases that make you feel you can’t say no, then practice saying it until it feels natural. For example, to the person who says, “I can’t manage, I need your help…” don’t jump in to sort things out, but try saying, “What would make you feel better able to manage this yourself?”
- Advice given by Octavius Black, author of The Mind Gym: Give Me Time and psychotherapist Gael Lindenfield.
