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How to make the most of your time

Feb 9, 2015 | life updates | 11 comments

how to make the most of your time - the runner beans - charlie watson

I’m busy. I work a full time job, I am taking two classes a week with 3 hours teaching time for each plus coursework, I workout, I blog and I still see my friends and family (although not as much as I like). But I make the most of my time- I like to plan a lot!! Tom goes mad that I try to schedule things in months in advance, whilst he’s happy to take things as they come.

When Sian asked me recently how I fit it all in, I took a step back and realised that I try to use every hour of the day effectively, and sometimes kill two birds with one stone, so to speak!

Make the most of your mornings– Pre work is a legitimate meet up time for me. I meet up for coffees, physio appts, go on breakfast dates with Tom, and of course, go to workouts each day all before I get to my desk at 9am. I love getting up early to make the most of my day, both during the week and on weekends!

Workout with friends– One of the reasons I love going to Project Awesome is because I get to catch up with my friend Char every week as we take on the steps on The Scoop. I’m trying to encourage two of my other friends to join me weekly at reformer Pilates too!

Workout efficiently– You don’t need to do 2hr workouts every day, often 30mins hard work is actually more effective!

Use your lunch break- I know not everyone gets a full lunch break, but if I do get a chance, I’ll use mine to go to the gym, catch up with friends and colleagues, have blog meetings or write blog posts.

Blog on the go- If I haven’t managed to blog during my lunch (or even when I do) I blog in the notes section of my laptop and email it to myself. I can write on my way to or from work if I get a seat on the tube! It’s also brilliant for catching up on other blogs.

blogger bugbears

Commute well– read a book or magazine on the tube or bus, blog on the go, send emails, cycle or run to work. My commute takes me just over an hour each way- too much time to waste.

Multi-task– a few night’s ago my friend’s hairdresser came round to do my hair whilst I worked at home! If you can do two things at once, why not!

Pick and choose– You can’t do everything, choose the things that are most important to you and put those first. When I first started getting invited to blogging events, I thought I had to go to them all or I’d stop being invited. Now I prioritise the events that I think best fit with my blog and will be most useful to readers (or just really cool events!) and only go to those ones, and opt to spend time with friends and Tom on the other nights!

Schedule some down time– having some ‘off’ time is really important for preventing burn out, and to ensure your friends/other half don’t disown you!

How do you make the most of your time?

11 Comments

  1. CARLA

    I s-l-o–w d o w n
    🙂
    it really helps me to savor.

    Reply
  2. Lora

    It’s a lot to fit it all in, I totally agree! I’m trying to be more mindful with my time management, scheduling, and fitting it all in! I try to use the most of my time, as well-especially lunches! And YES it’s so important to include free time! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Betsy Moats (@WarriorBetsy)

    Great tips! It is hard to juggle it all but I find it you are really passionate about something you will find the time to fit it in.

    Reply
  4. Mrs. Miller's Miles

    I maximize my mornings! As a teacher, I was often working at 7/7:30 despite our day beginning at 8:10, but now that I’m a stay at home mom I accomplish so much during the Today Show and my son’s morning nap! I try to get everything done early in the day since I work out and spend time with my husband at night. On days when my son barely naps, it is a huge challenge! I definitely maximize my voice typing feature on my iPhone for emails and texts that need to be made.

    Reply
  5. Georgina

    I’m the same. My commute is by car and I always feel like it’s such a waste… so much so I bought French CDs so I can try and learn while I drive! I still struggle to make time for my other hobbies though (photography, dressmaking, reading, etc.) but it’s all too easy to waste time looking on my phone!

    Reply
  6. Mandie

    Great tips! I felt great knowing I follow many already! =)

    Reply
  7. tessietickle

    This is so timely for me right now. Trying to fit in full time work, 6 days marathon and cross training, blogging and other writing/freelance projects I’ve got on atm means there’s little time left for my poor husband, friends, family, and sleep! Trying to address it now and use my evenings more effectively with time slots for writing etc instead of wasting time on social media. For my training I’ve got a colour coded google doc 🙂 Hope your course is going ok

    Reply
  8. Pam and Christine

    I have more time than most since I no longer work, but running/working out with friends is the best!

    Reply
  9. A Magpie in the Sky

    I think I recognise that coffee in that image 😉 We need to schedule one of these in. I’m doing Fulham parkrun this Sat and Crystal palace next Sat if you fancy it x

    Reply
  10. Lauren (@PoweredbyPB)

    Good tips! This is something I really struggle with, unfortunately cleaning and housework is the thing that gets dropped so I always feel stressed that the house is a complete tip! At the end of the day though it’s the thing that’s least important to me compared to studying/working out/seeing the OH/friends etc.

    Reply
  11. Louise (@louliveswell)

    I totally identify with this post. I find it hard to fit everything in (work, study, running, yoga, friends, blogging, reading blogs… the list goes on!). But I also find it hard to say no or not sign up to exciting-looking events! I’m trying to be ruthless these days and making myself slow down. It’s hard but I like your tips 🙂

    Reply

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