Time Management
by Ronnee Ruselle
Time management is basically what the name suggests - managing your time. You do this by working out a schedule and placing all of your daily activities on that schedule so that you eliminate time wastage and have a regular routine to work by that helps the entire family. Never again will you need to say 'I don't have time' because you will be able to see at a glance where you can fit in the time and you'll be able to find time to enjoy all of those things you love to do free from guilt.
Click here to view the sample schedule in a new window.
The schedule is just an example of the type of thing you would use. You can do it up on a chart for the wall, or have it in your computer, whatever suits you best. Some people have a blank chart that they fill in each week with the regular routines already printed on them so they only need to fill in social and other appointments. This way you can keep it with you when you're out and fit in new arrangements.
The schedule is based around the home, but you can do one for your work as well. Teach your kids how to do it and they'll grow up with a lot less rushing and frustration. They could even work out a schedule for study to help them.
*The time that's filled in 'work' includes travel time to work and travel time home. You can have another timetable like this one for your work. It's very helpful and keeps you organized.
To Begin
The schedule or timetable is designed to help you find the time to have enjoyment in your life and better relationships with those around you. In this hectic age of technology, relationships are crumbling because people are spending more time with machines than with each other. Some people are chronically late for appointments, others claim to have no time, they're frazzled and yet, at the end of the day when they sit down and look at their day, they cannot see where the time has gone. Many people (especially Mums or single Dads) cannot seem to find any enjoyment time and spend their whole day working with no time to spend on themselves. Hopefully if you follow the information and advice that comes with this timetable, you'll go a long way to solving these challenges. Of course this is a brief rundown on ideas. There are plenty of ideas out there for improving relationships and your life if you are interested. You have the greatest research tool at your disposal - the internet.
Basically with this timetable, you fill in the regular things that you do all the time such as sleep hours, meal hours, the times you dress etc. then you put in things you should do that you sometimes leave or get behind on such as dishes, putting clothes away, preparation for the next day. This is the area where this schedule is particularly helpful. Because you allocate time for these things and keep them done at the appointed time, not only is your life more organized, but you also have created time for the things you like to do and you have no guilt because you're on track. There's more info on some of these below.
The next thing that goes onto your schedule is quality time with the family - see below for more info. After this, the time that is left is all yours to do what you like with. Put in your leisure time activities, your social appointments, dental and doctor appointments and the like, The spaces are left for filling in later. As your friends approach you for social enjoyment, you'll be able to organize times to fit in with your schedule. Don't be afraid to fit them in where you can. You'll find that people are usually very happy to work around your schedule. If they too have a schedule, then you can sit down together an organize times to suit you both.
I've broken this timetable up into half hour intervals. Ideally yours should be 5 or 10 minute intervals and be more detailed than what I have above. This is an example of how to make up the schedule, but you make one up that suits you. Take the time to do it and when you use it, you'll be glad you did. When I began using time management, I used one that was broken up into 5 minute intervals. I then put in every single duty that I could think of into that schedule and where previously I was disorganized, I became super organized. This was fabulous for me at the time because I was single and I was able to make exact appointment times and dates with friends and any other commitments I had. No longer did I say "I don't have time". Rather, I said "Let me get my schedule and we'll work out a time". I was instantly able to slot everything in. My life improved, I was happier and I actually had a lot more productive time.
Because the schedule is just an example, I haven't broken it up enough. You'll need to put more time slots in so that you can break up your day for weekends as well. You'll need to make sure you have family time there and also some time to do something that you enjoy. If you need to be away from the family for some time, ensure that you allow some extra time with them when you return because they really do feel you missing and this will balance out the emotions that they have experienced due to your absence.
I've just put Weekend stuff in for Saturday and Sunday, but of course, you would put in whatever activities you can do with the family, home chores such as mowing the lawn, washing windows etc. Please use careful judgement on when you do these things. You know your family. If your kids are going to be most likely to need time with you in the morning, then mow in the afternoon or perhaps they can help you and it could become another bonding/helping experience. Find time to do one special thing with them each week that you wouldn't normally do such as watching a new movie, going out for dinner, going to the beach or park - anything that comes to mind. This will keep them happy and experiencing something new each week so they grow up with fond memories of their childhood and they have a range of wonderful experiences. You can also use these experiences to gently teach them life skills in preparation for when they're older.
Family Time
You'll notice that this schedule also allows for quality time with the family. This is interaction time where the family can bond. If you normally sit in front of the TV and don't talk to the family much, this scheduler will help you change that and find time to do things with them thereby helping any strained relationships. Make sure you put personal time in your scheduler for each member of the family - even if it's only 10 minutes. This time should be time talking, reading, playing a board game or something interactive -not video games- I mean interactive with the family members, not a control pad, kicking a ball around or anything really where you interact. It may start out awkward if you're not used to it, but the family will soon warm to the time you spend with them and you will feel much better for it. Your brain will function better too. You'll think clearer and sharper because Television actually shuts down your brain and let's not get started on the radiation it emits. You'll get to know each other better too. If you don't live with your family, this still works with flat-mates, friends and associates.
Mealtime
Eat your meals at the dinner table. It helps with digestion. Studies have proven that a well set dinner table with a nice display, good dinnerware and even nice crystal glassware (if you have littlies, then something tougher) aids in digestion and actually helps people lose weight or stay in shape. Ensure that the meal you eat has plenty of flavour and serve smaller portions. The tastebuds and the appetite register that you've eaten and it satisfies the hunger. Take your time eating your meal, but don't allow it to go over an hour. This will affect how the food is processed in your body.
Eating meals with the family around a dinner table is also an excellent time for bonding and discussion. Once the meal is over, don't separate to your own rooms and have one person stuck with cleaning the dishes. Get the whole family to assist. Not only is it helpful to Mum or Dad, but it has positive psychological effects. The family who act as a unit will think like a unit. The family will become accustomed to helping each other and will be more likely to support each other in trying times. It also prepares the children for when they will work because they will already be responsible and used to working as part of a team. If it's done as a group, then the family learns to work together as a group rather than a bunch of individuals, they enjoy the job more, one person isn't loaded with all the work and it gets done faster leaving you more quality time with the family or something you like to enjoy.
If you hand wash, then someone can dry and the little ones can help put things on the table for putting away or even put them away for you. At the age of 4, my daughter was so excited to help, that I'd give her a cloth to dry with and let her dry her plastic cups and bowls. If you use a dishwasher, then there's no reason why you can't all get in to clear away the table, wipe over cupboard tops and a couple of you stack the dishwasher.
Next Day Prep
As the name suggests, this is when you prepare for the next day.
Lunch
For most people, the excuse for buying their lunch is lack of time. Well, now you have the time. You can make all the lunches in one hit, the family can help and choose their fillings or lunch ingredients, it is all packed and put in the fridge for the next day. Then the clothes are prepared for the next day, bags are packed etc. and voila! No more morning rush!! This means you are all relaxed and you actually get to enjoy each other's company in the morning too because everybody is happier and you can even enjoy breakfast together around the table if there's time. More bonding and it makes mealtime much more enjoyable. If you have a large family or a very small amount of time, you might want to consider preparing a range of lunches the weekend before and freezing them. My mum used to make a whole range of sandwiches with a variety of fillings. She would pack them and label them and we would just choose what we'd like on the morning. By the time lunchtime came around, the sandwiches had defrosted and they were fresh and soft. YUM!! There are a whole range of fillings that you can freeze. You probably wouldn't freeze lettuce, but I have taken lettuce and added it when I went to eat the sandwich. It's up to you, but most fillings can be frozen. You could even stick little notes in the lunches now and then so they have a lovely reminder that you love them or you're thinking of them during the day.
Clothing
If you put a scheduled time to do ironing and washing on a particular day in the week, then you only need to select what you're going to wear the next day. If you are a person who prepares your clothes on the day, then this is when you'll iron your clothes for the next day. Choose everything you're going to wear so that when you awaken, you don't have a morning rush.
Bags
All bags are to be packed. This will ensure that nothing is left behind. Check that you have any mailing that has to go out the next day, kids can make sure they have all books, show and tell, notes, and anything special that needs to be addressed in preparation for school so that they are organized, happy and calm when they leave for school and so are you. This would also be the time to plan your trip if you're going to a new location or taking a detour of some sort the next day say for example if you're carpooling.
Johnnie's Bedtime
Now you may notice that I've put a timeslot in there for bathing and reading to Little Johnnie. This is important. Bathing can sometimes make a child sleepy and ready for bed. For some children, it will wake them up. Either way, a gentle and calming exercise of some sort with a child before bed helps them to sleep. They also enjoy the interaction with you so they look forward to bedtime and grow up with happy memories and thoughts of sleep. It helps to create good sleeping patterns and can also help the child to grow into a calm adult who sleeps well and a good sleep is at the base of a lot of health issues. This sort of exercise can work very well for children who you have a problem getting to sleep. Some parents use massage, music and other things too. Putting this in the schedule and keeping to the schedule will allow Johnnie to have stability. Children work best with a routine and it makes them feel safe and secure because they know what to expect.
To work out what's the best time for bed for a child, don't wait to find out what time they fall asleep. This will lead to exhaustion. Find out how many hours sleep a night they need. You'll notice that on a good day they will sleep an average of 8-10, maybe even 12 hours. Then you make the bedtime that many hours before YOU wake up. This way you and your child awaken at the same time. Your child learns your routine and automatically follows it thereby alleviating you a lot of problems having to train the child into good behaviours. Children learn more by watching than by being told. You will also be synchronized with your eating times etc. Children can also worry if the family are awake before them. They worry about missing out on things, why they were not woken too and they can develop self esteem issues. This way you can avoid such possibilities and have a happy functioning home. Of course each situation is individual and if you have real problems with sleep, you need to try other methods as well to help - perhaps a baby whisperer.
You might notice that the next timeframe is 8.10. I've just allowed a few minutes extra for getting Johnnie to bed time, but strictly speaking, he should be in bed by 7.50 and use that 10 minutes to talk to him and help him go to sleep, but as life is not perfect, the extra time is allowed. This helps you stay in your routine too.
Evening Shower
Now, you may look at this and say, "I don't take 50 minutes to have a shower!" and I would say that I'm sure your power bill thanks you. (chuckle). This time is set aside for all of the cleaning and pampering stuff you need to do for yourself. This is a time to work on your appearance. Maintenance of your appearance is very good for the self esteem, keeps you healthy and of course looking your best. Professional people know what to look for in a person who they consider has potential. They look for things such as a neat and tidy manicure, well cared for skin and hair and of course good grooming. The basis for any good grooming is well kept skin, hair, hands etc. The clothes, make up etc. are the finishing touches that complete the look.
Shower
If you're a shower person, you can have a refreshing shower and don't hesitate to use a good loofah and some lovely fragrance shower gel to make you feel special. Having a good scrub will remove old skin and help you to glow and feel fresh and clean. There are some fabulous gels for men too in designer fragrances so you can step out of the shower feeling a million dollars guys!
Bath
Take advantage of the opportunity to have a nice, bubble bath and don't forget music, candles - whatever will help you relax and feel good. Use your favourite scent in the bath and enjoy a soak to remove the rigours of the day away.
Face and Body
Moisturise
This should be a must for everybody men and women alike. No matter what the season, you have the elements, pollution and the toxins inside your body fighting to make you look old and dry your skin up. It takes only about 2-3 minutes to massage a quick bit of moisturizer into your face and it'll make a world of difference. You'll see it within a few days. Men are lucky - because they shave, this automatically exfoliates the face and makes them appear younger, but don't forget guys that you have eyes, forehead etc. and these areas need to be attended to as well. It's not a girly thing. You usually have moisturizer in your shaving creams and gels and this just ensures that your eyes etc. don't get jealous (chuckle). Actually it's just commonsense to put the moisture back into your body that the day takes out.
Oh, and while you're at it, drink plenty of water. Water actually evaporates from your skin all day. Add that to the water that flushes out of your body and you're dry. If you're dry, your body assumes there's a drought and will take its' fluid from anywhere it can get it including the bowel. Now, you don't really want all of that poison going back into your body from the bowel do you? So flush your body out with 2 litres of water per day. This will flush it out and help it maintain its' youthful look. The body will also assume that the drought is over and will allow the body to release all of that fluid it has been holding onto. I've seen people lose kilos in weight in one week just from drinking water. Also, the plump moisturized skin looks more youthful than dried prune type skin. Most people are actually dehydrated. Here's a handy test to tell how. Grab a glass of water and spit in it. If your spit is frothy, then you're already dehydrated and your body is preparing to suck the water from anywhere it can get it. Stop it in its' tracks. You may need to make more toilet stops, but the body does adjust after a while.
You can also use this time to exfoliate or any other thing you might like to do or do it once a week during your Pamper Plus time.
Other Ideas
Moisturise your body, hands, give yourself a pedicure or foot rub or you and your partner could give each other a relaxing massage. Anything that helps your body relax and can improve it. It needs to be something nice.
Pamper Plus
Put in a time on your schedule one day per week for a full going-over of yourself. This is the time that you can have a facial masque, or do your nails, pedicure, colour your hair and everything that you couldn't fit into your shower hour during the week. Make sure you do something nice for yourself - and I don't mean eat ice cream! (chuckle)
Phone Time
This time is not on the sample schedule, but can be any time of day or night, but basically the reason for this time is to give you the opportunity to communicate with those people who you don't see all the time or those who live a long way away. You work out what time and day is good for them and then you phone them at that time and day each week. This way you don't lose touch and they look forward to their weekly chat with you. If you're calling long distance of course you'll need to be aware of time and costs so ensure that the person at the other end is aware that the phone call will only be for half an hour or an hour - however long you allow. This will also help with your budget when it comes to your phone bill.
Diary/Meditate
This time is set aside of course because the diary is one of your daily routines. Not everybody meditates and those who do may choose a different time to meditate, but this is a suggested time because you're usually nice and relaxed, in bed after your lovely wash and moisturize routine. Your body and mind are ready for it. It's up to you of course. You may have a preferred time. If you do not meditate each day, you should find at least one thing that allows your mind to release what is inside before going to sleep otherwise your brain will try to release it when you lay down for sleep and it can make falling asleep difficult and can affect the quality of your sleep as well if your subconscious is very active because your human 'computer' is processing the day's information. Suitable ideas are: daily diary (not your psychic diary) outlining what happened that day, listening to relaxing music and allowing your mind to wander (which is basically like meditation anyway, but you may prefer this to a routine meditation), talking to your partner. Even this can help to release the day's information from the brain, but be aware that if you do this, you could be offloading negative thoughts and energy onto them particularly if you've had a bad day so the diary idea is preferable to this in such cases.
Enjoyment
This is a broad term, I know and some of this time can be absorbed into your daily routine, but it's important to allow some time before sleep to do something enjoyable. This is also alone time for you and your partner so put it to good use connecting with each other in some way and this includes your sex life. As silly as it sounds, studies have proven that those couples who enjoy sex at least once per week have a much closer relationship, a happier disposition and the relationship lasts longer.
This is also a good time to play some video games, read, use the computer, anything like that which is fun for you to do and again, it doesn't have to be right before bed, but perhaps research and computer time should be put earlier so you're not overloading your brain again before bedtime. This is the time where you do things that you enjoy and can unwind with before sleep.
Sleep Time
Routine is crucially important to your body clock. Those who have shift work will know what a dramatic effect it can have on your body to have to change sleep patterns etc. It's important that you actually go to sleep at the time you set. So 10pm the light goes out and you actually lay down at 10pm (or whatever time you set), not 10 minutes after, but on the dot.
If you work shift work, you can still achieve a healthier routine for your body by working out a daily roster to coincide with the work hours you do. Even though your body clock will be a bit out of whack, it will still become accustomed to the change in sleep patterns quicker and easier if you're going to bed at the exact same time on set days. For example, in order to fit in with shifts, you may need to go to bed at: 10pm Monday, 12pm Tuesday, 10pm Wednesday, 2am Thursday, 12pm Friday.
Even though the hours change, your brain and body will be able to handle it better if you actually go to bed at these times because it anticipates the time it will be sleeping. If your sleep patterns are like this: 10.30pm Monday, 12.15pm Tuesday, 11pm Wednesday, 2.10 Thursday, 12.20 Friday and then a whole different set of times the next week, of course your body will have less chance of adjusting. It will need to adjust each day instead of adjusting several times per week.
To work out what time is good for you to go to bed, do not base it upon how much you have to do each day. Base it upon the average number of hours you need for sleep. To find out how long this is, just choose an evening where you're at home and go to bed at a time that's reasonable where you're not exhausted. Take note of what time you awaken and this will give you an idea of how many hours you sleep. On average people need between 8-12 hours. Some need less, but this is more likely to be due to habit rather than the body's needs. When your body sleeps, it heals, it sorts through the information from the day and it breaks down fats etc. so it's pretty busy while you're sleeping. Make sure you give it the best chance possible to carry out its' functions by ensuring it has enough hours to do so. When you know how much sleep your body needs, then work out your bedtime so that you'll awaken with plenty of time for breakfast, dressing, morning clean up etc. DO NOT SKIP BREAKFAST!!
It's an essential time for contact with the family, but your body needs it to get your day going. You wouldn't go to work with an empty fuel tank in your car, so help your body to work properly by ensuring it has its fuel too. The information about mealtime above in regard to setting the table, eating a proper meal from good dinnerware etc. is just as important for breakfast. Psychologically it gives your brain a good start and helps it to process your food properly so you're not feeling weighed down.
Things such as the kids sport, your sport etc. can obviously be put into this schedule. You can put down at that time what each partner will be doing. If one is taking the kids to sport, the other may be catching up on a chore at home or something. Try to remember everything that you may do with your day and put it on the schedule.
Immediately adding new appointments etc. rather than leaving them till later will help prevent forgetfulness.
I hope you find this time management schedule helpful.