Work Expands to Fill Time Alotted
I am doing a terrible job with my March Resolution. I have not done a single stretch or yoga pose. I've been too busy, which is precisely why I chose this resolution now. The next few weeks are very busy ones for me, so this is exactly the time I need to remind myself to relax, unwind and stretch out a bit.
Yesterday was a particularly stressful day. Being busy doesn't stress me out, but being too busy to do the things that are important to me does. I've been slacking off on my exercise regimen, my self-appointed reading hour and, obviously, my yoga resolution... in other words, my "me time." So, today, I took a personal day. I turned over my To Do List and made priorities of the things I've neglected recently. I worked out as soon as I got up. Then I gave myself an hour to read. I started dinner prep. I cleaned the house a bit. Then I got started on my To Do List, and was able to finish all but one big project (do my taxes) before I had to go to work. I was even able to finish some things on the list for tomorrow, to free up a big chunk of time for taxes. I can easily run myself silly and accomplish just as much as I do when I make efficient use of my time.
Before I had a clutter-free workspace, I used to have a sign taped to my monitor that read, "Work Expands to Fill Time Alotted." I repeatedly found it to be true. If I didn't have a whole lot to do one day, it would take me forever to finish a task that would take a fraction of the time to complete if I had a smaller window of time. Making time for myself in the morning may still make for a busy and stressful afternoon, but at least I know that I've already accomplished the things that are the most important to me in the long run.
Tomorrow morning, I'll start the day with a yoga video, because I know I won't have time to go to the yoga class at my gym in the evening. Then I'll start on my taxes. Ugh.
Getting to Know All About You: What do you take time daily to do for yourself?