Save Time

"The bad news is that time flies. The good news is that you're the pilot."

-- Michael Althsuler


If only time could be 'saved'! Just imagine having a cache of extra hours set aside for when you'd really like to spend some more time on something, or someone.

This week, the emphasis is on making the best use of the time we do have. A primary suggestion is learning how to effectively multi-task. I am afraid that when I first read these words, I cringed a little. Oh, no, I thought. Is this going to make me feel even worse? I was imagining the various 'workaholics' and 'I'm-so-busy-all-the-time' freaks I have known, and the way they look down their pointy noses at anyone who (shockingly!) appears to be NOT frantically busy every second of the day. Oy vey.

But, thankfully, I was wrong. Regina's key word here is 'effectively' and I was relieved to read these words: "In our modern world, we feel that we need to be on the landline phone, the computer, and the cell phone, shuffling paper, and reading today's newspaper simultaneously." I agree wholeheartedly! And I felt like giving Regina a big 'high five' when I read, "When you splinter your focus like this, you fry your nervous system."

OK, but what is the 'happy medium' here? How can I 'effectively multi-task' without jeopardizing my nervous system? Regina answered my question. "Do I denounce multi-tasking? No. But I think it's an art, and this week I'd like you to cultivate the healthy way to multi-task."

She goes on to give several very sensible examples. For instance, you should always have something to read (or a notebook for writing) if you know you are going to be sitting in a waiting room, or travelling. "Nothing is accomplished by staring at the walls." Amen to that! I was thrilled to have gotten this one right. I hate waiting of any sort as it really is such a complete waste of time. But when I can use the time to dive into a good book, or to study Spanish, or to write something, the waiting time goes by quite quickly. Plus, instead of feeling bored, restless, and impatient, I end up feeling quite energized, positive, and relaxed.

Her next piece of advice was, "When watching TV, have something to do during commercials." Another ace for me! One day last week I came home from work to an empty house as the kids were out for the evening. It had been a gloomy, rainy day and more thunderstorms were on their way. On days like this, my rheumatism acts up and so my knees were very swollen and painful and my energy was very low indeed.

I really felt I could do nothing other than rest my weary bones and joints, so I turned on the Food Network and curled up on the couch. I wasn't actually feeling relaxed, though, because there was too much chaos around me. Most of it was from all of my bedroom contents still being in the dining/living rooms, and the rest was from the kids having eaten, showered, changed clothes, and rushed out the door without tidying up after themselves.

I really enjoyed getting lost in the cooking show and being temporarily distracted from all of the clutter - until the first commercial came along and I began to feel restless. My joints hurt a lot and I was tired, so I knew I couldn't expect myself to just jump in, work hard, and set things right. But I also knew I couldn't truly enjoy an evening of pure sloth while there were tasks calling to me right and left.

And so, during the commercial, I dragged my weary body into the kitchen and began to do the dishes.; a few more commercials and they were all washed. A few more and they were dried and put away and the counter and the island cleared and cleaned.

I ended up spending the entire early evening this way. During every commercial I did just one small thing, and they really added up. A few hours later I turned off the TV and revelled in the satisfaction I felt. It had been 'the best of both worlds.' I had had a completely relaxing, comforting evening and yet everything was so much tidier - almost as if by magic.

It really didn't feel like multi-tasking to me! It wasn't draining, or difficult, or endangering to my nervous system. It actually became a sort of game - seeing how much I could accomplish during the few minutes of each commercial break. And the end result was very, very satisfying indeed.

And so, to reward myself for my unanticipated productivity, I poured myself a glass of nice, red, Chilean wine and curled up with a good book. I was proud of what I had done, I was relaxed, I was happy, and the house was tidy and quiet. My goodness. Luxury!

Cheers!

Diane