What to do when you desperately need more hours in a day!
Do you ever feel like you need a few more hours in each day? I'm raising my hand high here especially these days as I'm getting ready for baby #2 to arrive plus preparing to move several hours away shortly after his arrival. It seems like there is always more I would love to accomplish, but the day just runs out before I get it done.
I haven't found any magical ways to add more time to the day. I haven't found a way to clone myself. I haven't given up on sleep (although at nearly 37 weeks pregnant it sometimes gives up on me). However, I have found some things that have helped me tremendously. Here they are:
I changed my perspective. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed by everything that's going on. However, I realized that having more great things I could do is actually a wonderful blessing. I'm blessed with a toddler, an infant coming soon, a growing business, and an wonderful opportunity to move to a new place. The long want to do list is a sign of so much good happening!
I stopped putting so much pressure on myself to be in uber productivity mode 24/7. With so much I want to accomplish, I often feel like every minute needs to be hyper focused and extra productive. While I think it's important to be as productive as possible, no one can function in ultra productivity mode all the time. I was feeling guilty and dragged down when I had time set aside to write a new blog post but it took me twice as long as expected because I was distracted and feeling a creative block. That's okay. Not every work session will end with me getting everything done, and sometimes I find myself magically super productive at 3 am when I can't sleep! I'll take the productivity when it comes, and I won't beat myself up when it doesn't.
I created a calmer atmosphere in my home and workspaces. This wasn't completely intentional, but it's been amazing. Since our house has been on the market and we were having daily showings, we had to keep it super tidy. I thought having to keep it perfect would stress me out, but instead I LOVED always walking into a completely tidy home. It automatically helped me feel more calm and productive, and even now that we're not having showings, I've tried to keep up with it.
I let myself have fun. I spent probably an hour or two creating really pretty labels to put on our moving boxes. Was that necessary? Absolutely not. I could have just grabbed labels and written on them with sharpies, but I LOVE pretty labels! So I let myself take the time to create them, and I have no regrets.
What have you found that helps you? Please share if you've found the magical way to actually get more hours in the day!
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Chantel Says
I love your positive attitude! Especially your first point – being that busy means a lot of things are going on, and probably good things even though it may be stressful! 🙂 There’s almost always a way to look at something in a positive light 🙂 Thank you for this blog post. It is much appreciated! 🙂
Niki Says
All of what you have said in this post is so true for me and my family right now, except the baby on the way, congratulations! With work and buying our first house and the baby becoming a toddler, it’s been so busy and stressful. I’ve been trying to focus on being grateful and thankful for everything I have because I have so many wonderful things in my life. Keeping a calm work space and being very organized, all that helps a ton in reducing the stress. If you do happen to find the way to get a few extra hours in a day, let me know, I can always spend it cuddled on the couch with the toddler or taking a walk as a family!
Thanks for the post
Cat Hahn Says
I cheat. Drop off laundry service is the bomb when i’m just too behind to deal. 20 bucks and I’ve got a big jump on the week.
Jennifer G Says
I love that idea!! I wonder if any of the laundromats in our area offer this??
Christene Holder Says
I really needed this post. I’m still in the early stages of my blog and I have the constant feeling that I need to be uber productive 24/7 and its really starting to wear on me. I’m exhausted and I have super high expectations for myself. Thanks for sharing these tips! I need to start changing my perspective and giving myself a bit of a break.
>> Christene
Mary Says
Your post has been helpful.Keeping a positive attitude is key. Being super productive all the time does not work for me. I need free time. And to take my time.
Jessica [Havok] Says
Wanting to be productive all the time is one of my problems. I’ll get some great ideas, want to do *all the things*, start on them all, and then quickly get burnt out because I’m trying to do so much! instead, I have to remind myself to take breaks, have a laugh (even if it’s from a stupid thing on YouTube!) and just “be” at least a bit each day. Take evenings “off” so to speak, and make sure I’m away from the internet for some time each day. It’s been helpful in fighting off the overwhelm and burn out that I’m accustomed to!
Pomai Says
Congratulations on baby no. 2! This post couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. I have a 17 month old and a 1 month old so finding time to be productive has been in itself stressful. There have been multiple times a day where I feel like breaking down and sometimes I do. However, having a positive attitude is absolutely the key. As stressed out, tired, frustrated as I get sometimes a little smile from either of my babies or a laugh or a new milestone makes everything worth it. I also find that I love to plan. I may not get everything done but I love checking things off a list. I have also found a love for decorating my planner, using both functional and decorative stickers. It brings me a calm as silly as that sounds. Also, during those hours where I should be sleeping but I can’t I have started reading again. Anything that helps and gives me “me time”. Great post!
Nilsa Says
I never reply to post but your post was so head on to what Im going through that I had to say thank you. I feel that if an activity is not productive is a waste of time and I should not engage in it. For the last month, I have been trying to embrace some of the positive attitude you have mentioned. It’s definitely a shift but I’m less stressed. Thank you!
Claire Winson Says
I really enjoyed this – especially just giving yourself permission to have fun and not putting pressure on ourselves. So many times we do get overloaded (I’m a single mom who home schools and has a home business – if someone CAN give me a few more hours, let me know!!) I did write a blog post (hope it’s ok to share here, on how I created an epic morning routine (yeah, it starts the night before!) to be more productive. http://entrepreneurmom.net/8-steps-to-creating-an-epic-morning-routine/
<3 Claire
Kylie Says
I definitely agree with this list, especially number 3. I get so overwhelmed sometimes, but starting with cleaning my home always helps. I would also add that focusing with scripture before tackling your to-do list can be very centering. I often do a quick read of a Psalm or a Proverb to get my head in the right place before beginning.
Laura Says
Congratulations on your second baby! 🙂