Wednesday, January 07, 2009

We

I'm not an Opra person, but as your servant, I'm always seeking new ways to make life a little better, even if it is old news.

( Oprah.com) -- The demands of work, family, and daily life can leave your days feeling short and stressed. But what if you could find more hours in the day, and make yourself happier at the same time? The experts say it's not only possible, it's easier than you think!

Tell a joke

Seriously: Hearing someone else laugh triggers a response in areas of your brain related to smiling, according to research from University College, London.

Pull out a photo album

A survey conducted by a British psychologist queried subjects about their mood before and after they ate chocolate, drank wine, listened to music, and gazed at photos of loved ones. Only the photos gave a noticeable lift -- an 11 percent improvement.

Be affectionate with your partner

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A study from the University of North Carolina found that women who got several hugs a day from their husbands had significantly lower blood pressure than those embraced less often. Another study using fMRIs showed women's brains to be far less reactive to the threat of mild electrical shock when holding a loved one's hand versus a stranger's.

Ask an office mate how she's doing

A recent study from Spain found that professional support -- including a good relationship with co-workers -- will help make your job far more satisfying and absorbing.

If you are overscheduled and underrested, here's how to get seven more hours in your day:

Handle things once -- (saves 15 to 20 minutes)

When it comes to e-mail, voice mail, or paperwork, take instant action -- i.e., read, answer, delete, file -- so you don't have to come back to it. The accumulated time saved can add up to ten hours a month, says Jana Kemp, a Boise, Idaho, "time architect" and the author of "No! How One Simple Word Can Transform Your Life."

Make good use of waiting time -- (30 minutes)

Don't go to the doctor without taking something to do --work papers to read, stamped notecards to catch up on correspondence -- advises Laura Stack, author of "Find More Time." Bring a book or magazine to the bank; pay bills while on hold with a credit card company.

Think "half-time" -- (30 minutes)

Arrange a carpool for your child's ballet class or soccer practice, Stack suggests (that way, you'll cut driving time by at least half). Wear a wireless headset so you can water plants or pick up toys as you talk on the phone. And, whether you're cooking chili or baking cookies, make a double batch, freezing what you don't use.

Be decisive and move on --(up to 60 minutes)

Every minute spent waffling can slow down your ability to take action, says Kemp. For example, rather than spending six hours researching the best round-trip airfare deal -- only to save $25 in the end -- give yourself 45 minutes to comparison price shop, then make a decision.

Lighten up on your cleaning standards (30 to 45 minutes).

Aiming for "dirt removal" versus "perfectly spotless" can free up a lot of time. "In my house, I wipe down the stall after showering instead of doing a big thorough scrub every week," says Stack. "Consider washable throw rugs rather than carpets that need constant steam-cleaning, and change the heating and cooling system filters quarterly to cut down on dust."

Write it down -- (60 minutes)

Constantly cycling through a to-do list in your mind hinders productivity and creativity, says Klein. Carry a pad or BlackBerry and jot down what's got to get done, clearing your mind so you can come up with work solutions and new ideas more quickly.

Turn off technology during your high-energy time -- (90 minutes)

Pinpoint the time of day when you are at your freshest, and remove all distractions, says Klein: For example, route all calls to voice mail and avoid your e-mail inbox. You'll be much more productive.

Monitor time-sapping addictions -- (60 minutes)

According to the latest American Time Use Survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2005 the average U.S. citizen watched 2.6 hours of television a day.

"Reducing your television-watching time by five hours a week adds up to 11 extra days a year," says Stack, who also suggests setting a timer (no more than 60 minutes) for Internet surfing.

6 comments:

Me-Me King said...

Thanks, Walter. Applying your time management techniques will give me far more rack time.

tropicalmalibu said...

Hi my friend, thanks alot for this post.

I think every teenager should read this post. I'm definatly going to make my kids read this, as they have a time manangement problem..;) They are always watching Tv or surfing on the internet, plus they dont even do cleaning properly:) They should definatly read it to make sure how they could finish their work on time as well as having fun.

Thanks again, Take care,
Keep in Touch...
Shanell.

Walt said...

This was just one of those things, that seemed to be more useful than what I was going to post.

Luqman said...

nice post,
and not to mention,
very productive:)

Anonymous said...

Since my schedule has become so maxed out getting my book done and ready, I have had to learn to make use of all my time, so I REALLY liked this post. Many of things on it I already do, but there were a lot that I hadn't thought of.

It also is a very inspiring reminder to stay aware and make use of my time. The other thing it did for me was to make me realize that I'm obviously not the only who feels like there aren't enough hours in the day. Awhile back I was going late into the night and up early (sunrise) and I couldn't keep it up. I have made change to get to bed earlier, take breaks and try to vary what I do as much as I can within the framework of what needs to be done. So hearing the part about saying "NO" was also really good for me. That is another thing I had to do a few months ago, cut down on responding to the hundreds of email and phone calls I can get a week.

It is important for us to find time just for ourselves in all the whirl. Or there is no point to anything we are doing. At least I felt that way and it makes such a difference to take time for myself. Even if I do NOTHING in that time but sit under a tree.

You are a fascinating personality Walter. Love the whole mix of humor with honesty and inspiration. Very delightful unexpected and it keeps us all on our toes. That's living!!! Thank you! :)

Kelt Queen said...

Time management is extremely important. I apply it to my life constantly to get all the many things I want to do done! Work it! :) Time management in painting works too, huh? LOL

Till the "entry"... :)
Kenna