Schedule time for you and the things you love.
This past fall I took the big leap and moved in with my other half, leaving my cute little home and my quick commute to the day job. I very quickly realized that my 37 hour work week was turning into a 50 hour work week with the added commute and traffic woes. It could take up to an hour to get home sometimes which just killed me. I would come home completely frusterated which is not the best way to start this new step in our lives!
After several breakdowns I took the time to sit down and change things. I tweaked my schedule to allow some ease in the traffic and I made a point to remind myself to Take Time for Me... And the things that make me happy.
Even just an hour to cross stitch or paint something would make things seem a little more tolerable. It still wasn't easy juggling my work life, romantic life and cake life and still finding time for crafts or heaven forbid I get an opportunity to read a book or get a decent amount of exercise in a week.
Valentines day themed cross stitch! Finished it around April.
The planner helps (thanks Bando, this thing was worth every penny) and reminding myself that I deserve this time... and that the dishes can wait until tomorrow sometimes.
I swear there's a method to my madness!
- Make the plan: Tuesday at 7PM focus on crafts. I'd think about the thing I wanted to do during the day so there's minimal time wasted trying to decide what to do.
- Do the plan: this time is for you. Make sure you take it!
- Plan the next time so you can look forward to it.
- Don't overdue it- remember to relax.
The worst part of never having time to do anything is the guilt I feel when I relax. Reminding myself it's ok to hang out with my rabbits at 9PM while I get sleepy has been very helpful. Sometimes even leaving myself a little sticky note saying "you deserve this" makes all the difference in the world.
This method doesn't work for everyone, mainly because to need to "schedule" your leisure time can sometimes add to the problem but I can't tell you how many times I've had some free time- gotten to the craft room and drew a blank at what I'd like to. I am happy I don't catch myself as often now that I'm more aware of my time. :)