How to do more of what you love

by Wendy Humphris, ROHP

​We’ve talked about how to prioritize tasks that must get done, but what about making time for more of what you love? Do you ever feel like you’re giving too much of yourself? 

Now that it’s spring, there’s no better time to do some spring cleaning for your personal life to get back more of what you put out there. 
 
Here are ways to bring that into fruition!
 
1. Be honest with yourself
If you could create your perfect life, what would it be?  Write down the things that you would like to have more time for in your life, like reading, learning a hobby or spending time with people that you enjoy being around. 
 
2. Reflect on the things you’re currently doing
It helps to make a list of what you currently spend your time on -- from working to caring for kids to running errands. Think of it as a synopsis of your weekly life. You’ll want to look at this compared to what you want to see more of in your week.
 
3. Decide what you can compromise on
You might not be able to change the fact that you have to go to work, but how you get there could be changed. Maybe the stress of driving is wearing you down. Instead of making yourself crazy, try taking the subway if you can and reading while on the train. Then you get more time to read, and you don’t have to deal with traffic -- a win-win.
 
4. Stop saying “but”
If you’re always saying you want to do something and adding “but” in there afterward, it’s time to change that way of thinking. Those three little letters are convincing you that you don’t deserve the things you want more of. 
 
Let’s look at a common place where you add “but” in your life. You need to get groceries for your family. No one can deny that’s not important. “I want to take that new hot yoga class, but I have to go to the supermarket.” Well, not exactly correct!  Our marvelous online world allows you to order all of the things you need and either run by and have it brought out to your car or even better, delivered to your door.  Problem solved.
 
We even add this “but” when we need to make dinner. No, you don’t. You can prep those meals on your Sunday and voila! Your early evenings are free to pick up another pursuit. We’re so trained to feel guilty for indulging the things we want, but we need to do those things because we can’t be our best for everyone else.
 
What are 3 things you want to make more room for in your life?