I thoroughly enjoyed Gina’s previous blog on behaviors. The technique she came up with to handle her love of sweets was inspired. Listening to others is definitely helpful. While each of us may have different strategies that work for us in similar situations, the important thing is to figure out which method works best for us.
I was reminded by Gina’s post that time is a major ally in making decisions. The gift of time allows one to consider needs, wants, desires and consequences of the choices we’re contemplating. I can hear my grandfather saying, “Act in haste; repent in leisure!” Time truly is my friend.
To my regret, I sometimes forget this truth. Prioritizing time is equally important. When making a list of things to accomplish in the time available, ranking things from most to least important can be very helpful. It’s a wonderful way to minimize procrastination.
Setting aside 30 minutes of time for activity is a challenge for me. I used to start every day with this on the list but found I often shuffled it to the bottom of my “must do’s” and left it still undone by nightfall. However, I dislike sitting at a desk for long periods because I feel stiff and achy when I try to get up.
So, I began setting my computer timer for an hour. When it rings, I take an “activity break.” I physically leave my office and spend ten minutes being active in some way. If the weather is OK, out the door I go. It’s amazing how far one can walk in ten minutes. That time constraint pushes me to go faster. When I return to my desk, I reset the timer for another hour. Also, at the end of the day, I find that while I couldn’t find 30 minutes in one swoop, I found a total of more than 50 minutes throughout the day! Bonus — I feel more limber, flexible and energized.
Do you have a behavior that could benefit from some time?
Learning as I go, Barb
By Val Webb May 12, 2022
Hello Barb, I would like to say I am now a KOPS as of May 2nd 2022. This is my 4th time as a KOPS.my first time I was almost 27 yrs.
I had the privilege of being in the last IRD of 25 yrs to be recognized & all my travel expenses were paid by TOPS. I had the pleasure of meeting you Barb & still have my money bag that you gave me.Grand Rapids S.D. 2005.
Health reasons I lost my status My original joining TOPS Dec 5 1978. ❤️
By Eve April 30, 2022
Time is the one thing I never seem to have enough of so I totally understand the concept of setting the timer for movement/ activity. I walk 3 to 9 miles per day most days usually skip only 1 day per week/ 2 max even if I have to walk in poor weather conditions I always walk 5 days without excuse Just bought compression stockings to force water to circulate when walking as my legs swell post walk and elevation only does so much Does anyone know if their is a blog with daily sample menu’s to follow ( preferably low fuss…easy to prepare & measure )
By Maimie Parker April 27, 2022
Thanks Barb. I agree with you. Gina’s comment is my thoughts exactly… I set the timer when I’m washing & drying clothes. Time to set the timer for ‘ME TIME’ – it’s not difficult to dedicate 10 minutes at a time (at least, I don’t think it’s difficult!) I’ll set the timer starting NOW!! .
By Shirley Renaud April 26, 2022
Where do I begin? I’ve been saying that I need to get my poles out and WALK…weather is nice..move Shirley..don’t just talk about it..I talk to myself a lot..I just need to listen!! 🙂
By Gina Brueske April 25, 2022
Thanks Barb. Timers are so easy to use and so helpful in so many ways in our daily lives. You are so right. We can accomplish more if we set a timer to get away from our daily routine for ‘ME TIME’ to do whatever we desire, walk, rest, read, smelling the flowers . It is amazing what we can accomplish in 10 or 15 minutes.