Life Efficiency

February 24, 2011

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Thanks to Crystal Light for sponsoring this post. To learn more about how Crystal Light can flavor your day with 30 refreshing flavors, visit http://www.facebook.com/crystallight.

Throughout this blog, I talk a lot about my workouts, half-marathon training, and emotional struggles that I face while trying to lose all of this weight. The transformation can be exhausting and it also can be all-consuming. Balance is definitely something that I have trouble with.

I’m not a “lady of leisure” (nor do I think I want to be- I’d go bonkers). In addition to the daily time spent blogging, I go to work, have outside social activities, have a house to keep clean, friends to see, a pup to keep happy and a husband, who although highly self-sufficient, I’d like to spend time with.

I know many people struggle with finding time in the day to do everything (or even half of everything) that needs to be done. Here are some things that I try to do to be more efficient with my time.

Schedule. The past couple of months I’ve been scheduling my time better. Not with meetings and conference calls, but with my workouts and personal tasks I want to accomplish.

Do double-duty tasks: For example I try to go with hubs and pup on their walks even if I’ve already gone to the gym and am tired. We all enjoy the time outdoors together, and I can count the walk as half marathon training. Win!

Reframe. Instead of thinking of my workouts as chores, I think of them as one step to my overall happiness and health. When I started this journey, my workouts were just one.more.freaking.thing. to add to my day. Now, I try to look at them as an indulgence that I should look forward to. It won’t replace my love of chocolate, but really, what would?!

Rise Earlier. This was the first trick I implemented on my weight loss journey. I didn’t think I had any time at the end of the day to add a workout routine, so I got my rear out of bed earlier. My early-to-rise schedule means I get a peaceful, traffic-stress-free drive to the gym. I try to look at it as not only creating more time (by eliminating so much sleep – ha!) but also saving me about 15 minutes in traffic.

Pre-Plan. Many people do this way better than I, but try to pre-plan meals and pre-prepare items so you can heat and eat. For example, last night while I cooked my dinner of black beans and cilantro lime rice (I’m obsessed), I also threw some chicken breasts in the rotisserie to eat for lunches the next few days with some yogurt and veggies. Knocked out at least 3 pre-planned meals plus got myself fed in less than an hour.

At the end of the day, you might not be able to do everything. You are still awesome. Sometimes, you might just need to curl up in bed with a pup on your tummy and know that no one is perfect.

What tips can you share for being more efficient or having more time throughout the day? Please share in the comments!

Remember, visit http://www.facebook.com/crystallight to learn more about how Crystal Light can flavor your day with 30 refreshing flavors. I was selected and paid for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

  • http://www.thisinspires.me Hipcop

    I need a schedule!! LOVE LOVE LOVE crystal light but after reading you blog I need to really set out my goals and certainly milestones that I can reach on a spreadsheet! I am not lazy but that would totally motivate me!! Thank U!

  • Michelle Johnson

    This is a great blog today Emmie. This is something I really struggle with, so thanks for the encouragement!

  • http://www.katdoesdiets.com Kerri O

    I always do better with routines. I have a morning and night routine, things like filling water bottles and laying out workout clothes at night. They help keep me on track.

  • Debbi

    I am struggling with developing a routine. I retired at the first of the year and I am having a hard time getting a routine going. I also have struggled with my weight for most of my life. I am at the heaviest I have ever been and just started to exercise again. I read your blog and am astonished at your discipline! You inspire me.
    Like you I have Airedales. I think they are the most amazing dogs ever. We now have 3. If you ever find yourself in need of yet another thing to do, you might join the Airedale-L email list. I have learned so much from the other members. There are ‘Dale owners from all over the world. They share funny stories as well as sharing important info.
    Thank you for sharing your journey.

  • http://mayorofthebux.com Danielle

    I do better if I get up earlier. Get at least a semi workout in. It seems to spur on one later because I remember how great it made me feel for the rest of the day. Preplanning meals is a failing for me. But I’m getting better at it. It’s tough though b/c I live pretty much between two places; my apartment and the boyfriends. And he lives like a total bachelor.
    Weekly to do lists make my life happy.
    I never have free time, but I like it that way there is always a plan. ha.

  • http://debbidoesdieting.blogspot.com/ Debbi Does Dinner Healthy

    Your suggestions are great! Preplanning meals is essential for me. I do a lot of freezer cooking too.I buy in bulk and preportion things out. I’ll make enchiladas, meatloafs, taco meat, whatever and freeze it. It SO helps with dinner!

    Crystal light rocks! :-)

  • fuzzilla

    The scheduling and working out early to get it over with are great ideas. I have kept off the weight I lost last year (well, stayed within 5 pounds). I’m about halfway to the goal I set for myself, but I’ve been stuck for a while. Probably I need to work out a lot more and get more strict with portion control, wiser choices at restaurants, etc. I know the gym visits have slipped because of car troubles, not wanting to go out in a blizzard, etc. So I feel pretty OK/aware/accountable about why the weight loss has stopped, but still… Just not sure how to get my groove back, but your blog helps! ;o)

    I adore your puppydog, she (he?) looks so sweet and friendly. Reminds me of my childhood dog (a mutt, but part Airedale).

  • http://fortyisthenewfabulous.blogspot.com/ auntiekim

    I am truly in awe that you are able to do so much stuff in one day. Personally I’m spent when I get home from work and I spend entirely too much time on my couch. I’m really struggling with motivating myself to exercise, though in the past I’ve always looked forward to my daily time outside on my walks even though I hate the exercise part. And the only blog posts I’ve made for the past several weeks are my Weight Loss Wednesday posts. I love my blog but I’ve not had much to say lately because I just feel so blah. I always feel so good when I pay attention to it so I really need to get my butt in gear and just do it regularly. I WILL go for a walk today though. I promise.

    Love the blog!!
    Kim
    http://fortyisthenewfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • http://daniinnc.blogspot.com Dani in NC

    If you can afford it (because I can’t always afford it myself), I say to embrace healthy convenience foods. I’m not talking about over-processed items with tons of sodium and preservatives. I mean things like bagged salad blends and frozen foods. It is much easier to talk myself into making a healthy spinach omelet for breakfast before work when I can grab frozen cut-leaf spinach, minced garlic in a jar, and frozen diced onions and dump them into the pan.

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