Last post I talked about how waking up early can add days to your life(so get to Boot Camp, people.) For some, because of work schedule, or kids’ schedule, you can’t work out in the morning. It happens- to some people but it happens. For you, you are going to have to be creative in making more time in your days since training early isn’t an option.
Here are some ways you can consolidate, eliminate unnecessary time suck, and create time to finally get the the weight off for good:
Learn to say “No.” Most of the things that eat your time are things that you create yourself, or agree to do for someone else, when you don’t really have to. Saying no isn’t always easy, but it can make all the difference. Set limits, set boundaries, and be assertive. If you don’t want to do it- don’t. Stand up for yourself.
Set a Time Budget. Tally up all your want time (TV watching, internet surfing, going out to dinner, etc) and see all that time you are spending on nonessential activities. Balance and relaxation in life is nice, enjoy the wants after taking care of the needs. You can’t not pay your electric bill because you want a new dress, and you don’t have time to watch TV if you need to lose the weight.
Consolidate your tasks. plan to do all of your non-urgent errands for one day, or better yet, plan them according to location so you can get them all done efficiently in one trip. Don’t go to the grocery store everyday. Make one trip and shop for the week in way less time consuming than going for a few things everyday. Bank online, don’t clean the house everyday and don’t make dinner from scratch every night (left overs work.) Increase your efficiency to create time to train.
Delegate. You have a family; use them. Make hubby or wife hit the grocery store on the way home from work, or have son pick daughter up from school or dance class, and then give them each a chore to finish before dinner. You aren’t responsible for everything so quit piling it on yourself.
Hire Help. How much is your time worth? For things you can’t delegate, pay someone. Think of it as buying time. It doesn’t have to be over the top in cost either. $8 an hour will get an academic top ten high school-er picking up the kids and dropping off the laundry.
Identify Time Zappers. The friend that MUST have coffee every week to complain about their relationship. The PTA meetings you got roped into and loathe. Anything that over extends you, you do not enjoy, or eats time while giving you nothing in return should be dropped immediately. Not only can that time be used for working out, you will be happier in general not investing time on things you don’t benefit from.
MultiTask. Pay your bills or make phone calls while on the treadmill. Do squats and calf raises while cooking dinner. Do lunges while brushing your teeth. Every little bit counts, and it adds up.
You want to exercise. “There is no time” is an excuse. Get a grip, and make the time by dumping the things that aren’t essential from your schedule and get on with it.