Going the Distance---Schedule It!

Life is all about balance.  As you've seen from some of my other posts in this "Going the Distance" series, I've been really trying to implicate some balance into my life.  People always make comments to me wondering how I fit everything into my life, or how I manage to have time to write blog posts, or do other leisurely activities, and the answer is self-discipline and constant schedule reevaluation. In order to begin a new, healthy lifestyle, you are also probably going to have to reevaluate your current situation just a little bit. Time is often the component of health that scares some people away though, but I promise, as soon as you start thinking about some of the choices you are making currently, you will soon realize that several things can be eliminated!

Before you make any changes to your current schedule, just sit down and really think about the things that you've been doing with your time.... Is four hours of watching TV really *that* important? If the answer is yes, then by all means keep TV in your schedule, but maybe try to compromise a little and set aside a smaller amount of time to do it, or pick one day each week to sit down at watch TV for as long as you want. TV is just an example though, so just try to re-adjust your schedule according to your areas of ineffective time use!

After you weigh your current schedule, make a list of things that you would like to incorporate into your new schedule. Be realistic though! If you start out with too much, you will get discouraged! If you have troubles remembering your schedule or sticking to a schedule, then by all means use a calendar, an agenda, or make to-do lists. You can even use your phone to send you reminders! Whatever you need to do in order to remember and stick to your schedule, do it!!

If your new schedule is still giving you grief, then set up a reward system! Reward yourself by adding in one of your favorite leisurely activities after you've finished everything else, pamper yourself a little by taking a hot shower or bath, or just take some time to sit and be. By thinking of these activities as rewards, you will be 10 times more likely to complete your to-do list! It just takes a little change in perspective, but once you get past the first few weeks of your new schedule, you'll be an old pro! :D

If things are still not working for you, then reevaluate the schedule. Maybe you've added in too much, or you're not getting the important things done when they need to be done. Your schedule will need constant reevaluation, so try to stay in-tune with your body and your spirit, and edit the schedule according to what best suits your lifestyle! :)