How to Find Free Time

Finding free time is usually a question of organizing your life so that you can make time for the things you enjoy.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Journals
• Electronic Personal Organizers
• Internet Access
• Bulletin Boards
• Calendars
• Personal Organizers
• Computers
• Cellular Phones

1. Prioritize. At the beginning of every day, make a list of tasks you must complete. Schedule free time for yourself and take it.

2. Get organized. Develop a system that works for you and stick to it.

3. Keep a journal to record how you spend every hour of the day. Note where your time is being spent and consider how you can be more efficient.

4. Dovetail errands so that you can do them all in one trip. Shop online when possible.

5. Value your time. Hire a housekeeper and gardener if you can afford it. Send clothes that need to be ironed to a laundry service. Buy quality foods that take minimal time to prepare, or eat out as much as possible.

6. Make technology your friend. Learn to use cellular phones, e-mail and personal organizers efficiently. It will save you time down the road.

7. Keep a positive attitude, even during challenging times. Moping and procrastination consume time and energy.

8. Reward yourself. Stick to your plans to exercise daily or read your favorite novel. Plan a trip "away from it all" where you can relax and pamper yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat the time you schedule for yourself as if it were a meeting with an important client. Turn off the phone. You can return messages at your convenience.

• If you have kids, let them help with the housework and yard work. Even though their work may not be up to your standards, it helps them learn and leaves more time for you. Arrange carpools, hire a baby sitter or form a play group to squeeze in some valuable personal time.

• Resist the temptation to delay time for yourself until everything on your list is done.

• Learn to say no to social events, committees and projects that you do not really enjoy and that rob you of personal time.