Welcome to Day 27 of 31 Days of Mom Mojo – Tackling Time Management.
This is the key to time management – to see the value of every moment. M. Schneerson
Instead of getting frustrated with waiting time, put that time to good use. I’ve learned over the years that I will in evidently end up waiting during some time in my day. Whether it is at a Dr. appointment, the bank, picking up a child from school or sporting practice or even the gas pump, waiting is part of a mom’s day.
As you look over your daily to-do list, identify places that you are likely to have to wait. You can go prepared knowing that you will likely be waiting and be in a frame of mind to meet it with expectance rather than frustration.
Here are dozen ways to use wait time productively and make the time pass faster.
Mom Bag
Keep a small tote bag handy in the house filled with your magazines, catalogs and other frivolous reading material. When you know you are going to be out for the day, grab the bag and keep it with you so you can use your time to flip through the catalogs and magazines that perhaps you otherwise would not get a chance to.
You can even toss in school papers and other forms that need filled out and do those while you wait in the car for a child.
Notes
Write Note Cards, Birthday Cards Or Thank-You Notes. I always keep a few note cards and thank-you note cards in my mom bag so that when I have a few moments, I can hand write a quick greeting. People love receiving them and handwritten notes have almost become a lost art.
Book It
I always have a book to take along with me – which is much easier these days. I can grab my Kindle and throw it in my purse or for those with a smart phone, you can download the free kindle program to download books onto your phone. This means you will always have a book along to pass the time.
Hobby
Start a new crafting hobby that can easily be taken along with you. Knitting or crocheting are easy ones to take on the go. You can make something fun while waiting for your child at soccer practice.
Cap Nap
I often use a few minutes while waiting in the car to just close my eyes and disconnect. This is a nice break from the noise and busyness of the day.
Audio Book
Another fun way to pass time is by listening to a book on audio. I can find myself a bit tired at different points during the day and picking up a book will likely make me sleepier. But if I pop in my ear buds and listen to a book on audio or an MP3 recording, I can enjoy a little break.
Puzzles
Do you enjoy crossword puzzles, Sudoku or word searches? I love word searches, but will certainly not take the time while at home to sit and do them, there is more important things for me to do J. But if I have a booklet in my purse, I can enjoy playing whiel waiting without the guilt!
Clean Out Your Purse
Get rid of the broken sticks of gum, unnecessary receipts and paper. It’s something that never seems to get done at home, but is always something most people are “meaning to do.” Drop them in a near-by trash can and you are good to go.
Pray
Use time throughout your day to capture a few minutes to pray. Waiting time is perfect for centering yourself and focusing on being thankful. Lift someone close to you up in prayer – we all know this is never a wasted activity.
Daydream
There’s nothing wrong with zoning out while you wait! You might be amazed at what fabulous things may come to mind.
What do you find helps you while waiting?
