Top 10 Time Wasters: Overcome Them for Good, Part Two

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Author: Maria Moratto

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This is the second and last part of the biggest time-wasters we encounter and must overcome in today's daily living. The first five are: Internet, Emails, Computer Games, Films, and TV and were discussed in an earlier article. Now for the following 5:

6. Erratic Errands

We all need to do errands. However, if we don't plan them, they will consume not only a great chunk of our spare time but also a great amount of gas. Not to mention, aggravation. If we plan out the errands according to geographical situation, they will be more easily accomplished: going to the bank, to the cleaners, to the grocery store, to the video store, to the oil change, to the hair salon, to the gym, to the post office, etc. are must do activities and will become more pleasurable as well.

My suggestion is to not forget to make a list and plan our errands out before we leave the house. Leave the groceries for last, or you end up melting your ice-cream.

7. Shopping

Though many of us love to go shopping, we should be more discerning regarding the use of our precious time for trivialities. Though very important, going to the store every so often to buy toothpaste, soap, bottled water, light bulbs, etc is truly a waste of time. These items can be easily purchased online and delivered to your door at a small shipping cost. Use your time wisely doing things that really matter for you, for example, to buy clothes that you must touch and try out, going to the movies, etc.

My suggestion is to buy online as much as possible and be more decisive when doing so, or we will fall into the trap of the internet again.

8. Cell phone

We can't wait to communicate with people any longer. Our modern lives have put us (or vice versa) in such a state of hurry and instant gratification that even nice things such as a quiet phone conversation have become obsolete. This habit of using our cell phones at all times has created an epidemic of people behaving strangely and dangerously, too, not to mention becoming bothersome. You see an erratic driver and sure enough, you will see this person talking on the phone. You want to sit quietly at the airport terminal and you are invaded by people shouting conversations that are supposed to be private. We enter an elevator and have to put up with the same. By using mobile phones, we have created a huge lack of respect for other peoples' liberties and we think nothing of it.

My suggestion is to wait until it is appropriate and/or do another activity while using the phone. For example: we can take a walk, fold laundry, do the dishes, or even exercise, while talking on the phone. Then we won't be wasting our time. Of course, if a conversation can't be delayed, we need to multi-task, but not while doing something dangerous for ourselves and other people. Don't talk and drive. Don't talk while eating, especially in a restaurant. Don't talk while watching a movie in the theatre. And most of, whatever you do, avoid speaking in front of strangers.

9. Sleep

I know you are ready to attack me on this one. Yes, everyone needs sleep and the number of hours varies by individual. A rule of thumb is that younger people and teenagers need more sleep time, at least 9 hours/day whereas older people need less number of hourssay, around 7hours/day. The rest of us needs about 8 hours. Though sleeping late (or a lot) feels good, it is not really essential for our well-being. For every hour that we use sleeping we aren't doing something more profitable with our lives. Also, for the body to really detoxify and absorb what it needs, our sleep must start no later than 10pm. Even though we may be at our peak late in the day, it pays to change night for day. It is healthier and we will feel infinitely better.

My suggestion is to slowly switch our sleep patterns and habits to accommodate for a healthier lifestyle. Not to mention, to have more time to do what is really important in life.

10. Traffic jams

Though no one can control the traffic, we can certainly have a voice on when we choose to commute. Granted, this may also be a problem to many working people, but one that can be solved more easily if we try. Where there is a will, there is a way.

So what do we do when we are stuck in traffic or even when we are commuting? Take the opportunity to catch up with education and self improvement. We can learn a language, listen to an audio book, listen to some inspirational and spiritual teachings, etc. Of course, relaxing music also helps, but not so relaxing that we fall sleep on the wheel. Rap is no good here. Also, avoid the news: they are rarely good and will add to your stress.

Our major problem is that we got so used to wasting our time doing irrelevant things that we really don't know what to do with it any longer, especially once we get more organized and have more time left. To many families, it is a treat to go to a wholesale store and spend hours looking around and tasting free food and buying things that cost 20 cents less than their regular cost. There are such other similar activities. Some fun! How about going to the park, or playing a board game, or read aloud to each other? There are so many great things that we can do together as a family without necessarily being passively entertained. We create memory by doing things, by being creative.

We truly need to re-prioritize our lives and use our time to do things that will have significance and create memory. What do you plan to do?

Dr. Maria Moratto is a life coach. She promotes coaching sessions, seminars and courses in developing the perfect life blueprint, which includes attracting abundance and loving relationships, time management, stress management, diversity, goal setting, career search and change, values clarification, leisure, self-improvement, college life, spirituality, natural health and lifestyle. She is also writing a book on successful relationships, coming soon.

Visit her website at http://www.rx4bliss.com and sign up for a free e-zine that is short, informative, and fun. Go to her blog at: http://www.rx4bliss.blogspot.com for great discussions on these topics.

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