My Tips for Time Management
Life is a marathon, not a sprint, and sometimes, it feels like I’m running both simultaneously!
As a runner and gym goer, navigating the beautiful chaos of life, I’ve learned that time management is crucial. It’s the key to fitting in those kilometres, managing work, and still having a life beyond workouts.
The Power of Scheduling
One of my biggest secrets? I schedule everything.
At the start of each month, I map out my workouts. I find that having a visual plan helps me stay accountable. Knowing exactly what I need to do each day eliminates the mental back-and-forth and allows me to focus on the task at hand.
Rise and Shine: The Efficiency of Morning Workouts
I’m a firm believer in the power of morning workouts. Waking up at the same time every day and getting my run or gym session in before work has become my ritual. It’s more efficient for me. No distractions, no lingering to-do lists, just me and the open road (or trail!), or me and the weights. I find that by the time my workday starts, I’ve already accomplished something significant, setting a positive tone for the rest of my day.
Flexibility is Key
However, life doesn’t always stick to our meticulously crafted schedules. Things come up, plans change, and sometimes, you just need to adapt. That’s where flexibility comes in. Instead of getting stressed when life throws a curveball, I adjust my schedule. If a long run needs to move from Friday to Monday, so be it. If a strength day has to be condensed, I find ways to maximize my other strength sessions.
The key is to be adaptable and remember that consistency, not perfection, is what matters.
Preparation is My Superpower
To make those early mornings even smoother, I prepare everything the night before. My workout gear is laid out, and ready to go. All I have to do is slip into it, grab my pre-workout, and head out the door.
This simple step saves precious minutes and eliminates any morning decision fatigue.
Meal Planning for Sanity
Time is a precious commodity, especially during the week.
That’s why meal planning has become my lifeline. I plan our meals for the week, focusing on quick and easy recipes that don’t require a ton of effort.
This ensures we eat healthy without spending hours in the kitchen. I save the more elaborate, time-consuming meals, like roasts, for the weekends when I have more time to enjoy the cooking process.
My Top Tips for Time Management:
- Schedule your workouts: Plan your week.
- Embrace morning workouts: Start your day with a win.
- Be flexible: Adjust your schedule when life demands it.
- Prepare the night before: Lay out your gear and plan your morning.
- Meal plan: Simplify your weeknight dinners.
- Prioritize rest: Remember that rest is just as important as training.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Delegate tasks when possible.
- Learn to say no: Protect your time and energy.
Balancing my workouts and life is an ongoing journey. There will be days when it feels overwhelming, but by implementing these time management tips, you can create a sustainable routine that allows you to pursue your running and fitness goals while still enjoying all the other wonderful aspects of life.
What are your favourite time management tips? Share them in the comments below!