Either you run the day or the day runs you. Jim Rohn
Have you ever noticed how busy life is? We all have so many responsibilities, things that need to be handled, errands that must be run, and issues that have to be resolved. It can really be a lot and often times we end up just running through the day – jumping from one thing to the next.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling pressured or uneasy and let everything you have to do weigh on you. It’s also easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of the day because you are so focused on trying to handle it all.
Well, you know what I realized? These busy days are not going anywhere anytime soon. So, we need a strategy for managing through our days in the best way possible.
And, that’s where the “Time In” comes into play. Instead of jumping from one thing to the next, one of the best things we can do is literally make ourselves stop and take a “Time In” – 5 minutes to just relax, unwind, reflect and refresh.
Although it took thousands of days of doing it totally the wrong way (moving through the day as quickly as possible, feeling a little stressed and like I had way too much to do), I finally realized there is a much better way.
As we move through our days, we are actually supposed to be taking “Time Ins”. During your “Time In,” you take a break from everything that’s going on and let go of it all – any worries or stresses, all the things you’re trying to do, and all the things you still have to do.
Use “Time Ins” to Put Everything Into Perspective
For just five minutes, you give yourself an extra boost of good energy and solely focus on feeling really good. You think about the things that make you smile, reflect on everything you appreciate, and remind yourself of all that you’ve already accomplished.
Our minds have a way of defaulting to the things that are “going wrong” or all the things we still have yet to do. It’s like one of my most favorite quotes explains -
“About 90% of the things in our life are right. Make sure you don’t overlook the 90% that is right because you are focusing on the 10% that isn’t.” Dale Carnegie
It’s not that we pretend we don’t have work to do and real issues that need to be resolved. It’s just that as we move through our busy days, we take some time to deliberately stop, inject some light and make sure our good energy is maximized and flowing. It allows you to maintain the best frame of mind and prevents you from getting too sucked into all the things that are going to always be going on around you.
The Possibility of Today:
1. Start Today. Commit to taking a “Time In” every single day. You’ve got to make “Time Ins” a top priority and make sure you don’t allow any days to go by without taking one. When your mind tells you, “I just don’t have the time to take a ‘Time In” right now – remind yourself that you absolutely do have the time. It’s only 5 minutes and it will totally set you up to be at your best and extremely productive for the rest of the day.
2. Plan out Your “Time In”. It’s better to have a plan in advance for how you’re going to spend the 5 minutes. Maybe you like taking quick walks or going outside to get some fresh air or even just sitting down and enjoying 5 minutes of silence and time to yourself. Whatever the case may be, make sure you have an idea of what you’re going to do during your “Time Ins”.
3. Give It A Week. After one week, the benefits will be obvious. You will feel better and you will be in the best position to accomplish whatever is important to you and handle everything you have going on.
Live Today Better Than Yesterday.
Did you like this article? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below. I always love hearing from you. As always, if you need to contact me, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me at (sibyl@possibilityoftoday.com) or use the contact form.
I love the idea of a “time in”. I did that today as I ate my lunch, quietly by myself. It felt good not to be having a “working lunch”. Just sitting and being mindful about my salad. Now I have a name for it!!
I love that Betsy – a time in during lunch is a PERFECT idea;) Thanks for sharing that idea here and thanks so much for stopping by.
I love this idea! Starting today, I’m going to make a conscience effort to take a 5 min time!
Busy days aren’t going away–so true. I thought when I retired that I would have these long days of infinite time to do as I pleased. But I’m busier than ever! I realized a few weeks ago that I was going to have to plan my down time, my time in–great term. I was thinking more in terms of larger chunks of time, but after reading your post, I see the value in shorter breaks. I’ll be more likely to actually follow through, for one thing. Thanks for the idea!
So glad you liked the idea Galen and what you said is so true. Sometimes when you break things in small chunks, we are more likely to accomplish them. Hope you enjoy your time-ins:) I would love to hear how they worked out for you.
I usually meditate for 20 minutes in the mid-afternoon and it helps me to stop and be still. But, I like the 5 min time-in as it is quick and easy. I sometimes do not get to meditate. I think getting out of my studio, off the computer and sitting out on the screened porch and listening to the whisper of rustling leaves sounds just perfect. Starting today….
Nice:) So glad you’re going to try it out Sandra. You’ll have to keep me updated. I really do think it will help you move through the day in a way you just love:) Thanks so much for the comment and for dropping by.
Great concept. I’m sure it is best to do this first thing in the morning, but when someone has trouble sleeping (as I do tonight!) this is a good thing to do at night too.
Totally agree Susan:) The more the better. Thanks so much for the comment and for dropping by.
i realy thank you very much what you have done
Time in’s; now that’s a different way of looking at things. In only 5 minute increments yet; I always schedule my breaks for longer than that because I know how I am but maybe during one of those breaks I work on a 5-minute boost of some kind that doesn’t involve chocolate.
The concept of time in is what I really need. Everyday, I feel like if I don’t accomplish everything that I set out to do that day, then I’ve failed to be productive. I’m looking forward to taking the necessary time ins that I need to get more relaxed and enjoy life!
Yeah:) So glad you like the idea of “Time Ins”. I am such a HUGE fan. You’ll have to let me know if you’re enjoying them. Thanks so much for the comment and for dropping by.
Good evening Sibyl!
I believe things happen for a reason….I believe God places people in each others lives for a reason…
I just subscribed as a member to your sight this evening. I’m thankful & blessed that God stopped me in my tracks. I took a “Time In” for ME to do exactly what I needed to do as you mentioned in your topics. I didn’t take 5 minutes to just relax, unwind, reflect and refresh, I took the entire day to do just that! I’m always on the go and don’t ever take a “Time In” FOR ME. I needed to rethink how to get my Life in perspective & order, and not waste 24 hrs of the day on unproductive things or people that will likely to distract me or set me back.
Thank you so much for your inspired, motivated and encouraging words. Everything you mentioned and discussed are those very same things I’m feeling — That Something is missing in my life. I’m ready to go into the New Year 2013 with a changed mindset, (No Complaining) New Attitude with your guidance, as my daily Mentor.
i like- live today better than yesterday
bcz,past is experience….
present is experiment………
& future is expectation………..
so use ur experience in your experiment to achieve ur expectations………………………
Love that comment Tanu:) Thanks for sharing your wisdom here.