Not Enough Minutes in the Day
By the time I finish with my five classes, four preps, grading papers, working with students, taking care of my six year old, and everything else that comes my way during any given workday, I am exhausted My to-do-list is crammed with priority 1 events. I don't seem to have enough energy or time to deal with everything in my job and my life.
What interesting perspective Nancy! Thank you so much for sharing. It sounds like you have spent some time reflecting and have developed a new approach. Good for you! Love the idea of carrying the lemon scent around with you for those times when you really need it.
looking at your schedule and seeing the world as one big clock that visual can drive your life... I was in the same positon many years ago today at 72 I don't see a clock anymore I have learned to I.d. the things in my life tht stress me out and now I have learned (it took a long time) to mellow out... think mellow yellow... yellow for lemons its a great stress breaker.... I carry a sm bottle of aromatherpy lemon sent and if I feel the blood pressure rising I put a few drops in my palms rub together and generate heat and inhail the smooth sent of lemon and I relax... at my age I look back on all the wasted moments hours and days spent in frustration over things beyond my control
Hi Micka,
Thanks for sharing your coping strategy with us. The key is to carve out small chunks of time and make good use of them. Your plan lets that happen while still getting everything done you need to.
Gary
I teach college classes and also have small children (ages 8 and 9.) It can become quite overewhelming at times when you are trying to juggle coursework planning with child drop-offs and pick-ups, assisting in homework, laundry, housecleaning, making dinner, etc. etc. I agree with setting aside a little time for yourself each day to maintain sanity though. I actually incorporate "yoga" or "aerobics" into my to do list and it makes a world of difference. I have found several workout videos that have different 10min workouts and I do several throughout the day in between accomplishing necessary tasks. I feel better, stay in shape and it breaks up the monotony.
I know it's hard to imagine finding more time in the day but you can do it if you try Todd. One way is pushing back a little on tasks that come into your queue - and not saying yes to everything that comes your way. Another way is setting expectations with the people you work with and people in your family. Let them know that you need just a little time for you, even if it's just 15 minutes.
I cant say I partake, but what a great idea, ME TIME. I will try to find a small piece of the day to help enjoy this wind down time. I still work full time in the technical field I teach in, as well as contract work on the weekend, it can be really demanding being the director of my program and teaching 30 hours on top of it. I am looking forward to implementing some of these concepts into practice to help me get more control of my own ME TIME. Any suggestions for finding these minutes in the day?
In my lifetime I know I will not see it, but I have always been an advocate for a 36 hour day.
Yikes! That sounds very stressful Camilla. Yes, 60 hours a week as a program director + 20 platform hours sounds tough.
Well I am trying to start with the big things but when you work 60 hours a week as a program director and teach 20 platform hours it is hard to get enough sleep or remember to eat.
Great recommendation Nikki! Sounds like you have been in this kind of situation before!
Denise,
Maybe you can talk with your supervisors about how difficult time management is when tasks are being distributed to you at the last minute. Ask if there is any way they can set a regular schedule for meetings or at the very least, attempt to give you more notice. I'm sure they wouldn't want you waiting till the last minute to come to them with concerns or with tasks that you need completed...they should try and show the same respect for your time. Of course, I do realize that this is one of those "ideal situation" requests and doesn't mean it will actually change anything, but at least you can say you tried. The worst thing you can do is bottle up your concerns and explode with them later on, because all they are going to say is...why didn't we hear about this sooner if it is a problem for you? They will also think your just making excuses too, if you don't make them aware of the problem until it gets out of hand. Just a suggestion.
It's tough Camilla. Some instructors are so busy that they feel like they don't have the time to write down everything on their list. I'd start high level if you are pressed for time and eventually get more detailed if and when time permits.
I will certainly try it but I still feel that I will be overwhelmed. When do I have time to write the list?
Yes, taking a small break for you each day is a great investment Byron. It's a wonder how much a short break can get us completely refocused and ready to be productive again.
I agree and would like to add that it sounds like your schedule could become rather overwhelming if you do not watch things closely. I do suggest that you make a small amount of time for yourself everyday to read a book, do a short workout, anything that takes your mind away from the stressors you have going on.
Not enough time in a day to get things done is truly a serious condition everyone has issues with, especially moms. But being a mom of four very active daughters...a middle school cheerleader, a high school cheerleader, one that home schools and races motocross, and one that is in college....and I have four classes that I teach, not to mention that I am the only parent during the week....I can not do without a to do list as described in this module. If I do not make a weekly list, I am totally lost and disorganzied. Try it. It really does work.
Julynn,
Very true. I am sure I could fill up the day no matter how many hours were in it.
After completing Forum 4 in ED110 I have found many ways that I do not spend my time wisely. I am guilty of checking my e-mail endlessly throughout the day. That is a big time waster. Same with my voice mail. I hope to quit this habit soon!
There is not enough time in the day. That is for sure. I am trying to keep up with grading and keep getting e-mails with an hour of notice for mandatory meetings and huge action item that are due in 2 days. How do we prioritize? I feel my classes are starting to suffer with the deadline and mandatory meetings I am faced with weekly. Any suggestions on how to handle this situation?
It would be wonderful to have more time in a day; I think most everyone feels that way. But if you really look at it; how much time is enough time? If we had eight extra hours; would we use our time wisely enough to complete the task that should be done? It’s just a thought, but I’m sure we would find ourselves saying; there’s just not enough time; I’m guilty, I say it all the time. How do we really break the bad habits of not using our time wisely since we’ve been doing it so long?
Believe me, I understand your comment, our lives are so busy and in most cases, everything we do is important. Everyone needs our attention and we never have any time for ourselves. I wish there was a pill or quick fix; we just have to learn a better way of doing things.
