I spent my morning doing this:
It wasn’t so bad. 
I don’t think I mind getting stuck in an airport when it’s my own choice (two free tickets to get bumped to a later flight). I had fun people-watching and catching up on e-mails.
Plus, I was given a voucher for a free meal. So I also saved $10!
I waited until right before my flight boarded (at 12:30 PM) to look for food, which was a bit of a mistake because I ended up wandering around the food court with a slightly panicked look on my face. As I’ve written about numerous times, the most difficult part of being a vegetarian is trying to find healthy options at places like the mall or the airport. It’s so much easier to find healthy non-vegetarian choices (grilled chicken sandwiches or salads abound!).
There were lots of choices, but I really didn’t want to get stuck eating Chinese buffet or greasy pizza. After a weekend of traveling, I was craving something more wholesome.
Surprisingly, I found the best option at an Italian restaurant.
For $9, I got a leafy green salad with three fun toppings: cold wild rice with pecans and cranberries, mozzarella and tomatoes, and chilled grilled veggies.
It definitely hit the spot.
I’m currently in the air (gotta love Airtran’s WIFI) headed to Orlando for a layover, and then I’m jumping back on a plane for another long flight to Charlotte. My desk is my tray table.
Priorities
As I mentioned this morning, one of the presentations during the Healthy Living Summit was about organizing your life and making time for what really matters to you. I was manning the video camera during the presentation, but one of the activities really stuck with me so I thought I’d share it on the blog. This is basically how the presentation went, with some tweaks:
Step one: Realize that there are 168 hours in the week. 56 of those hours should probably be spent asleep. In order to maximize our time and schedule in ‘free time,’ we need to be more aware about how we spend our energy.
Step two: List out your priorities. Some of these priorities are negotiable and some are probably non-negotiable. Of course, these priorities are different for other people.
Here’s my list in order of priority (as of last week):
- My blogs/career/freelance writing
- Spending time with my Husband
- Getting an adequate amount of sleep
- Working out 4 – 5 times a week/training for my upcoming marathon
- Shopping for and preparing healthy meals
- Planning the Healthy Living Summit
- Helping the Husband with his business
- Walking James and cuddling Maggie
- Spending time with my friends/talking to my friends on the phone or G-Chat
- Interacting with other bloggers and reading other blogs
- Reading actual books, relaxing, and writing for pleasure
- Watching my favorite television shows
Please note that I put the Husband second ONLY because I am our sole source of income right now, and I need to keep a roof over our heads. And all that healthy food on the table. However, as is true for most of us, my work/play balance is very lopsided. I probably spend about 50 – 65 hours a week (over seven days) tied to the computer (I obviously LOVE what I do and am NOT complaining; it just takes up a lot of my time).
Step three: Identify which priorities you can downgrade or drop completely. Also identify new priorities that you would like to focus more on.
Because the Summit is over, I no longer have to spend 5 – 15 hours a week working on it. With some that extra time, I’m going to begin volunteering at Girls On The Run for three hours a week. I would also like to become more focused in my work habits so that I can always get 8 hours of regular sleep while breaking the cycle of working on the computer until 11 PM and waking up feeling groggy at 7 AM.
Step four: Get organized by using a paper calendar or online calendar. Look for ways to plan ahead so your priorities get accomplished and you don’t feel overwhelmed.
I already use Google Calendar to plan my workdays, and an online Excel Spreadsheet to schedule and track my workouts. In Google Calendar, I’ve penciled in a new reminder EVERY DAY to shut down the computer by 9:30. My workaholism is well-documented on the blog, and I think I’m hurting myself more than helping myself by constantly pulling all nighters. Work will always be a priority, but I want to spend more time with my Husband and more time getting restful sleep. Now that I’ve downgraded my schedule a bit, hopefully I can achieve that goal.
What are your priorities? What do you want to pay more attention to? What extraneous commitments do you wish you could focus less on? Sometimes just putting it down on paper can help make it a reality!
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{ 102 comments… read them below or add one }
The presentation sounds really interesting, thanks for the tips!
Good for you! It’s great that you can carve out a little time for yourself. And I agree on where you ranked your priorities. Work is what allows you to live the life you lead, with houses, travel, and fun!
I am similar to you in that my #1 priority is work. I am a single lady so I need to keep the income coming in otherwise i’d be living in the woods
However my #2 priority is saving/paying for bills so that in the future I do not have to become so reliant on my job. My #3 priorty are my friends and family becuase they make life fun. #4 priority is to do something for myself every day that brings me joy and that is usually blogging 
Thank you for posting this! I can’t wait to try it out!
Time management is always a difficult thing. I tend to waste time on things at the bottom of my priority list like watching television. I didn’t have a tv for a year, and it was one of the most productive years of my life. I watched my three favorite shows online each week, but didn’t spend any time flipping channels. I read, I painted, I exercised more, I wrote more for pleasure. TV steals my time.
I need to prioritize again… and strive to spend more time at the top of my list rather than at the bottom.
Perhaps it’s time for a 14 or 30 day “no tv” challenge again. Anyone in?
I am in the middle of a 30 day no tv challenge and it isn’t quite as hard as i thought it would be. I have watched a few dvr-ed shows here and there but for the most part I’ve been strong:) I’ve spent a lot of time doing other things that I really enjoy, such as reading and baking, and my husband and I just bought bikes to ride around together – it’s fun! Good luck to you!
Yeah, I had to go 3 weeks without a full access to TV…but I did have the computer so I watched a few shows online at night. But it was easier than I thought…of course, now I’m back to watching Bachelor Pad
Great post! It’s nice to hear about some actual information from the HLS instead of just party party party, haha.
I like the idea of writing a list like that for myself because oftentimes I spent too much time goofing off and then get anxious that I’m forgetting something. If I’d make a list like that, I could check it and be sure that it’s goof-off time
Prioritizing is a great idea! You not only will enjoy the task at hand more, but you will have more time for yourself as well! Looks like you are taking some great steps toward a happier you!
so helpful, and definitely something I need to do.
Thanks!
Now if only I could find/schedule the time to make that priority list
I like this post very much!
It is so obvious that you love what you do; it shows. But, I feel like you will definitely feel better getting off the computer earlier each day and spending more time with your husband, and sleeping, of course! I admire what a hard-worker you are, Caitlin – you are so inspiring!
i love how open and honest you are about your love for your husband, it’s really sweet
i remember you mentioning you were long distance for a while–i’m in the middle of that right now, too. also, would you ever consider doing a post on mental exhaustion vs. physical exhaustion?
LD sucks but its worth it when you are ‘with’ the person you love!
do you mean mental vs physical exhaustion during exercise?
yeah! sometimes it’s hard for me to tell which one is giving up: my legs or mind. i’d be interested to hear your thoughts!
and yes, it is so worth it
I wish I could spend more time baking and more time exercising.
This is such a great point. I try to balance my time well, but this summer it’s gotten a bit out of control…I don’t have much of a schedule, so I do whatever pops up first. I definitely need to sort out my priorities before the school year starts!
1. I LOVE your scarf. Love, love!!
2. I really like this post. I am also the SOLE source of income b/w me and my b/f right now and even though he has savings so it’s not like I’m paying for every single thing, it’s still really, really stressful!
When I found myself lying in bed last night tossing and turning over a freelance article I realized that I need to STOP with my workaholic tendencies as of late. I like the idea of having the computer off at 9:00-9:30.
my priorities are definitely spending time with my hubby (because we both work), and then work, blogging, cooking, etc. i love how you listed them all out though! i’m going to copy this better when i get home
Aah those tips seem very familiar :p
My priority right now is to keep on the path I’m on – the HLS did me SO much good and I want to keep the momentum!
Great post!!
My priorities are keeping myself healthy, nurturing the relationship with my boyfriend of three years, and doing well at my job.
I wish I spent less time watching TV but it is my FAVORITE way to unwind and zone out. I have about 4-5 hour long shows that are airing at any given time that I DVR and then sit down and watch every week.
Great tips! Thanks for sharing! I would love to spend more time blogging/working… but being a full-time mom, my fifteen month old takes priority… then my hubby, then my work.
My priorities right now are 1) work (because it takes up 8+ hours in a day, I might as well do it well) 2) my social life and 3) volunteering.
I think I should downsize my social life considerably. I’m guilty of feeling like I constantly have to say yes to people. I should only say yes to the social outings I really really want to go to. That would leave more time for exercise (I’ve recently fallen in love with spinning) & blogging which has been sporadic lately, at best.
Thanks for the great tips! You are always so insightful
PS. I love the scarf you are wearing!! I have a huge scarf collection. Maybe I should downsize that too…lol
I love scarves too! I noticed Caitlin wearing more scarves this weekend! An influence of Angela from Oh She Glows perhaps?!
Your scarves remind me of the ones she’s always wearing!!
I am trying to be more fashionable!!! Taking cues from other lovely ladies.
I would like to focus more on finding a job that doesn’t make me completely miserable. I really need to work on finding friends that share my new healthy lifestyle and work on managing my stress better. Those all should be my priorities, but sadly aren’t. I think I will make a list. Thanks for getting me thinking.
Score on the free food voucher! Your salad looks stacked delicious.
This is very interesting… I’ve never thought about the week in terms of available hours. I definitely need to rethink some things…
This is a great post. I am currently overwhelmed with a lot of life changes going on, one including planning a wedding. I definitely need to sit down, sort out priorities and I think setting up a calendar is a great first step.
Score on the free flights- totally worth a bit of a wait.
Haha I just added GCal reminders to shut down the computer too. Who ever thought I’d have to do that?!
Great post! It is important to prioritize and I like how you did it down to the hour
Whenever you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself that you have a full life!
These are SUCH great tips! I can’t wait to see more from the presentations!
I am an accountant, so spreadsheets/calendars/lists are all items i’m VERY fond of! Love it!!
How crazy! I just finished typing up my post for tonight and it’s all about handling priorities and busy schedules too. LOL
I really enjoyed this presentation. I knew it would be helpful, but I was surprised to learn so much about myself with one simple exercise.
One priority that made my list was making my home more appealing – both for me and my guests. I want it to be a sanctuary, not something that stresses me out. I put some flowers out last week and was surprised at how many times they made me smile throughout the day. I’m actually really excited to make a list of small to-dos that will help turn my house into a home.
Since my work is only about 10 hours a week, my number one priority right now is my husband. He’s gone for 12 hours a day for work and it totally stinks. But it’s what we have to do right now.
The thing I would like to stop is feeling sick all the time. I finally get health insurance, only to find out I can’t see the doctor about any pre-existing problems. Which ALL of mine are! Ugh, some day I’ll find out what all is wrong!
I can’t totally relate to having difficulty shutting down the computer at night (I think most bloggers can relate!).
What kind of volunteering are you doing with GOTR? I tried to volunteer after work, but it seems like the commitment level is either a ton or not very much.
So great meeting you at HLS this weekend!
I’m being an assistant coach so I only have to volunteer 1 day a week – I can handle that!
You should also look into the Solemates program!
It’s great to keep a list of priorities on hand….sometimes we get side-tracked or forget but it’s really important to return to the list as a reminder.
I’m really glad you are going to take care of yourself (sleep, relaxation, “me’ time). I have been reading your blog more over your last hectic few weeks, and u have me tired reading it
You do so much, don’t forget to rest up for you.
Great tips, thanks!
This is a great idea. I have a real issue keeping things in priority, and often my down time suffers because of that. Thanks for the idea!
Hehe it’s funny that you put your husband second, mine would kick by butt, but I think that’s very honest and true- we all need a bed and food right?
I think it would really be hard to manage my time if I did what you did. #1- you work at home, so you can be working at any hours without strict hours. I wonder if it would help you to set hours for yourself (or is part of what you like about your current job, not having hours?), even if you just did it the night before or week to week so that there would be some end to your work, and start of play time? #2- I think the internet/writing takes longer than other jobs because there is so many distraction temptations. When I am doing work on the computer, I’ll check a blog here, comment on twitter there and before I know it 2 hours have passed haha. So, while I don’t have any advice for that I do think it’s great that you are trying to prioritize and get it all in order
I do think I get easily distracted. My biggest time sucker is GMAIL. Sometimes I think I should just close the window.
Huz knows I love him.
I really love this post because this is something I have been struggling with lately. I’m very good at making “to-do” lists, but even those don’t necessarily reflect my priorities. I think I’m going to sit down and rank my priorities tonight. What a great idea!
I actually like the airport … sometimes getting through security can be stressful, but I’ve always loved watching the planes come in and out, browsing through the stores and people watching.
I definitely give work the top priority. I should bump my husband up to No. 1 but at this point in my career–when I’m spending 11 hours a day at work–that’s not possible. I’d also like to include more sleep. Of course, then I might have to downgrade the whole eating thing, which would make me cranky. Sigh. I think I need to work on this.
I have so much trouble with time management – I need to work on it.
Love the idea of writing out priorities – helps put a focus when scheduling your day.
I just wrote my list and thought about how I am spending most of my time. I do enjoy blogging and reading other blogs, but I HAVE to figure out a way to balance it better between my down time (spent with my fiance) and my job. Most evenings, I’m blogging and not finished until my head hits the pillow. Thanks for pointing this out – it really puts thing into perspective!
Thanks for sharing some of the gems from the conference for those of us who couldn’t make it! Sounds like great prioritizing to me;)
Gosh. This post really hit home with me. I really need to reorganize my life. Ever since we moved back to the states, I have felt like my life has been really chaotic and we don’t have kids or pets! I need to get back to using that google calendar and I need to really look at what my priorities are. I can’t wait ’till you guys get the video up on the website!
Love this! I so wanted to go to the organization presentation, but it was at the same time as the panel i was on! Need to remember that there are only so many hours in the week.
Love the first pic…the scarf looks great on you. Just out of curiosity, who took the pic, cause it sounds like you are travelling solo? lol
self timer on a chair
LOL that’s awesome. P.S. just bought your book at Indigo in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
THANK YOU!
those are some great steps! I was wondering about the husband being second lol!
sometimes its hard to say no, but we must!
I would say that organization is a huge downfall for me. Really, that is a class they should teach in high school! There needs to be a life lesson class and that should totally be in it! I want to read more…books that is. I love reading on the computer, but I think it does crazy things to your brain. I want to start going to bed a few minutes earlier and read to unwind. Have a safe flight home!
I think I would take those free tickets too!!
Great post! I need to sort my priorities out. I spend far too much time blogging/on the computer and not enough time being productive. What can I say, it’s an addiction! I’m going to have to be more organised come september as my schedule is suddenly going to get crazy; my next semester starts and will involve loads of coursework as well as a busy hospital placement in the ER. Somehow I’m going to have to find time for a life amongst all that too…
What a great (and timely) post…I had a mini meltdown last night thinking of how my life was kind of chaotic and out of control lately. I told myself that today was a new day and I was going to sit down and prioritize things so I can get myself under control again. I’ll definitely incorporate those steps into my process. Thanks!
First of all, that italian mix salad looks delicious.
Secondly, thank you for illuminating some key points on the time management. Prioritizing your responsibilities is the first step in using your time wisely. As of now, my list is a little something like this:
-Work (40 hours per week)
-School (13 units, plus studying and completing assignments)
-Working out (4-5 times a week, 1 hour each session)
-Blogging (5-10 hours a week, at least 2 posts per week)
-Reading Blogs (I graze on them whenever I have some downtime on the internet while at work)
-Family/Friends (Whenever I can see them, which isn’t often enough!)
I loved that presentation as well and need to prioritize my life now that I’m working full time, traveling for work, and have not been blogging as much as I would like. Or working out for that matter. Will prioritize tomorrow night while in another city for work!
I loooove free tickets! I’m a college student who has to fly to school so whenever they’re offered I’m always the first one in line
PS This lady needs some Operation Beautiful in her life!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE6u1uAcJzk
Your salad looks amazing!
That’s a really great exercise! And I think you have to be in a certain place to be able to do it (i.e. zen caitlin…maybe you couldn’t have made this list a week ago because you were so overwhelmed with everything?)
I am kind of looking forward to sitting down and making a similar list and reorganzing my priorities! Great post.
Great post, Caitlin! I didn’t go to that session, so I’m excited to see the video. I definitely need to do some self-reflection on the priorities. Lots to think about! Off the top of my head though, I don’t know where it fits as a priority, but I need to actually leave work when I leave the office (aka, stop going in early/leaving late, checking my work email from home, etc).
I love these questions, thinking about them is like having a mini-session of the Healthy Living Summit for those who did not attend!
I recently gave up my desperate desire to remain in the Bay Area, and decided to move to Sacramento (where I already work). Thinking this through made me finally choose to trade a 3hr daily r/t commute, into:
-getting enough sleep
-better workouts due to more sleep and more time to complete them
-cooking more meals at home- I end up eating healthier this way and saving money
-saving money (over $500 per month!) which allows me to do other things I was really wanting to do but couldn’t afford- long weekends to local getaways with the BF and, a trip to visit my brother in Japan. He’s been there 2 years and I can finally afford to visit!
I really struggle to make rest a priority and it usually manifests itself in the form of getting sick. Last week, I woke up with a scratchy throat. Hoping I had just slept with my mouth open, I went to work and got progressively sicker all day. You’d think I’d wise up and take a day off to rest? No. I toughed out the work week . . . meaning my weekend was spent on the couch and I lost even more time to recovery than I would have if I hadn’t let it get worse. I need to make sleep more of a priority. The chores can wait, reading and TV can also wait until the weekend. That’s my resolution: more sleep!
My priorities right now are finishing my masters degree and getting a job and my boyfriend
This blogging is getting very addicting. But that’s much better than my addiction to food. Caitlin-I love your blog. Great stuff.
thanks,
Liz
My priorities are: family, work, staying healthy, friends, blogs, and more blogs.
I’m addicted.
I love this idea!! I try and prioritise things when I know that I have a busy schedule ahead of me! It helps me make sure that I am focusing on the important things – and not getting too carried away with the things that might not matter as much!
I like the idea of writing down your priorities in order because when you see it written out like that, it’s easier to figure out what should come first and what should be sacrificed when you have to make a decision between two things.
As a new blogger who is just discovering so much about this “world,” I’ve recently found myself completely tied to the computer screen, at times to the detriment of my other priorities – like my “real” job, my husband, getting ready to move, food shopping(!). I am working on being more balanced – as this can often be a problem for me. Sleep is definitely going to be moving up my list! Thanks for the practical tips on creating balance.
i’m so glad you liked it! i am really passionate about time management and making the most of those 168 hours.
feel free to remind people about the pres. when it goes up online!!
This is so great because I have really been giving this a lot of thought the last few days. My time off from the 2nd job is coming to an end and I need to figure out how to balance everything so that I can have time to do the things I want to do, not only the things I need to do. I am going to come back to this post after I have this list.
I’ve had at least 3 people recommend a doing a Google calendar..I’m seriously considering it! Looks like you have all of your ducks in a row
Hope you made it back to Charlotte without any problems!
sleep helps makes everything else fall into place
Wow, you are so organized. I think I would have a hard time prioritizing things, honestly…so many things would take the number 1 slot
You are so organized! I need to make sleep a priority, but it never turns out that way. I’m on vacay right now, and still only getting 6-7 hours a night. Craaaazy.
I need to readjust my priorities! I find that without a defined list I tend to get lazy and slack on workouts/eating right. I know it’s worth the effort! Great post
I love your blog so much!
THANK YOU for this post! Seriously. I’m heading into a bit of craziness with a whole new schedule, now that my dietetic internship has begun. It’s left me a little haywire, and I need to make a priority list just like yours. Thanks for the inspiration!
Good for you for realizing that you have limits! I’ve been reading for awhile and am in awe of everything you manage to get done!
The post also made me realize that I haven’t sat down and really thought about the rank of my priorities (husband, work, training). So far I’ve been lucky and can balance everything, but it’s a good thing to think about for the future (i.e. when we start a family, work gets crazier, we go back to school, etc.)
Funny, I just wrote down my priorities so I can cut out activities that I don’t want to truly invest valuable time on. It’s rather surprising how hard it is. But once you cut out things it REALLY helps your mental and emotional health!
I am currently in the middle of restructuring my priorities. I am starting yoga teacher training the the fall, have a new job, just started blogging and am getting married very soon. I am amazed when I read your blog because it seems like you are really able to do it all. Thank you for sharing that you struggle a little with time management and prioritization as well–it gives us non super humans hope
I definitely am going to try writing out my priorities and start using a schedule like you suggested, especially now that my life is getting crazy.
Those tips are really helpful! I know I need to stop and prioritize every couple of days — lately I’ve been pushing off my workouts, but each week it seems to be something that slips through the cracks. Thanks for the reminder to get things in order!
I couldn’t remember hearing about this on your blog before. But you’re on the main page of self.com today… http://www.self.com/health/blogs/healthyself/2010/08/why-cant-women-stop-saying-the.html
Thanks for passing this along!!!
Firrrst, im super excited your on the main page of Self! I looooove that magazine
!!
Secondly, I love the talks you got to go to !
My main priority is getting my body fat percentage down, followed by spending more times with friends and family, and acquiring a job, with less time spent on the computer.
i waste so much time just reading other people’s daily lives and encounters and wishing my life was like theirs, instead of getting out there and making my life exciting.
i will definitely start thinking about putting the priorities list to work.
thanks for the recount !
Thanks for this post. I am seriously the most unorganized person in the world and it can be SO stressful so I love organization tips! I like your priorities because I have a lot of the same ones!
50-65 hours on the computer a week?! Wow, and I thought I was a computer-holic?! At least you do this for work and not for time-wasting like I do. I love how you think about the week in hours! It’s a great idea for time management. Thanks!
Wei-Wei
This is a great post – I’d love to hear more about what people want to do less of actually! (besides TV). I waste a LOT of time on the internet!
Thanks a lot for the tips! I NEED to make use of them!
My priorities are (in no particular order):
- Spending time with my hubby
- Spending time with friends and family
- School (Masters in Ed. Psych)
- Blogging
- Work
- Cooking/ Eating good meals
- Relaxing
Love this post Caitlin! I will definitely be bookmarking and taking some nuggets from it!
I am so busy currently aswell. I just started a job at a major insurance company while also starting a full load of courses at college. I cannot believe that i am going to have to figure out how to balance it all, because currently I am go 7 days a week. I have no weekend because I work on saturdays and sundays and then i go to school mon-friday. Thank you for this post because I am really going to have to think about my sanity!!
Love this post!! The past few months I’ve been focusing A LOT on reorganizing life and setting/scheduling priorities. It was a bit overwhelming at first (still is at times) but I’m definitely getting in to much more of a schedule with things.
Definitely can’t wait to make Healthy Living Summit next year!
Linds
So happy to see you posted this! last night I sent out a tweet of “please someone tell me they have good notes from the time management presentation” – it was the presentation that i was most interested in and scheduled for the same time as the panel (which makes me so thankful for you ladies video taping, and all the wonderful recaps!)
my priorities are at a major shifting point right now. I was having dinner with some blends last night and discussed with them my need to REALLY organize my time with all the new good oportunities that are coming my way – this post has already helped me stay on the right track! Thanks for the recap, dear!
xo
with the start of the school year coming up (boo! kinda…) i’ve been thinking about priorities a lot lately. thanks for the tips
That salad looks incredible!! YUM
My priorities are my family and health, then work and income. Everything else is optional as far as I’m concerned!
Jenn
This topic is close to my heart esp these days! All my life if been the “neat freak” and recently realized how terrible I am at prioritizing… I can get all my ducks in a pretty line prob even in ABC order but crossin’em off and giving them all attention. EPIC FAIL… Great recap, thanks
Thanks for posting this Caitlin. It was really helpful. I have actually been feeling very disorganized myself lately too so I used this to help me get a little more control over everything as well. I blogged about it and you can check it out here: http://herinnershine.blogspot.com/2010/08/organization-part-ii.html
I need to do this. I think I’m pretty organized and balance my time well, but lately I’ve been feeling overwhelmed with everything I want to accomplish. It’s time to rethink things…
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