Time changed today. We moved our clocks ahead this morning and lost an hour. Most of us didn’t miss it because we were sleeping. We lost an hour but now have an hour more sunlight in the evening. A sign that spring is near.
Two times a year we change our clocks and talk about gaining or losing time. Think about it though. Most of us easily lose at least an hour or more of time each day, just going about completing our tasks, checking our emails, texting, sitting in slow traffic as we commute to and from work. We easily can waste time, sitting in front of the TV, checking our twitter feed or by constantly making lists of all the things we need to do (rather than doing them!).
We tend to do the same things, day after day and think the same thoughts today that we thought yesterday. And often, the result is we feel like we’re not getting enough done and we have more and more to do without enough time.
Just as we’re reminded to check the batteries on our smoke alarm when we change our clocks, we should also be reminded to consciously think about how we’re using our time. For many of us, we don’t feel we have enough time. But, when we’re sick or waiting for a test result, time stretches out, can be agonizing. When we’re waiting to hear if we got the job, it takes ‘forever’ to hear any feedback. Time is relative and as the adage goes “Time marches on.”
Perhaps it sounds counter-intuitive, but a good way to gain more time is to take a time out. Take some time to reflect, empty out your thoughts and focus on the present moment. You can do that through a few moments of silent meditation, Tai Chi, Yoga or through reading a daily favorite reflection. Taking time to stop, breathe, be in the moment can enhance our well-being and feeling of having enough time. It’s worth a try. What will you do to have enough time?