Executive Functioning Tip #12: Restorative Time

I always tell clients that they won’t to use their time-management tools if they aren’t planning the space and time to do things that are fun, that restore your energy, your spirit, and give you joy. Life shouldn’t be all work and no play.

My restorative activities are booked into my daily and weekly routines. While I have vary some of the activities they usually include:

• Yoga class–twice a week for 90 min.
• Getting outside for a mile walk, sometimes with my binoculars or my camera and sometimes with my husband.
• 15 minutes of reading an inspirational self-improvement book.
• Monthly dinner dates with a friend I’ve known for over 22 years.
• Planning and preparing dinner parties for family and friends.
• Instead of TV, I read aloud to my husband every evening before bedtime.
• Learning something new each week by reading a nonfiction book.

You may notice that my restorative time is split between “alone” time and time spent with important people in my life. Scheduling these times gives my life balance and fuel for my full work life.

So, my time management tip for you today is to sit down and make a list of things you want to do and then schedule the time to make them happen!