Time is finite - the one thing we can never get back. I'm often reminded of its fleeting nature, watching my kids grow up and leave home and experiencing the loss of loved ones - both show me how quickly life and time go by. We get caught up in the fast-paced nature of life, getting caught up in the daily grind and endless to-do's that leave us longing for more time or wishing we could get a do-over.
Using your time wisely means being intentional about how you spend it, knowing there are no do-overs. As a surgeon, it's easy for me to become consumed by the demands of my job and the ever-present need to do more. While our work is vital to who we are, it's just one part. To live with intention, we must also embrace all of who we are by nurturing relationships, caring for ourselves, and finding joy.
Using Your Time Wisely
How can we make the most of our time and live with intention? Below, I'll share what has helped me embrace intentional living, even when life feels the busiest.
Plan Small but Meaningful Getaways
You don't need weeks off or a beach vacation to recharge. My most restorative moments come from quick trips that allow me to escape the daily grind.
This past New Year's Eve, my husband and I jumped in the car after work and headed to Door County for the Cherry Drop. It was a short, 24-hour getaway, but it filled my cup. We spent time with family, reconnected with friends, and came back re-energized for the new year.
Whether it's a quick overnight or a day trip - what are some shorter getaways you can plan to help you recharge?
A quick 24-hour getaway to Door County.
Prioritize Connection
As human beings, we crave connection with others. We often neglect this in our fast-paced lives. When I get home from a long workday, my husband and I go for a walk together. We don't wait, we don't get distracted, we just go. It's a simple ritual that helps us reconnect, decompress, and spend quality time together.
Whatever that "walk" looks like for you, whether a coffee date, a shared meal, or even 15 minutes of undivided attention with a loved one, I urge you to prioritize it. How do you like to connect with others?
Schedule Time for Meaningful Things
A lot of us feel ruled by our calendars. If it's not on the calendar, it likely won't happen. That's why I make it a point to schedule not just appointments and work commitments but also time for myself and my family.
Do you schedule any "self-care" or family things? It could be a weekly yoga or exercise class, a morning meditation, or even scheduling that pottery class you've always wanted to take. For myself, I schedule my self-care, which includes yoga and meditation. I also schedule time for fun with my family, from winter skiing to summer boating.
Family ski trips bring me joy.
What can you put in your schedule that's not just a necessary appointment? Make a point to plan ahead for things like dinner dates, outings, or even a few hours of alone time. When using your time wisely and carving out time intentionally, you're far less likely to let it slip away.
Using Spare Pockets of Time Wisely
Our lives can be so busy that we often aren't aware when we get spare time. We fill every second of every day to end our day feeling productive and accomplished. But what if we stop doing that and use those spare pockets of time wisely when they pop up? These spare moments can happen while commuting in our car, waiting in lines, or sitting between meetings. Instead of letting those pockets of time pass by, I take advantage of them by:
These small habits help me stay connected, learn something new, or simply find a moment of quiet in the chaos.
A Final Thought
The truth is that time is finite, and we can't turn back the clock, no matter how much we may want to. But while time may be passing us by, it doesn't have to feel lost. Using your time wisely and with intention by staying present and prioritizing what truly matters helps create a sense of balance, fulfillment, and joy in even the busiest seasons of life.
Of course, this may all seem easier said than done and can quickly feel overwhelming. Start small and focus on what you can effortlessly work into your day. Where can you begin using your time more wisely? A small shift today can lead to a big difference over time. Remember that using your time wisely also includes nurturing your mental health, something I dive into more in my blog on Mental Health Matters.
Here's to living the rest of your year with intention.
Providing you care beyond the visit ~
Dr. Cindy Geocaris