Tracking Time

I came across the book Off The Clock by Laura Vanderkam a few months ago and became intrigued with the idea of tracking time.  The author tracks her time regularly and has reaped many benefits from doing so.

I followed a prompt off her podcast Before Breakfast and tracked my time for a week.  I kept track of my time in 30 minute increments and I learned a lot. 

I spend most of my time doing direct childcare and housework.  This didn't shock me.  I am a stay-at-home mom and it goes with the territory.

Here is what did surprise me: I have a lot of 'free' time that I don't use well.  When I have a few minutes to myself, I often whip out my phone and scroll Instagram or watch Instastories.  While these habits aren't detrimental to my life, I really could be using my time better.  I enjoy Instagram, but it doesn't make me feel relaxed or rejuvenated.  I have been actively trying to pick up a book during my free time and it has been beneficial for me. 

I also learned that I am much more productive when I get out of bed early.  I get a lot more done in a day when I can roll out of bed by 6:00 a.m.  I don't particularly like getting up early, but my day feels much more organized and is more productive.  I have been trying to harness this time by getting up early and working on school work.  This doesn't happen every day.  When I am up with my children a lot during the night, I let myself sleep so that I can be rested.

I encourage you to check out Laura's work.  It has been interesting to me and has shone a light on how I spend my time.  You may be surprised at what you discover.