OK - I admit it. Some of my best spiritual / self-development work happens in the bathroom. Now, before you say "Ewww!", hear me out. If you're a busy person like me, you can understand this.
I try to listen to or read something every day that will help me grow personally, whether it's an article on natural health, or an educational webinar or an inspirational video that comes in my emails every day. I'm stock loaded with stuff to read or watch for the next 100 years.
However, I have struggled in the past on finding the time in my day to fit these things in. Are you with me so far? Can you relate?
I have another confession. I'm really slow in the morning. LIke, turtle speed, no joke. I spend a lot of time in the bathroom getting ready in the morning. Between potty time, brushing teeth, taking vitamins, fiddling and procrastinating, choosing clothes, getting in the shower, drying off, fixing face, blow-drying hair - we're easily talking 60 minutes or more. Ok, so it's more like 90 minutes. I told you I was a turtle, and I'm owning it.
For all you busy morning turtles out there.... use this time to your advantage. I have become an expert multi-tasker in my morning routine. You can also get creative with your time as well.
GET CREATIVE
You say "I don't have time to meditate or do any breathing exercises". Guess what? You probable spend a good 5-10 minutes on the toilet every morning. This is a perfect time to "sit in solitude" and relax, change your breathing, visualize your goals and dreams, or chant "Oohhhmmmm" if you like. Just don't chant too loud or your family will think you're really constipated, and ask if you need medical help!
I get a lot of emails every day from all kinds of inspirational leaders. Many of them attach short 15-20 minute videos on various topics. These are usually what I'm listening to or watching on my tablet while I'm brushing my teeth, taking vitamins, and fiddling around with clothes selections.
This may be a perfect time for you to be reading a few pages of an inspirational book or reciting any daily affirmations that are posted on the mirror or on index cards in various locations of the house that you make regular stops at during your routine. You can decide what things are best for you.
Now it's shower time, and then I break out the big guns. My wifi external speaker for my tablet. I love it because I can get really high volume on this thing. Why is this important? Because the sound of the water in the shower is loud while you're in it.
Before I turn the water on, I choose an interesting webinar or podcast from my ongoing collection, connect to my speaker and turn up the volume. Now I can listen to my webinar-du-jour with ease at full blast while I'm showering.
Since most webinars or podcasts or usually 45-60 minutes long, this carries over into my makeup and hair routine. And yes, my speaker also drowns out the hairdryer as well. Hey, Momma don't play around - I take my technology seriously!
Do you have a long drive to work? That's a great time to listen to a podcast.
Do you spend time cooking dinner at night? You can do some deep breathing while you're chopping veggies or washing dishes.
Do you watch a lot of TV at night? Turn it off and read an inspirational book or watch an educational seminar on your laptop instead. Most TV shows are crap anyway and won't get you anywhere in life. And for God's sake, turn off the news! Nobody needs that kind of negative trash floating around in your brain all night causing nightmares.
MAKE IT HAPPEN
Why do I tell you all this? Because I want to encourage you to believe that you really can make little snippets of time for self care and personal growth every day. Where there is will, there is a way.
You just have to think outside the box a little. Figure out the timing of your normal every day tasks, and say to yourself, "what else can I be doing to improve myself right now while I'm doing this?" Start with your morning routine, then work your way through the day to your bedtime routine.
You'll be amazed at what you can figure out. It takes a little practice, of course. But you can master it. And then your life will start to change - for the better. Baby steps is all you need. Take the first step!
HAVING TROUBLE?
If you'd like to work with me one-on-one and learn more ways to develop positive daily habits, you can contact me directly on my website (www.trueinspiration.com) or you can call (860-635-7941) or email me at (trueinspirationllc@sherryboutin.com) and set up a free 10 minute consultation. I can help you find creative ways to incorporate self care and self development into your daily routine.
Thank you for being with me today. I love you and appreciate the time you took out of your day to read this. Has anyone out there been able to use creative multi-tasking for their daily self development habits? Share your example in the comments. And if you have any other topics that you'd like me to talk about, please leave a comment below.
I will see you next time with more True Inspiration.
Namaste