🕑 Happier Hour

Time. Time. Time.

Everyone is talking about it.

• Time is money
• Spend your time wisely
• Don't waste your time

Since when did time become a currency?

There is so much pressure. I swear I can physically feel the time slipping away from me.

Thankfully, Cassie Holmes gets us to chill out a bit. She doesn't focus on production, she doesn't focus on goals, she focuses on using time to make us happier.

🍽️ Social Time

The research is clear. The activities that involve spending time with loved ones tend to be our happiest. This is something I struggle with (mainly because I don't have much family). I tend to self-isolate and have solo hobbies like 📖 reading, 🎨 scrapbooking, 🎬 filming, 📸 photography, and ✍🏼 writing. Sound familiar? You should aim to have at least (1) social activity each week.

I try to get this in by doing large group gatherings. Don't be afraid to be the initiator (even if it feels like you are putting in all the work).

I also try to make these social activities into scrapbook spreads, mainly for future Liz. When I am old, I know I will want to have something to flip through and remember. Plus its super fun to make. This is Thanksgiving of 2023! 👇🏼

🎁 Giving Time

Something I didn't see coming was that people who had given time reported having more time than those who had kept their time to themselves. Adding acts of kindness to your weekly routine might actually give you more time psychologically!

One of the ways I get more volunteer work into my schedule is if I mash it with an activity that allows me to 🧠 learn something. I have been doing a ton of Habitat for Humanity builds because I love to learn about construction (✨ bonus points because I am in the construction industry!).

🗓️ Time Crafting

Ok the dreaded part. You actually have to open your calendar and analyze your schedule.

First you have to audit your time. I know... like an accountant. You put down every activity and then label it on a 1-10 scale (😊 10 being happiest, and 😔 1 being not-happy).

She recommends using a blank weekly schedule. Start with obligations: Work, school, kids, etc. Then start adding from there.

Once you are done with your time audit, its time to build out a schedule. This is my typical schedule. Recently I started walking/exercising way more, and I spread it throughout the day (see the red).

📑 Companion Reads

Since this book is all about balancing your life and work, I am recommending a few business-y type books. Humor, Seriously is wildly funny and focuses on using humor at work. How to Change is all about... well how to change lol. Designing Your Work Life will help you customize a schedule with work in mind.

🔗 Humor, Seriously: https://amzn.to/3Rvib1n

🔗 How to Change: https://amzn.to/472mB4J

🔗 Designing Your Work Life: https://amzn.to/3uNH2Vq

🎬 Full Video

If you want to see more details on the book, I linked the full video below!

🔗 Happier Hour: https://amzn.to/3Rv3v2i