Commit to be Fit: Extra time on our hands

Last weekend we set the clocks back an hour to signify the end of daylight saving time and the beginning of what feels like shorter days. I have to admit, turning the clocks back last weekend got me excited. It was fun thinking about all the things I could do with that 'extra hour.” Which really made me think, I could be asking myself this question every day. What was the answer you came up with last week when you asked the question, 'What can I do with this extra hour?”

The answer to this question may help you to identify the things that have been low on your priority list that you may want to prioritize higher. For example, most of my friends that I talked with last weekend said they were excited to catch up on an extra hour of sleep. This could mean that my friends have been feeling like they haven't been getting adequate amounts of sleep lately. This is great information - if you also felt like you wanted to sleep an extra hour, maybe it's time to make a commitment to get into bed an hour earlier this week. You could even make a goal of choosing an evening routine to help you unwind before you turn off the lights. This will make it easier to fall asleep at the designated time you choose to be in bed.

One of my friends on Facebook posted that she was going to spend her 'extra hour” reading a devotional. She even went on to say that she was really looking forward to finally having some reflection time. After I read her post, I thought to myself how long my friend had probably wanted to indulge in some quiet time - and how now she felt like she could because she had 'extra time.” And then it hit me. Every day we are gifted with time. It's how we choose to spend this time that can add up to a meaningful life.

So this weekend, if you had an 'extra hour” how would you spend it? This will help you clarify your priorities. It's important to note it doesn't have to be an entire 60 minutes. If your first thought is to read a book, then maybe you are craving some down time and you can make a goal to create a time when you can spend 20 minutes relaxing with a good book.

If you answered that you would like to spend that extra hour on a date with your husband, maybe you are craving connection. You could plan to spend extra time catching up with each other. It could be as simple as having a significant conversation over a planned meal.

Maybe you often think, 'if only I had more time, I would go to the gym.” If exercise has been low on your priority list then think of ways you can incorporate more exercise in to your day. It doesn't have to be an hour - you can do body weight exercises at home, go for a walk or do the 'Scientific Seven Minute Workout” before you get in the shower in the morning. No equipment needed. (7-min.com)

What would you like to do if you had extra time? Hopefully, pondering the question will help you prioritize what is most important to you.

' Kylie Alger is a certified wellness coach and co-owner of The Well-Woman: Body, Mind & Spirit. Comments: kylie@thewellwoman.org