10 Minutes
October 13, 2009 at 5:00 am , by Emily
I find it often consuming and overwhelming to keep up with everything – school drop off, errands, cleaning the house, fixing meals, attempting to enrich young minds, find time for myself.
On days that it is the worst, that I feel like I have everything to do and no time to do it all, I remind myself that it only takes 10 minutes.
10 minutes to fold a load of laundry and put it away
10 minutes to clip some flowers and put them in a vase
10 minutes to chop veggies for a salad
10 minutes to load the dishwasher
10 minutes to make the beds
10 minutes to read a book to my kids
10 minutes to chat about my daughter’s day at school
10 minutes to clean the kitchen sink
10 minutes of picking up toys
I know, that’s a lot of 10 minutes but when I look at it in smaller bits, it’s easier to face it and to get it all done instead of looking at a day full of tasks ahead. And by mixing in 10 minutes of time for me, 10 minutes of drinking a cup of tea. 10 minutes of sitting in a chair outside while the kids run off some energy. 10 minutes locked in the bathroom to make myself look and feel better. As far off as time for myself sometimes feels, it’s as readily available if I make room for it, as the loads of laundry are. I need to remember to add myself to the list of 10 minute tasks. Whether it’s a 10 minute walk alone when hubby gets home or 10 minutes sitting down in my spot and no one is allowed to talk to me. Or 10 minutes on the phone with a friend without a kid trying to talk over me.
The everyday tasks are manageable in 10 minute increments and 10 minutes for me makes all the difference.
This post first appeared here in February. While I tackle my to-do list this week and try to balance it all, it seemed fitting to run it again.
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by Katie
On October 13, 2009 at 7:10 am
Loving this list all over again! The funny thing is that I was just thinking about the same thing and about to go make lunch when I saw this post come up. Thanks for the reminders and smiles today.
Katie
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Mantras on Food =-.
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by Amy @ Living Locurto
On October 13, 2009 at 11:07 am
Good thinking! I use a timer when I clean. 15 minutes here and there. Whatever I can get done in that time frame, that’s all I do. Way less overwhelming and keeps me focused on one area.
.-= Amy @ Living Locurto´s last blog ..Terrorific Tuesday – Week 2 =-.
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by Sharon
On October 13, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Thanks for the inspiration … I’m off for a 10 minute tea break.
.-= Sharon´s last blog ..Re-do the Family Room Mantle =-.
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by TidyMom
On October 13, 2009 at 12:59 pm
you are SO right Emily – when you look at it in little time slots its WAY less overwhelming!! and much easier to allow yourself a little “time slot”
~TidyMom
.-= TidyMom´s last blog ..Halloween {Fall} Touches =-.
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by Amy
On October 13, 2009 at 1:12 pm
This is such a good reminder. I tend to look at the bigger picture and I love how you have broken these tasks down into smaller increments. I needed this, Emily! PS- Thank you so much for linking to my reading time post!! ((hugs))
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by Patty - Why Not Start Now?
On October 13, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Hi – When I can remember to do this, I’m so much happier. It also grounds me and helps me put everything else that can be overwhelming about life into perspective, My favorite line:
As far off as time for myself sometimes feels, it’s as readily available if I make room for it, as the loads of laundry are.
Well said! I just discovered your blog – nice!
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by Christi {Jealous Hands}
On October 13, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Emily, I love this! I copied it down on a sticky note when you first published it, and it’s in the inside of my planner/calendar.
Thanks for the inspiration!
.-= Christi {Jealous Hands}´s last blog ..things I’ve learned {or remembered} this week =-.
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by melissa @ the inspired room
On October 14, 2009 at 1:29 am
Oh yes, so true!!
.-= melissa @ the inspired room´s last blog ..Are you still procrastinating? It is not too late! =-.
[Reply]
by City Life Congestion – A List of Links & Thoughts | Making This Home
On October 14, 2009 at 5:33 am
[...] Trying to keep up with everything gets a little overwhelming in our lives. I know I don’t have to tell you that! But I like this suggestion called “10 Minutes“. [...]
by Tia
On October 14, 2009 at 9:37 am
I am home sick from work, and as I wheeze, hack, spit, and cough I actually feel inspired to mop the kitchen floor, at least ten minutes worth.
.-= Tia´s last blog ..Every Day More Freedom =-.
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by Megan at Simple Kids
On October 14, 2009 at 10:04 am
I am ABSOLUTELY the same way! I get overwhelmed so easily. If I can break things down into mini-tasks, it helps immensely. Some days, I have to break it down into FIVE minute tasks.
.-= Megan at Simple Kids´s last blog ..Designate a Day to Show Unexpected Gratitude =-.
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by The Pleasures of Homemaking
On October 14, 2009 at 5:12 pm
That a good idea! I do something similar – I usually do one task and then some 15 min of time for me, another task etc. The task may take 10 min, 30 min or and hour. But I always reward myself with 15 minutes for me.
Manuela
.-= The Pleasures of Homemaking´s last blog ..How To Make Mirror Into A Tray, Candles & Gifts =-.
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by Darla
On October 15, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Amen! I love doing things in 10 minute spurts.
Blessings to you!
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by Erin
On October 15, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I do these same thing, otherwise, I make myself crazy with my long list…
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Friday Delight (on Thursday)… =-.
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by Melody @ Party Cupcake Ideas
On October 15, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Such a great concept to remember. I have to remind myself during a busy day that it only takes 10 minutes or less to read a book to my kids. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily activities and remember to take time to just sit and read with them.
.-= Melody @ Party Cupcake Ideas´s last blog ..Hawaiian Flower Cupcakes =-.
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by Kelly
On October 22, 2009 at 9:46 am
Love this post! It’s a great reminder for someone like me who has 20 different balls in the air.
I have 2 days a week where my day is chunked up in 2 hour segements. I like the idea of taking 10 minutes for housework, and 10 for kids in each of those 2 hours bits.
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..my blog got a facelift =-.
[Reply]
by thursday roundup — the ¢entsible life
On October 22, 2009 at 10:15 am
[...] 10 minutes? Emily offers you some fabulous ideas on how much you can accomplish in 10 [...]