Happy November!! Or should I say NaKniSweMo!?! Or for those participating – NaBloPoMo?!? That’s right… I am taking the “easy” way out this month. Queue up a nice relaxed Knit a Sweater Month!
Today I am sharing things you can s-l-o-w down and do this month!
Thing One: Spend the first 15-20 minutes of your day unplugged!!
Over the summer, I rarely looked at electronics first thing. Now, the mornings are darker – and colder – so laying in bed and reading news, emails, social media, etc. is great – until you realize you have wasted an hour doing nothing productive. And, today is DAY ONE to get myself back on track.
Thing Two: Schedule time to be un-scheduled.
That’s right, I put myself on my schedule at least once a week. I use the time to do something… or nothing. My favorite way to use this time is to get outside and take a walk. I am focused on doing just that as many times as I can before the weather gets too bad!
Thing Three: Just Say No!
This has been a very good thing for me this year! My process is very similar to what Kym wrote about recently – rather than make a snap decision on something, I spend some time actually thinking about it. Thus, NaBloPoMo did not make the cut this year – because as Kym said – just because I have always done it, does not mean I always have to do it! This also helped me pass on choir this year – painful, but it was absolutely the right decision. And, we are getting to the time of year when lots of “asks” happen and all those things take time, effort, and yes sometimes even money. I am going to pick and choose with the focus being to celebrate and enjoy the season, rather than just filling my calendar with things.
There you have it… my plans for slowing down and savoring the end of 2018.
And finally, Honoré is back! Go say hello at her new blog home!
Want to see more lists? Head on over to Carole’s!!
Excellent list! I’m with you on all especially the wasting time in the morning in the darker months. ugh!
I think this year, especially given recent events, remembering to say no will be a good thing in order to really focus on what’s most important to you at any given time. The time around the holidays always gets so crazy, so I plan to focus on being thankful and expressing gratitude.
First thing in the morning I get my computer reading done so I can spend the rest of the day somewhat unplugged. Mylo is not a fan of screens and gets a little huffy if my face is looking at my phone. I don’t blame him and he’s a good barometer of m habits. We go for a lot of walks instead. Thank you for the link to Honore’s new blog!
Thanks for helping us think about ways to slow down! November 1 always seems to me when things begin to ramp up, with most of the requests beginning “I know this is a busy time, but …” I’m going to be focusing on some Christmas knitting, family, and gratitude.
I need to do the unplugging in the evening. It amazes me how long I can stare at that stupid screen…while watching a program! Looking forward to watching you knit away this month!
Unless there’s a good reason to do it, my phone/devices are usually not brought into the bedroom at night, so the temptation to scroll away a few hours in the morning is just not there to begin with! Also, unlike my mother (who would have spent her life in bed if she could have), I really don’t like just being in bed… the kids tried “breakfast in bed” for one Mother’s Day and it was the last!! 🙂
Three very good things. The three best things I’ve done this year with regard to “unplugging”: leaving my devices (except e-reader) out of my bedroom entirely, checking my email only 3 times/day, and getting out of the Facebook habit by removing the app from my phone. It’s amazing how much time I can waste with a screen in front of me. . .
XO
All good things Kat! Only my Kindle makes it to the bedroom – nothing else. I love my quiet morning time (like Honore).
I don’t use my phone/laptop in bed. Ever. I do check email and facebook and feedly first thing every day but I’m trying to cut back somewhat. I think asking ourselves WHY before we say Yes or No is great advice and I’m glad Kym brought it up and you have reinforced it, too!
Great list! I definitely have a problem with laying in bed,wasting time on my phone in the morning. Although – it seems to help me be slightly (just slightly) more humane to my family rather than the rabid dog I normally am in the morning so…. I’m afraid I will never, ever, be a morning person.
I’m totally with you on having a bit of the day unplugged.
You need to say no more often and I need to say yes more often! I was unplugged for six hours (no twitter or news feed) and I cannot tell you how very happy I was. The more I spend my time doing anything but checking is time well spent. I’ve been knitting up a storm these days 🙂
I’ve been working on these ideas–I started postings for Self-care Sundays and I’m trying to be mindful of taking care of myself.
Great list Kat, especially with the holidays looming. I hope your sweater turns out to be a good November project. Keep us posted.
Oh Kat, your yarn is lovely … I’m hoping to spend some QUIET time alone this afternoon … and cast on mine. (also, I love how we had a very similar idea about November 🙂
Saying “no” can be so freeing-2019 I plan to say yes to a few things, but only those things that I really want to do.