Safety Alert for Super Busy Parents

I heard from a friend who recently had a problem with her clothes dryer and I want to alert you about what she found out. It could save the lives of you, your family and your pets, as well as your home. Even though your life is super busy, it's vital that you take the time to do some general maintenance to ensure that all of your appliances are in good running order.

My friend had called in a repair man because the heating unit went out on her dryer. As a mother of 3 boys at the start of soccer season, this was a real problem! As the repair man fixed things, he pulled out the lint filter. It was clean because my friend has the habit in place to clean the lint filter every time she empties the dryer. Although it appeared clean, there was an invisible unpermeating film that sat on top. He ran some hot water on it and it just sat on top of the mesh!

The repair man explained the dangers of this 'common' situation. As this film builds up it burns out the heating unit and dimishes the life of your dryer. It also causes dryer units to catch fire and potentially burn your house down with it.

Apparantely, the problem occurs from a buildup from dryer sheets. Although I don't normally use dryer sheets, the advice is easy enough to follow, that I'll do it anyway. This repair man recommended taking out your filter and washing it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every 6 months (more if you do many washes using dryer sheets). He said this will make the life of your dryer at least twice as long and help lower your electric/gas bill. Be sure to rinse all the soap residue and dry the lint screen completely before returning it to the dryer.

Time Management for Super Busy Parents

After blogging about time for self-care, I received feedback about how difficult it is to manage time so that there's time for self-care. So, I went to one of the experts I know to get her advice. Carrie Greene (www.CarrieThru.com; Carrie@CarrieThru.com; 973.763.5504) is an ADHD coach. She realizes that everyone has issues with time management especially when life gets busy, priorities conflict and we over commit, but people with ADHD tend to have more trouble with time management then people without. For many people with ADHD time is not something that can be accurately estimated or judged. For super busy moms and dads, although you may not have ADHD (the neurobiological disorder) you may exhibit some attention deficit traits due to the overwhelming number of responsibilities in your life.

Whether you have ADHD or not, you will find that there are many benefits to being able to manage your time. When you are in control of your time you will find yourself more relaxed, you will be able to accomplish what you want to, know what tasks you need to do and be able to prioritize and not over commit yourself. Since many people with ADHD have so much trouble understanding time and truly can not internalize how time works, how can someone with ADHD ever expect to be on time?

Here are some strategies:

• Externalize time by creating visual, audible or tactile (sense of touch) cues.
• Use a SINGLE calendar, whatever kind you like and always carry it with you.
• Maintain a TASK list. It should include single actionable tasks not projects.
• Always wear a watch and hang up analog clocks in your office and home. Analog clocks show the passage of time as well as what time it is.
• Set your clocks accurately. If you insist on setting them ahead, make sure they are all set to the same time.
• Give yourself more time to perform a task then you expect it to take.
• Assume there will be traffic. Bring a book or something to do in case you are early.
• Schedule time with yourself to DO the projects on your list, don’t just write down due dates.
• Before you agree to take on a new task review what you have already committed to and decide if you can realistically add it to your load.
• Instead of allowing a project to take a certain amount of time from you, decide how much time you are willing to give it. Empower yourself to control your projects and your time!
  

Being in charge of your time is very powerful. What is one thing you can do today that will take you one step closer to getting there?

Best regards,

Coach Natalie

Time for Yourself

In order to have uninterrupted time for yourself, you need to first believe that you deserve it and are capable of having it. In super busy lives, in order for time for yourself to occur, it must become a commitment that’s a priority in your life.

Uninterrupted time for yourself is of utmost importance to parents because of your vital role and responsibility to nurture your children. Taking care of yourself ultimately enables you to best care for your family and your work. It is important to nurture yourself regularly without feeling guilty.

One of the biggest obstacles to finding more time for yourself may be your own guilt! Time and making it a priority are the other two challenges that prevent super busy moms and dads to take time for themselves.

To be able to make time for things you want to be doing more of, it is important to know where your time is going and what is most important to you to be spending your time on. Sometimes, what we say is important isn’t exactly where we’re spending our time and energy. Spending time on yourself and on activities you enjoy is critical to keeping your life in balance, your stress level low, and the rest of your family happy. Maintaining inner harmony, peace, and joy will help increase your overall life satisfaction.

You will not be able to take care of everything or everyone else well—or, more important, enjoy your time with them—if you are feeling burnt out or resentful because your needs aren’t being met. Whether it’s reluctance to put yourself first (at least once in a while) or an inability to find the time to do it gets in the way, begin reclaiming your time and precious revitalization.

There are many valuable articles available at my site. Click here to view the Top Ten List for Utilizing Time more Efficiently. By optimizing your time, you can make time for the things that matter, including your self-care.

Warm regards,

Coach Natalie