Time Management After 40

Most women see themselves as being less tied down and having more time to do things they enjoy once they reach the age of 40. Few foresee the need for new strategies in time management at a time when they expect to have more freedom to enjoy their lives. By then, the kids are out of the house and most have settled into a career that they plan to retire from. Most people and couples have attained some degree of financial security at this point, making work less of a priority. When the day arrives and they reach of age of 40, many women are surprised to find that the reality is a far cry from the idea they have imagined for so long.

Why Your Time May be in Demand after You Turn 40
Each decade brings with it a new set of priorities, limitations and challenges. For some women, the 40s may turn out to be the most demanding times of their lives. Changes in their family dynamic or in their work structure can have a tremendous impact on how their days flow. Every situation is different to some degree. With some careful planning, you may find that you can handle everything life throws at you without sacrificing those things or people who are most important to you.

Caring for yourself should be a number one priority. The things you do in your 40s will have an impact on your health when you are in your 60s and beyond. Determine what types of physical activity you enjoy the most and schedule a time for them. As conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease become a higher risk factor, taking the time to exercise now will help you reduce your risk so that you can have a healthier future.

Limit computer and TV time. Most of us have our favorite TV shows that we want to watch. Thanks to great inventions like DVRs, we can even work them into our schedules without sacrificing other important events. When you are surfing the TV channels and complaining about having nothing to watch, you probably shouldn't be watching at all. Watching shows that don't interest you just to pass the time is a waste of time! The same is true of checking emails, surfing the internet or checking your text messages. Instead, focus on projects that you need to do around the house that you never seem to have enough time for!

Write down everything you do for a week. At the end of the week, look at where you are spending large chunks of time that have no benefit to you, your job or to your family.
Look for ways to pass responsibilities on to someone else, both at work and at home. Even if there really isn't anyone else who is capable of doing that report, there is someone else who can take out the trash.

Start each day with a definitive plan of what you will do and what you expect to accomplish. If you know where you want to end up, it will make it easier to take the steps to get there without getting sidetracked.

Regardless of your best efforts, there are still 24 hours in a day and no one can run without food and sleep. Time management isn't about having more time. It's about prioritising, organising, and getting the most important things done on time!

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