People ask me this almost every week. How do you journal, meditate, work out, read, and still have time for the people you love, all while running a business?
The honest answer is that it isn’t one thing. It is a combination of many things, but one way is through activity stacking.
Here’s what that looks like in my real life.
When I go for a walk, I’m usually listening to something. A personal growth podcast. Something on content creation. Something on running a business. The walk happens either way. I just make sure my brain gets fed and I am learning at the same time.
In the sauna, I meditate. Or I’ll watch a YouTube video on LinkedIn strategy or personal wellness. Same idea on my PEMF mat. I meditate there too, usually with my red-light face mask on at the same time. Both are from HigherDOSE and I highly recommend them!
In my office, I have a walking pad. I get my steps in while I work. Two things happening in one block of time instead of two separate blocks.
On the elliptical, I’ll bring whatever book I’m reading. Low enough effort that I can still take in the words.
In the car I often listen to podcasts or an audio book. But if my brain feels tired, music is my best friend for a drive.
I’ll even write a newsletter or blog post while a game is on in the background. Sports only need a fraction of my attention.
Not everything can be stacked, though and I don’t try to force it.
Journaling takes all of my focus. So does lifting weights. So does watching a movie, if I actually want to enjoy it. Some things need every bit of you, and stacking something onto them just means you do both things badly.
The skill isn’t doing more. It’s knowing which of your hours can hold two things and which ones need your full presence.
I’m also a believer in time blocking, separate from stacking. Some tasks will eat as much time as you let them. Giving something a hard stop keeps it from quietly taking over your evening.
And none of this works without sleep! I aim for seven hours, minimum. At 8:45, my watch tells me it’s time to start winding down. Don’t think that means that I run right up to bed as that never happens! But it forces me to become aware of the time and what I am doing. Most nights, by 10:00, I’m upstairs starting my nighttime routine.
None of this is about cramming more into your day. It’s about noticing where your attention actually needs to go, and where it doesn’t.
What’s one thing in your day that could be stacked?
If you are interested in learning more about how I do it all, I am launching a free newsletter next week, The Self-First Week.
I will share a story each week about my real life or my client’s, where self-first living is either challenged or celebrated. The behind the scenes into the mindset and narrative around it.
Plus journal prompts, podcasts, books and products that I have the pleasure of getting exposed to.
If this resonates, I would love to have you be a part of the distribution list.
You can sign up here!
xo ~ Jeanne
Jeanne Collins is a women’s awakening and leadership coach, TEDx speaker, and host of the Building the Best You Podcast. She founded House of JerMar after being let go from her VP role and rebuilding her life from the inside out. Her Self-First Reset program helps top female leaders reclaim their time, their health, and themselves.
~xo Jeanne
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