7 in 7: Tuesday, January 29

From an on-line article - www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=149

9 Ways to get the most out of every day (4-6)

4. Exercise.
Regular physical activity during the workday can boost productivity and reduce stress levels. So in theory, by sacrificing just 30 minutes to take a walk, you could improve the quality of your output for the remainder of the day.

5. Ask for help (or hire it).
It's natural to want to maintain control over all aspects of your life. Sometimes, delegating tasks to others is the only way to ensure that they get done. If you can hire or ask others to help, it could free up some valuable time to focus on your own health, fitness and wellness.

6. Eliminate unnecessary activities.
While everything on your plate might seem essential at first glance, there are likely some superfluous things that can be trimmed. For a few days, track your activities just as you would track your food or exercise, then review the list. If you spot any items that aren't absolutely necessary and aren’t moving you toward your goals, give them the boot.

Any thoughts or examples of how you might be able to apply these, or situations you've used ideas like this in the past?

Another day off work for me, and actually, tomorrow as well - school is closed both today and Wednesday because of the very cold wind chill temps. I can't remember if there's been a time before when they've decided so far in advance to close for two days. 
Anyway...onward to the questions -

4. Exercise -
As I've said way too many times, I do understand it - exercise does so much good. And I can even appreciate it because I've been more dedicated in the past. All that said, at this point, my best way for this would be looking at it in the context of item #1 from yesterday - get at least a little.

5. Ask for help (or hire it).
We don't hire any outside help for routine chores (cooking, lawn care/snow removal, cleaning come to mind). For now, we are able, and to some degree, enjoy what we do. I'd say that we split chores pretty well, based on what we like to do, and we each help the other when needed. And fortunate to have the tools and technology to make a lot of these easy - washer/dryer, dishwasher etc. I can see this being more applicable to busy family life. (all that said, cleaning is my least favorite, if I was going to hire, that would be what I'd pick).

6. Eliminate unnecessary activities.
As I thought about this, I'm seeing it more in my leisure time. Thinking of the title of the article "getting the most" out of a day - I get the necessary things checked off the list, but I have a mental list of things I want to do for leisure/hobbies. At risk of over planning, I could consider what is most important to me in non-scheduled time.

As I have said so many times, exercise is the worst part of my program!! Since having foot surgery (Jan 4th), I haven' been able to walk long distances or even stand for long periods of time. It is getting better, I am hoping by spring to be able to start walking again, myself & my dog both are in desperate need of exercise. He has laid around all winter & gotten even fatter.

For the last 3 or 4 yrs, we have hired the yard mowed. I still try to tend my own flower & vegetable beds, but the extreme heat here in July & August, drive me inside. DH still tries to plant his veggie garden, but it is getting smaller & smaller every year. I used to have a lady that I could call to come 3 or 4 times a year & do heavy house cleaning, I am no longer in contact with her, I think she moved away, so now those things, just pretty much don't get done.

I think I have eliminated most of the unnecessary stuff.