I’ve decided to test a different habit each week to see what sticks and what can improve my life. Why write about? Well, I’m a parent and want to test these habits to see if they work for me, if they do, you may want to try the new habit yourself. Some habits may be really beneficial for parents whereas others will flop for one reason or another.
The first week’s habit was getting up early, I’ve tried this habit before and it doesn’t really work. The point is that you get up earlier in a bid to get more done, if I get up earlier, Erin wakes earlier, and the only achievement is less shut eye for me.
Last week’s habit was doing less and slowing down. This is great timing for this habit, I’ve been ill due to being run down and stressing the little things. I’m going to really make the effort this week and log my findings.
By the way, I’m taking the habits from Zen Habits Handbook for Life. As you can see I have combined numbers two and three for this weeks’ challenge.
How did I do?
Considering I was still doing my part time job, not too bad. I have finished that job now and don’t intend to take on anythingelse for a while. I will be focussing my time on parenting, studying (open learning maths course) and a new project (of course I’ll still be blogging here as well). Anyway back to the reflection, so yeah, I think I did as well as possible. I did less cleaning and adhoc tasks that could wait while I focussed on getting the work done, which meant I also had more play time with Erin.
This is a habit I will be trying to keep, it’s well documented how busy parents are but I am going to try and only take on as much as I can handle instead of ‘trying to do it all’. I also want to try and go for gentle walks in the evening with my family to encourage some down time.
My Verdict: Doing Less and Slowing Down can benefit a parent. Give this one a try.
Next Week’s Habit: Patience (especially when parenting!)
Photo by flickr user MotherPie
4 Responses to “Parent Testing a Habit: Do Less/Slow Down”
I applaud you for practicing this. I have three children and my youngest is now six. The opportunities to slow down are easier to find these days then in your stage.
It’s amazing how that ugly demon named, “Do More!” rears his ugly head when we start comparing ourselves to other Mummys who seem like they can do so much more. Killing the comparison is a habit to form, too.
You’re right, I think we all think that everyonelse is doing more than us, kinda like how we always think our own houses are messier than everyonelses - and they think the exact opposite!
We should start a movement of taking pride in doing less ie bragging to friends “I did really well today, only did half an hour of cleaning and then read three magazines and played with Molly all afternoon, haha, aren’t I amazing” Cillit bang would be out of business…
[...] week I’m testing patience as my new habit, it’s already been tested this morning when Erin refused to put on the really [...]
I get up an hour early each day so I can blog and write before work. It works for me, but I am not wasting my time cleaning the house and things, I ge tup early for ‘me time’.