What is quality time? In this article, the definition is open for you to determine. Many people define it by what it is not.

These days, we are so burdened with tasks, projects, events, and meetings that we need electronic devices to keep track of it all. Our brains are on overload. Our life styles demand the ability to achieve more things in less time than our parents ever dreamed of. However, we are paying a very high price for this speed. The faster an engine runs, the more frequently it requires maintenance. The fullness of our schedules tends to push our own needs to the back burner. It is difficult to remember what our needs are in addition to the job, the family, and social commitments.

It does not appear as though the load will become lighter in the foreseeable future. So, what are the options to escape the trap of feeling like a hamster on an exercise wheel? Consider the concept of quality time where it is not the quantity of things accomplished but the value of the time spent. Review the tips below and see how they apply to your schedule.

Re-evaluate: Re-evaluate items in your schedule to determine your motive for keeping the commitment. Is it an investment now to produce a future sale? Is it something you really enjoy? Is it in your schedule out of guilt? Don’t stop at, "well, I have to," or "I should," dig deeper. Remember, just because we can do things does not mean we should always be the one to do those things.

Challenge: Challenge your schedule. What if you delegated some items? What if you dropped some items altogether? What if you extended the deadlines of some projects to twice as long as you originally projected? Make some changes by valuing your time more. Remember, if you had to pay yourself $100 for every fifteen minutes of your own time, how would you change the way you spend your time?

Create: While you are driving in the car or are in the shower, think about what kinds of things you would do if you had a spare hour to spend on yourself and how often (daily, weekly, etc.) you would spend that hour. The only requirement in spending the hour is on something that gives you energy. It is not to be used to do something for someone else. Do not feel guilty about this time. Remember, if you are tired and stressed out all the time, you cannot give your best to anyone else. You need that hour for yourself!

Implement: Start making a few changes to your schedule. Making all of the changes you want to all at one time will probably not be as effective as making a few changes over time. Treat yourself to a small something as a reward for making the changes. Gradually, you will make time for yourself as a new habit. Remember, it takes about thirty days to form a new habit.

Hopefully, these steps illustrated some ideas for you to adapt to your schedule and will release you from the hamster on an exercise wheel syndrome.