DEFRAG - the process where your computer reorganizes data on your computer. Back when I was a PC user, I used to really enjoy watching it defrag - the little scattered squares being moved and consolidated into a cohesive bunch, leaving a big block of free space at the end.
These days, when I look at my calendar, I just wish there was a program to defrag it. Can’t I just smush everything into a big chunk, so I can have a big block to myself that was not before 5am or after 9pm? But alas, real life just does not work like that.
So what does that leave me with? “Me time” are the miscellaneous 10 minute blocks before or after some “important” item that deserves an entire 50 minutes on the calendar. This year, I decided to stop trying to defrag, and just leverage the little blocks to the fullest extent possible.
DEFRAG - the process where your computer reorganizes data on your computer. Back when I was a PC user, I used to really enjoy watching it defrag - the little scattered squares being moved and consolidated into a cohesive bunch, leaving a big block of free space at the end.
These days, when I look at my calendar, I just wish there was a program to defrag it. Can’t I just smush everything into a big chunk, so I can have a big block to myself that was not before 5am or after 9pm? But alas, real life just does not work like that
So what does that leave me with? “Me time” are the miscellaneous 10 minute blocks before or after some “important” item that deserves an entire 50 minutes on the calendar. This year, I decided to stop trying to defrag, and just leverage the little blocks to the fullest extent possible.
In my own continuous learning journey, one of the key lessons I have embraced is - everything is learnable - you just need to do it every day, over a long enough period of time. It is better to do something 5 minutes a day for 7 days, than to do it for 35 minutes in 1 day.
That works well with my fragmented free slots:
The 15 minutes in the morning between the time the kids leave the house and when I have to leave for work - I head to the gym - in full work clothes (and running shoes), and get in my Zone 2 steps (I pretend no one is staring at the middle-aged woman in work clothes on the treadmill 😆).
The 7 minutes I am waiting for the airfryer to finish heating up my lunch, I’m doing squats and Achilles stretches.
The 2 minutes after I brush my teeth, I dead hang from the bar I’ve installed in the bathroom.
In my own continuous learning journey, one of the key lessons I have embraced is - everything is learnable - you just need to do it every day, over a long enough period of time. It is better to do something 5 minutes a day for 7 days, than to do it for 35 minutes in 1 day.
That works well with my fragmented free slots:
The 15 minutes in the morning between the time the kids leave the house and when I have to leave for work - I head to the gym - in full work clothes (and running shoes), and get in my Zone 2 steps (I pretend no one is staring at the middle-aged woman in work clothes on the treadmill 😆).
The 7 minutes I am waiting for the airfryer to finish heating up my lunch, I’m doing squats and Achilles stretches.
The 2 minutes after I brush my teeth, I dead hang from the bar I’ve installed in the bathroom.
Now a year later, I am happy to report that those few minutes every day have really paid off. I want to share the below, for those working Moms (and Dads) who are struggling to find time for everything they need to do.
Juggling
Juggling has been shown to increase brain neuroplasticity because it requires bilateral motor skills, spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and lots of concentration. The team and I have dedicated 2 minutes every work day since March.
I am happy to say that everyone in the company can now throw 3 balls into the air (and catch it) for at least 1 round.
Health
My 20-year-old self would say, “minimum 1 hour every day!” But the mother-of-two self says, “make the most of the 15 minutes you got!” The key is being purposeful and having a goal. If you’re over 45, experts say to focus on: muscular strength, cardiovascular health and flexibility - in this order.
So after a year, I am proud to say I can do 1 pull up, my VO2 max is in the top 25 percentile for my age group, and I can touch my head to the wall when doing the knee to wall stretch.
The munchkins
They are an unending source of joy, as well as angst and guilt (as most parents will agree). My two favorite books from this past year are: “The Whole Brain Child” and “The Gift of Failure”. I’ve learned how to be less “tiger” and more supportive and encouraging.
I don’t think I can really report a final result - this is definitely a work-in-progress :D. But for now, I am optimistic that we have a strong relationship, they still like to hang out with Mommy, and there are markedly fewer raised voices and stern warnings.
Now a year later, I am happy to report that those few minutes every day have really paid off. I want to share the below, for those working Moms (and Dads) who are struggling to find time for everything they need to do.
Juggling
Juggling has been shown to increase brain neuroplasticity because it requires bilateral motor skills, spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and lots of concentration. The team and I have dedicated 2 minutes every work day since March.
I am happy to say that everyone in the company can now throw 3 balls into the air (and catch it) for at least 1 round.
Health
My 20-year-old self would say, “minimum 1 hour every day!” But the mother-of-two self says, “make the most of the 15 minutes you got!” The key is being purposeful and having a goal. If you’re over 45, experts say to focus on: muscular strength, cardiovascular health and flexibility - in this order.
So after a year, I am proud to say I can do 1 pull up, my VO2 max is in the top 25 percentile for my age group, and I can touch my head to the wall when doing the knee to wall stretch.
The munchkins
They are an unending source of joy, as well as angst and guilt (as most parents will agree). My two favorite books from this past year are: “The Whole Brain Child” and “The Gift of Failure”. I’ve learned how to be less “tiger” and more supportive and encouraging.
I don’t think I can really report a final result - this is definitely a work-in-progress :D. But for now, I am optimistic that we have a strong relationship, they still like to hang out with Mommy, and there are markedly fewer raised voices and stern warnings.
To other working parents out there feeling the squeeze of time, remember this: It's not about finding the perfect time; it's about making time perfect for you, even if it is just a few minutes. Whether it's juggling for brain health, a quick workout, or a brief but meaningful interaction with your children, these moments add up. They compound into something much bigger and more fulfilling than you might expect.
As I look ahead, I realize that my life may never be perfectly “defragged,” but it's filled with small, powerfulmoments of learning, growth, and joy. And that, I believe, is a beautiful way to live.
As we enter the new lunar year, wishing you all the best in finding and cherishing your own moments of progress, no matter how small they may be.
To other working parents out there feeling the squeeze of time, remember this: It's not about finding the perfect time; it's about making time perfect for you, even if it is just a few minutes. Whether it's juggling for brain health, a quick workout, or a brief but meaningful interaction with your children, these moments add up. They compound into something much bigger and more fulfilling than you might expect.
As I look ahead, I realize that my life may never be perfectly “defragged,” but it's filled with small, powerfulmoments of learning, growth, and joy. And that, I believe, is a beautiful way to live.
As we enter the new lunar year, wishing you all the best in finding and cherishing your own moments of progress, no matter how small they may be.
