Take Back Your Time: Add Hours to Your Day
Take Control of Your Time
The Time Suck: Getting to and from workThe Save: "Commuting is a fantastic opportunity to own the time for yourself," says Righton. If you're driving, pop in an audiobook and get a jump on your next book-club meeting. If you travel by bus or train, pay bills, address greeting cards, or catch up on favorite TV shows that you've downloaded to your video iPod.
The Time Suck: Blow-drying your hairThe Save: Use an ionic dryer such as the T3 Tourmaline Evolution Professional Ceramic Ionic Dryer ($300, sephora.com), which will dry hair 70 percent faster than other models, says Leonard Zagami, a stylist at New York's OC 61 Salon. The Jilbere de Paris Ceramic Tools Dryer by ConairPro is a bargain alternative ($23, www.sallybeauty.com for stores).
The Time Suck: Telling the same big news ("We're engaged!") to every last relative and friendThe Save: Share your joy in a well-crafted mass e-mail or on your very own blog (visit blogger.com to set one up). Or hold a teleconference. Register with www.freeaudioconferencing.com to receive a number that can host up to 100 callers. Then give one and all the time and number to call and fill them in at once. It might sound impersonal, but everyone will love catching up at your virtual reunion.
The Time Suck: Figuring out how to work your digital camera (and your MP3 player and your DVR...)The Save: Go to www.cnet.com and click on "How-to" to find free videos, tips, and online courses. Step-by-step instructions walk you through every gadget out there.
The Time Suck: Researching a major purchase, from a new car to a new sofaThe Save: Subscribe to www.consumerreports.org for just $4.95 a month (you can cancel after one month, so it's not a huge commitment) to access its comprehensive, searchable ratings guide.
Originally published in FITNESS Magazine, September 2006.
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