Be honest: How many times in the last month have you had a definite plan to go to the gym…only to find yourself begging it off because you’re just too time-pressed? Yep, thought so. While we’re not doubting that your life is crazy-busy, we’re willing to bet that by skipping certain behaviors that suck two minutes here or 10 minutes there, you will have that extra half-hour (or more!) to make it to yoga class or lace up your kicks for a brisk run, boosting your weight-loss (or weight-maintenance) efforts in the process.
Check out our list of time-wasters to skip here. Ditch them now, then add up all additional minutes you’ll have for staying fit and maintaining your health and wellness goals.
1. Hitting the Snooze Button: 10 Minutes
It doesn’t really score you any extra rest, so rise and shine!
2. Inspecting Your Pores in a Magnifying Mirror: 5 Minutes
No one sees them that close up anyway!
3. Trying On a Second Outfit to Possibly Wear to Work: 3 Minutes
You know you’re gonna go with the first option you picked out, so save yourself the agony of standing beside your closet trying to decide.
4. Venting About Your Boss at an Office Bitch Session: 3 Minutes
No matter how awful she is, griping is not productive—it just gets you caught in a loop of complaining.
5. Waiting in Line at the Coffee Shop for a Latte: 7 Minutes
We’re all for indulging and treating yourself, but the joe in your office break room will perk you up just as well.
6. Googling Plane Fares to Random Tropical Destinations: 5 Minutes
Kayak and Expedia—they’re like digital crack!
7. Doing a Post-Mortem with Coworkers About Last Night’s Episode of Walking Dead...Which You Don’t Even Watch: 10 Minutes
Save the recaps for shows you actually tune in to.
8. Updating Your Social Media Feeds at Lunch: 2 Minutes
No one really needs to see the PB&J you ate today.
9. Your Ongoing Words With Friends Game: 15 Minutes
Deleting the app takes a second, and now you can’t waste time playing strangers.
10. Watching That Second Episode of Gilmore Girls on Netflix: 45 Minutes.
The longer you draw out the series, the longer you can enjoy the show. Win-win!