This is an iHeart Podcast, guaranteed human.
2%, that's the number of people who take the stairs when there is also an escalator available.
I'm Michael Easter and on my podcast 2 I break down the science of mental toughness, fitness and building resilience in our strange modern world.
Put yourself through some hardships.
And you will come out on the other side a happier, more fulfilled, healthier person.
Listen to 2%.
That's T-W-O percent on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeartRadio.
Good morning.
This is Laura.
Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast.
Today's tip is to know what you're into.
Reminding yourself what you find intrinsically enjoyable is the key to spending leisure time better.
So every kid I have met could reel off dozens of things that they are into.
Playing Minecraft, earning Girl Scout badges, doing gymnastics, playing with golden retrievers, listening to Taylor Swift or Sabrina Carpenter, and so forth.
But somehow, as we take on adult responsibilities, it can be easy to lose sight of what we are into and focus only on what we are committed to.
Now, don't get me wrong.
Focusing on our commitments is good, but that doesn't have to mean giving up. on our interests.
My Best of Both Worlds co-host, Sarah Hart Unger recently wrote about what she was into on her blog theshoeboxcom, after being inspired by Jodi Wellman on her blog 4000 Mondays.
I love these posts where the authors listed various things that they truly enjoy.
Following their leads, I would challenge you to try to list 10 activities you are into.
Not 10 things you spend your time doing or have to do.
10 activities you are truly into, as in you would look forward to them and genuinely enjoy them while doing them.
It doesn't matter if you are currently doing any of these activities in your life or not.
The first step is to know what you're into, because once you know what you're into, finding time for the activities will come more naturally.
Are there hobbies you enjoy?
Perhaps something athletic, artistic or musical?
Are there authors you love to read, or musical groups you like to listen to, or sports teams that you like to watch?
Do you love dining out?
And is there a restaurant that delights you every time you're there?
Or perhaps a coffee shop or a particular drink that feels like a total treat?
Is there a niece or nephew or godchild who brings you joy whenever you spend time together?
Or maybe you are devoted to a community cause or to a learning goal, like learning Spanish fluently.
If you are having trouble listing activities you are into, try brainstorming with a friend.
You could take turns coming up with ideas and you'll each have your thinking inspired by the other person.
It can also be helpful to think about what you were into when you were a kid.
Our childhood passions can often point us toward pursuits we would enjoy in adulthood as well.
When you know what you are into, you may find that you are ready to make the most of any unexpected free time.
An hour at night after the kids go to bed would be perfect for needlepoint, reading a book of poetry you just bought, or yoga, if you have ready ideas for spending the time.
But if you have forgotten that you are into poetry, well, that poetry book won't magically appear.
I will also add that knowing what you're into can help with conversations and small talk in general.
When people ask what you're up to these days, you will be able to talk about that new needlepoint project you are working on.
If what you are into is well known among your friends and relations, for instance, if you love to travel, people will routinely ask if you've got any cool trips coming up.
Makes it easier for them to make conversation.
If you're into painting, your friends will ask about your art and so on.
But they can't know these things if you don't know these things.
So today, list 10 things you're into.
And tomorrow, you'll be ready to enjoy your leisure time more.
If you come up with a list of 10 things you are into, I would love to see that list.
You can send it to me at laura at lauravandercam.com.
In the meantime, this is Laura.
Thanks for listening.
And here's to making the most of our time.
Thanks for listening to Before Breakfast.
If you've got questions, ideas or feedback, you can reach me at Laura at Laura Vanderkam dot com.
Before Breakfast is a production of I Heart Media.
For more podcasts from iHeart Media, please visit the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
2%.
That's the number of people who take the stairs when there is also an escalator available.
I'm Michael Easter.
And on my podcast 2 I break down the science of mental toughness, fitness and building resilience in our strange modern world.
Put yourself through some hardships and you will come out on the other side a happier, more fulfilled, healthier person.
Listen to 2%.
That's T-W-O percent on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
On the Look Back At It podcast.
1979, that was a big moment for me.
84 was big to me.
I'm Sam Jay.
And I'm Alex English.
Each episode, we pick a year, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it.
With our friends, fellow comedians, and favorite authors.
Like Mark Lamont Hill on the 80s.
84 was a wild year.
I don't think there's a more important year for black people.
Listen to Look Back at It on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
This is an iHeart Podcast.
Guaranteed human.
