by Stefanie Plum, Gather Partner Team
Member since:
February 19, 2008

Pick-Me-Up Chat (Transcript): What Would You Do with an Hour of Free Time?

April 01, 2009 10:45 AM EDT (Updated: May 29, 2009 02:56 PM EDT)
views: 261 | rating: 10/10 (22 votes) | comments: 418

It's only 3PM, and whether you're a stay at home mom, working 9 to 5 or just busy with life, you probably feel that you've already accomplished a lot with your day. Take a moment to relax, recharge, and join the weekly Pick-Me-Up chat, a time to focus on you and to get a boost of energy and motivation from your Gather friends.

The Pick-Me-Up chat takes place TODAY from 3-4PM ET in the comment section of this article. Today's discussion question is: If you were guaranteed one hour of free time everyday, how would you take advantage of it each day of the week?

Share your thoughts on this topic and provide helpful tips to other.

Five participants who join the live chat will get a free sample of Cranergy® Energy Juice Drink from Ocean Spray®, a healthy, natural, and tasty pick me up. Of these five winners, one will also receive a $10 gift card of his or her choice from Gather.

REFRESH your internet browser to see new comments from other Gather members appear.


Lead a whirlwind life? Share ways to get through your busy days, snag some energy-boosting ideas – and find way more of that coveted Me time at ToDoDivas.gather.com.

 

Find out how you could win up to 1,000 Gather Points™ for joining the group.
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Comments: 418

Johnny M. Apr 1, 2009, 10:47am EDT
ok this is another moms chat... Where are the MEN chats??
Stefanie Plum, Gather Partner Team Apr 1, 2009, 10:52am EDT
Johnny,

The Pick-Me-Up chats are open to men, women, parents, non-parents, students, workers, etc. No matter who you are, if you think you lead a busy life, come to the chat to relax at 3PM ET.
karen h. Apr 1, 2009, 11:17am EDT
i will be here i have it marked
Trish A. Apr 1, 2009, 11:28am EDT
This one sounds like great fun. I'll be here.
Nora C. Apr 1, 2009, 11:31am EDT
Cool. If I get off of my confrence call in time I'll be here.
Cindy B. Apr 1, 2009, 11:39am EDT
I will be here =)
Johnny M. Apr 1, 2009, 12:25pm EDT
Thanks Stefanie,
sounds great count me in!!

But we do need a mens chat soon.....
Jo N. Apr 1, 2009, 1:33pm EDT
Sounds good!
karen h. Apr 1, 2009, 2:09pm EDT
only an hour to go i cant wait
Stefanie Plum, Gather Partner Team Apr 1, 2009, 2:10pm EDT
To join the chat, just jump right in at 3PM ET to start talking to other Gather members. Remember to RERESH your internet browser to see new comments.
karen h. Apr 1, 2009, 2:14pm EDT
this is going to be great i cant wait
babsie wabsie Apr 1, 2009, 2:21pm EDT
i hope that i can be there
Crystal R. Apr 1, 2009, 2:23pm EDT
I'll be here @ 3. This sounds like a fun chat.
Phyllis R. Apr 1, 2009, 2:25pm EDT
OK!
DiAnA D. Apr 1, 2009, 2:43pm EDT
15 minutes to go ya'll!!
Yes, I finished my work just in time to be here for the chat.
John S. (arizona) Apr 1, 2009, 2:50pm EDT
What's that in Arizona time, LOL. (kidding) I can see that it is close by the comment times...
Belle G. Apr 1, 2009, 2:57pm EDT
Can't wait
DiAnA D. Apr 1, 2009, 2:59pm EDT
i'm here!
Hail, Hail, the gangs all here!
Kimber L. Apr 1, 2009, 2:59pm EDT
I am here it is 3PM HELLO!! LOL If I had an hour of free time EVERYDAY I would probably alternate what I do each day
Kimber L. Apr 1, 2009, 3:00pm EDT
MON - would probably use hour for a nap to recover from weekend
Kimber L. Apr 1, 2009, 3:00pm EDT
Tues thurs sat - would probably use hour to work out at local gym or go for bike ride or walk in the park or walk around a museum or somewhere beautiful
DiAnA D. Apr 1, 2009, 3:00pm EDT
So the questions is If you were guaranteed one hour of free time everyday, how would you take advantage of it each day of the week?

My answer would be to use that time to read or sew, two of my favorite things to do...besides spending time with my family!
A full uninterrupted hour of 'me' free time would be either here doing Gather, or maybe outside doing some crafting things.
Trish A. Apr 1, 2009, 3:00pm EDT
Good afternoon everyone.
Crystal R. Apr 1, 2009, 3:01pm EDT
Hello everyone.
Kimber L. Apr 1, 2009, 3:01pm EDT
WEDS FRI and SUN would use the time to just read and relax - sometimes while in a bubble bath sometimes just in my recliner
DiAnA D. Apr 1, 2009, 3:01pm EDT
of course it would depend on when that hour fell!
Ashley M. Apr 1, 2009, 3:01pm EDT
I think that if I had a totally random hour to myself every day for anything, I would make a moderate investment in some aromatherapy products and some self pampering products and have a personal care/meditation hour. I have never treated myself like that, so it would be interesting to see if/how that improved my psyche.
Trish A. Apr 1, 2009, 3:01pm EDT
If you were guaranteed one hour of free time everyday, how would you take advantage of it each day of the week?

I would write letters to family and friends.
Kimber L. Apr 1, 2009, 3:01pm EDT
Curious to see what others say!
Crystal R. Apr 1, 2009, 3:01pm EDT
Kimber I like that you switched it up according to the day.
Sarah (I want points) Apr 1, 2009, 3:02pm EDT
An hour of free time? I don't know. I think I would definitely get a good head start on a book. If it was a nice day, maybe I'd go out for a walk in a really pretty park.
Susan B. Apr 1, 2009, 3:02pm EDT
If you were guaranteed one hour of free time everyday, how would you take advantage of it each day of the week? I would spend my hour taking the time to smell the roses, look at the clouds in the sky, listen to birds singing, feel the breeze on my cheek, and chewing on a blade of grass. :)
tammie p. Apr 1, 2009, 3:02pm EDT
hello everyone
karen h. Apr 1, 2009, 3:02pm EDT
ta da here i am
Jane C. Apr 1, 2009, 3:02pm EDT
I would take some quiet time to read, or meet a friend for tea.
Trish A. Apr 1, 2009, 3:02pm EDT
When I was at my sickest I used to write letters to people. Now it seems like I don't take the time to do it anymore.
Vivian P. Apr 1, 2009, 3:03pm EDT
an hour to myself that would be a good time to go for a walk
Christina L. Apr 1, 2009, 3:03pm EDT
I'm here! If I had an extra hour of time every day, I would probably sleep another hour or watch my favorite TV shows for another hour.
Belle G. Apr 1, 2009, 3:03pm EDT
I would actually take care of ME instead of the house, work, my family and the cats!
Trish A. Apr 1, 2009, 3:03pm EDT
Susan, great answer.
Shannon W Apr 1, 2009, 3:03pm EDT
Hi all
karen h. Apr 1, 2009, 3:03pm EDT
i could do so many things with an hour of free ttime i would go for a walk in the woods by my house and take pictures
Trish A. Apr 1, 2009, 3:04pm EDT
Hi Shannon.
Cheryl F. Apr 1, 2009, 3:04pm EDT
I hate to say I would probably take a nap and refresh myself for the rest of the day -- recoup some energy.
Kimber L. Apr 1, 2009, 3:04pm EDT
Thanks Crystal
Christina L. Apr 1, 2009, 3:04pm EDT
I would probably not use my time to exercise though like all you dedicated disciplined people, LOL.
Shannon W Apr 1, 2009, 3:04pm EDT
If you were guaranteed one hour of free time everyday, how would you take advantage of it each day of the week?

If I had one extra hour of time everyday? That is hard to decide! sometimes I'd kill for a nap, just one peaceful hour of sleep during the day. Or I'd love to go thrift store shopping for an hour. I love going to thrift stores and it would be fun and peaceful for me.
Crystal R. Apr 1, 2009, 3:04pm EDT
If you were guaranteed one hour of free time everyday, how would you take advantage of it each day of the week?

It would depend on the rest of my day. The first thing that comes to mind is sit outside on blanket to soak up the sun and read. If it was an exhausting day, I would nap. I also like to catch up on the latest news so some days I would want to read some articles from national papers and watch the latest headlines on MSNBC and CNN.
karen h. Apr 1, 2009, 3:04pm EDT
i could go out side and brush the horses
Trish A. Apr 1, 2009, 3:04pm EDT
I think I would take the time to pet my dogs. They are all so appreciative of something so simple.
Actually, I'd like to take a full hour somewhere pretty like our local park, or my garden when it's in full bloom and just take in the serenity and snap lots of photos. I just don't think I'd like to do the same thing every day.
Christine P. Apr 1, 2009, 3:05pm EDT
free time -- who has free time. with two boys (9 and 3) I feel like I am running, cleaning, or answering questions all day long!! I love bed time
Marilyn M. Apr 1, 2009, 3:05pm EDT
I would probably vary what I would do. (I hate routines!) I would spend half the time having more God time - reading the Bible, praying and being still.

The other half I would vary each day. I'd try to have some me pampering time. Bubble baths. Manicure/pedicure. Facial treatments. Lots of good smelling candles. Mmmm.
karen h. Apr 1, 2009, 3:05pm EDT
take that time to read my sunday school lesson
Kimber L. Apr 1, 2009, 3:05pm EDT
I try to take some me time now and then and my hubby is great about helping - it is just hard with younger kids in so many different activities!
DiAnA D. Apr 1, 2009, 3:05pm EDT
what a lovely idea Trish!
Shannon W Apr 1, 2009, 3:05pm EDT
Or I'd love to go to Hart Park. Hart park is on the outskirts of Bakersfield and during the week it is one of my most peaceful parks and very quiet. There is a river, a couple of small ponds with ducks, peacocks, etc. It is full of green grass during spring and lots of trees. I'd love to go, just sit there and hear...nothing. Of course I'd have to take my camera for loads of picture ops.
Crystal R. Apr 1, 2009, 3:05pm EDT
Karen I like the idea of taking a walk in the woods and taking pictures. I would like to do that too.
karen h. Apr 1, 2009, 3:05pm EDT
call an old friend
babsie wabsie Apr 1, 2009, 3:06pm EDT
if i had an hour of "me" time there are so many things i would do:
relax with a book, take a walk, a bubble bath, paint my nails or even get really razy by getting a mani/pedi cure
DiAnA D. Apr 1, 2009, 3:06pm EDT
naps i love them!!
Christine P. Apr 1, 2009, 3:06pm EDT
as for a free hour -- I would exercise!! I need to loose some weight!
Jane C. Apr 1, 2009, 3:06pm EDT
Gotta run, by TO DO list is calling . . . .

Take care.
Elizabeth B. Apr 1, 2009, 3:06pm EDT
Wow, an hour of free time!? I think I would go for a walk a few days a week, I would like to work on some crafts, and I think I would spend a bit more time on Gather :>P
Kimber L. Apr 1, 2009, 3:06pm EDT
in the summer wouldn't mind spending an hour a day on a warm beach swimming and enjoying the feel of the soft sand between my toes listening to the waves
karen h. Apr 1, 2009, 3:06pm EDT
if i had an hour of freetime i would chat on gather LOL
Christina L. Apr 1, 2009, 3:06pm EDT
I should do more of that Marilyn. I always say I'm going to read my Bible more and never do it cause I get too busy and am too tired to concentrate or read something serious like that.
Shannon W Apr 1, 2009, 3:07pm EDT
I'm with you Christine. Free time is pretty much imaginary to me these days. I have three boys (9, 7 and 4) so it's constantly running around. Bedtime is my fun time.
karen h. Apr 1, 2009, 3:07pm EDT
i could bake a loaf of bread
babsie wabsie Apr 1, 2009, 3:07pm EDT
so many things to do if i on'y had the time to do them
Crystal R. Apr 1, 2009, 3:07pm EDT
Trish I like the idea of writing letters too. I think that is something that we do not do near enough anymore. My mother is the world's best card giver. I always love when I find a card from her in the mail because she always writes a personal message.
Trish A. Apr 1, 2009, 3:07pm EDT
I think it would be fun to have a different idea per day of the week. For example,

Monday -- write letters
Tuesday-- pet my dogs
Wednesday -- take a walk
Thursday -- meet a friend for a cup of tea
Friday -- spend the hour in the moment -- listen to birds, sketch, take pictures, smile, laugh, watch a cool breeze as it ripples through the trees . . .
Christina L. Apr 1, 2009, 3:08pm EDT
I might find something else to eat if I had more time too!
Elizabeth B. Apr 1, 2009, 3:08pm EDT
Trish! you have a great idea :>} I sit down once a week to put pen to paper and write...I have come across old letters from family and such it is so interesting to read and relive memories:>}
Shannon W Apr 1, 2009, 3:08pm EDT
I like your idea Trish. It'd be fun to do different things for each free hour each day
Donna S. Apr 1, 2009, 3:08pm EDT
I would read a good book.
April H. Apr 1, 2009, 3:08pm EDT
WOW, just a little late and I have so much to catch up on while I sit back and recharge
tammie p. Apr 1, 2009, 3:08pm EDT
that really is a hard question....i spend to much time taking care of everyone else but i think if i could find a little time, i would discover who i am
Crystal R. Apr 1, 2009, 3:09pm EDT
I also love lounging by the pool for awhile reading and then jumping in. The water always relaxes me and I instantly become a third grader again.
Belle G. Apr 1, 2009, 3:09pm EDT
I might just spend an hour playing with and giving my cats treats - oh, and brushing them
Mary G. Apr 1, 2009, 3:09pm EDT
If I had an hour a day of free time, then it would be spent exercising more. I work out at least 30 minutes every day now, but would certainly lose weight faster with an extra hour of exercise.
babsie wabsie Apr 1, 2009, 3:09pm EDT
does anyone actually ever have this extra hour to themselves?
it's just a dream for me
Christina L. Apr 1, 2009, 3:09pm EDT
In reality, an hour flies by so quickly, I don't think I would really get more done than I do now. I would need several more free hours!
Trish A. Apr 1, 2009, 3:09pm EDT
Crystal, I got out of the habit of writing letters when my health improved. I'm trying to write letters more often. I so remember how letters helped me during the tough times.
Kimber L. Apr 1, 2009, 3:09pm EDT
Maybe in the fall and spring sping an hour every few days or so to plant my garden and flowers and flower bulbs. Weed, get in the dirt and keep things really nice that relaxes me too
karen h. Apr 1, 2009, 3:10pm EDT
the possillities are endless
Elizabeth B. Apr 1, 2009, 3:10pm EDT
Karen... have you tried letting your bread rise in the fridge overnight? it makes it so all you have to do is just pop it in the oven when you get home :>} Nothing better than the smell of baking bread !
Shannon W Apr 1, 2009, 3:10pm EDT
Same here babsie...
karen h. Apr 1, 2009, 3:10pm EDT
i could write a poem
Kimber L. Apr 1, 2009, 3:11pm EDT
babsie - i sure dont lol it is a dream for me too!
Bridget ♥ Apr 1, 2009, 3:11pm EDT
If you were guaranteed one hour of free time everyday, how would you take advantage of it each day of the week?

I'd probably spend it on Gather! LOL!
karen h. Apr 1, 2009, 3:11pm EDT
elizebeth no i have never tried that
Trish A. Apr 1, 2009, 3:11pm EDT
I'm pretty blessed that I create my own daily schedule. I'm afraid I've gotten where I've forgotten to celebrate the little things.
babsie wabsie Apr 1, 2009, 3:11pm EDT
Elizabeth, thanks for the tip
Robi M. Apr 1, 2009, 3:11pm EDT
I go out with my camera and take pictures of nature. It just amazes me. Animals are such soothing creatures. They always make me smile, especially horses.
Sherrie H. Apr 1, 2009, 3:11pm EDT
Hello! Just joining in.
karen h. Apr 1, 2009, 3:11pm EDT
i would take a bubble bath with scented candles