Book Review: The Fringe Hours

All women should read The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You by Jessica Turner.

I was introduced to the fringe hours concept when I heard Turner speaking on a Rainmaker podcast.

Turner works full-time in public relations and is a wife and mother. She also runs a blog that makes what most would consider a full income, wrote a book, participates in social organizations, and is active in her hobbies, including scrap booking. Turner does most of these “extras” during pockets of time she identified throughout her day.

I read Turner’s book because I wanted to figure out how to locate these potentially productive pockets of time in my own days. I wanted to figure out how to do more in small time slots. Basically, I wanted to know how to do more for less. Figures, huh? But finding fringe hours and using them productively is only half of Turner’s message. First, Turner wants women to realize why it’s acceptable and important to make time for themselves, not just everyone else.

I guarantee you that most women can relate to the feeling of giving freely and readily and receiving only guilt for not doing more.

I’ve worked a full day, run errands, cooked dinner with my husband, helped our children with their homework, and still felt guilty when it was bedtime because the house was messy or the laundry wasn’t done (It’s never really done, FYI).

I’ve stood and debated buying a $30 shirt for myself because I “didn’t really need it” a day after spending $300 on shoes for my daughter.

I stopped using a housekeeper because I hated paying someone else to do something I can do myself, even though I loved coming home to a clean house.

I frequently use the time I plan to spend at the gym, relaxing or shopping driving my children from one event to the next.

I don’t think there’s a woman in the world who can’t identify situations where she puts seemingly everyone else ahead of herself.

Turner first explains why it’s important for us to take time to do things for ourselves… How it makes us better at everything else. Then Turner explains how to find the fringe hours to do those things you’ve recognized as important for you.

I found myself shaking my head in agreement throughout this book. I related to what Turner described and I found her advice practical. I think you would too.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”