Feeling overwhelmed and constantly short on time? We all wish we had more hours in the day to accomplish everything on our to-do list. So, I wanted to write a blog to help you discover simple yet effective strategies to create more time in your life. Whether you’re a busy professional, a stressed-out student, or a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, these tips can help you find more time and reduce stress in your life.
There are several underlying reasons why you may feel short on time:
Overcommitment
According to Lao Tzu, “Time is a created thing. To say “I don’t have time” is like saying, ‘I don’t want to.” If you take on too many responsibilities or commitments, then it’s no surprise that you’ll be left with very little time for rest and relaxation.
When my kids were little I never felt like I had enough time. This lasted for years, despite having lots of help. It’s only now that they are teens and one of them can drive that they are more self-sufficient. Finally, I have a lot more time. The only solution is to get as much help as you can afford and delegate as much as possible (see below for tips on delegating). Of course, just say no when asked to volunteer! The mothers who seemed more balanced worked a maximum of three days a week.
Poor time management and procrastination
If you don’t properly manage your schedule, you’ll feel like you don’t have enough time. Do you wait until the last minute and then feel rushed and stressed, trying to get the job done under pressure? If you are procrastinating, you may need an earlier deadline to get motivated. Tell your boss to give you tighter deadlines so you don’t delay.
Perhaps you are procrastinating because you dread the task or lack sufficient knowledge to complete the project at hand. First, find out why you are procrastinating. Then come up with a plan. Batch as many tasks as possible to increase efficiency and consider when you are at your best. If you are sharp and creative first thing in the morning, do your challenging and difficult projects or creative work then. Save emails or routine tasks for when you are less energetic during the day.
Distractions
The proliferation of technology and constant access to information can be distracting, leading to a sense of time scarcity. It is easy to spend hours messing about with our phones, social media, games, and news feeds—all of which feels important and productive. These things are really just a distraction.
Unrealistic expectations
People may set unrealistic expectations for themselves, leading to a sense of never being able to accomplish everything they need to do. Learn to under-promise and then overdeliver, just one of the 100 tips in Coach Yourself to Success.
Stress
High levels of stress can create a sense of time scarcity, making it difficult to focus on the task at hand. Try cutting out or dramatically reducing caffeine as that exacerbates feelings of anxiety and stress. Switch to decaf and gradually wean yourself off. You can ease anxiety with these 14 steps.
Lack of focus
Without clear priorities, it can be challenging to know what to focus on. I ask myself three key questions every morning, and the first is “What’s Important about Today?” That guides my schedule and to-do list.
Perceived lack of control
People may feel like they have little control over their schedules. This makes it challenging to balance responsibilities and find moments for rest and relaxation.
Why does time fly when you’re having fun but drag when you’re not?
Have you ever noticed that time seems to move at a different pace depending on what you’re doing? A single hour can feel like an eternity when you’re stuck in a meeting or waiting in line at the DMV. Meanwhile, a whole day can pass in the blink of an eye when you’re having fun.
But why is that? Is time just messing with us, or is there a scientific explanation for this phenomenon?
It turns out that our perception of time is influenced by a variety of factors, including our level of engagement, our emotions, and even our expectations. When we’re fully immersed in an activity we enjoy, like watching a good movie or playing a video game, our brains release dopamine. This neurotransmitter makes us feel happy and engaged. This can create a sense of timelessness, where hours can pass before you realize it.
On the other hand, when we’re bored or unengaged, our brains have less stimulation, which can make time seem to drag on endlessly. This is why those interminable meetings or boring lectures can feel like they’re never going to end.
But it’s not just our emotions that affect our perception of time. Our expectations also play a role. When we have a lot to do, we can feel like time is slipping away from us. But when we’re looking forward to something, like a vacation or a night out with friends, time seems to move more slowly as we anticipate the event.
So, when you next feel short on time, try to find ways to make your tasks more engaging or build in time for activities you enjoy. And if all else fails, just remember – time flies when you’re having fun. Also, it flies when you’re procrastinating. So you might as well do something fun!
