In a world where it’s trendy to be “busy,” the feeling of time slipping away from us is increasingly familiar. Navigating the ever-larger digital landscape of notifications, emails, and social media all at the same time as being productive is exhuasting. The notion of “finding more time for things that bring joy” can sound great; it seems, however, far beyond our grasp.
But what if I suggested that not only can you get your time back, but that you can do it? The answer doesn’t come in the form of finding more hours in the day (sorry, we haven’t figured out that riddle yet), but rather in changing how we are currently spending the time available to us. The following actions can be used to regain control of your time and create space for doing what is truly important to you.
1. Re-evaluate Your Priorities: What Are Your Real Interests in Terms of Time Investment
The starting point to getting back one’s time is gaining an inner clarity regarding what truly matters to one. Even though it may sound straightforward, in the labyrinth of day-to-day life, individuals lose contact with their own self and the aspirations they actually nurture.
Do you spend your nights watching TV programs that do not appeal to you simply because they are readily available? Do you feel obliged to do things that are “meaningful,” even if they don’t fulfill you? Or, do you organize your life around scheduled appointments because you believe it is what you must do?
Begin by looking inward: Which activities, persons, or interests truly bring you pleasure and satisfaction? It is necessary to go through an open and honest personal assessment about where you spend your time and effort. For example, do you enjoy social interactions with friends but often find yourself giving in to work-related parties that are draining? Would you like to spend more time reading, experimenting, or just relaxing - and somehow can’t seem to find the time for these enjoyments?
After you have figured out your highest priorities, it is far easier to discontinue doing the things that make you unhappy or add to your overall wellness.
2. Learn the Art of Saying No (And Asserting Your Own Needs)
Agreeing to all invitations, be they social or business opportunities, can be one of the fastest ways to lose control of one’s time. This is usually motivated by the need not to feel guilty or to be seen as “supportive” or “reliable.” In reality, though, overcommitting oneself severely limits the ability to concentrate on what truly ranks highest in importance.
Saying no is a valuable skill. This practice is not about isolation or being rude but, rather, prioritizing one’s time and energy for what is most significant. In saying no to lesser concerns, one is also saying yes to his or her own interests - activities that bring happiness, recreation, and connection with loved ones.
Saying no to an invitation doesn’t need to be an event. You don’t have to respond with long explanations. A simple response such as, “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’ll have to pass this time,” will suffice. As you go along, you’ll become more empowered and see your calendar fill up naturally with things that are really of interest to you, as opposed to being filled up with commitments that are not serving you.
3. Master Time Blocking: Control Your Schedule, Rather Than Allow It to Control You
One of the most useful techniques for taking back one’s time is the so-called time-blocking technique which involves scheduling specific intervals for certain activities or tasks. The method can be thought of as creating one’s personalized template for the day, with each hour planned beforehand.
You may see this approach as too rigid or too systematic; but I can assure you that it is quite the contrary. The practice of time-blocking is, in fact, liberating, as it allows one to prioritize one’s engagement in worthwhile activities. Rather than rushing to complete a set of tasks and being daunted by various commitments on one’s calendar, it is now possible to divide the day into blocks, which allows undivided attention to individual tasks one at a time.
This is how to begin:
* Start with the basics: Schedule your work hours, appointments, and other obligations in your calendar.
* Incorporate dedicated personal time: Allocate periods for physical activity, literature engagement, culinary pursuits, or any other activities that elicit joy and foster relaxation.
* Intentionally design downtime: Allow yourself time to unwind - whether that’s a 10-minute break or an entire afternoon with no agenda.
* Allocate special times for concentrated work: During the pursuit of hobbies, side businesses, or other interests, designate special hours to work on these projects.
Time blocking makes one feel more in control of what they accomplish in a day, rather than being on perpetual next distraction or response to requests. In the end, time blocking enables one to schedule time for the individuals and things that matter most in their life.
4. Automate and Delegate: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Another effective strategy in reclaiming one’s time involves delegating tasks that are not a smart use of one’s energy or focus. Emerging technological innovations have effectively made automation possible for many aspects of our daily lives, and it is now essential to leverage these developments to the fullest.
For example, experiment with using apps to help plan activities like bill paying, grocery shopping (delivery or pick-up), or even meal prep. Use programs like Google Calendar to put reminders or to-do lists in so you don’t waste time trying to figure out how you’re going to recall everything.
Wherever the work cannot be automated to any extent, consideration should be given to the art of delegation. This may be achieved by calling upon a co-worker to assist with some duties at work or by employing somebody to perform some household chores at home; this kind of delegation can release more time for leisure pursuits. Not every task has to be performed by oneself. By relying on others when you can, you can permit yourself to do the things that you truly love to do.
5. Harness the Effectiveness of Simplicity (and Release the Excess)
One of the more subtle but powerful techniques for reclaiming your time is the elimination of physical and mental clutter from your life. Think about it: when your surroundings are cluttered, or when your mind is constantly filled with unfinished tasks, it gets progressively harder to be in the moment and enjoy the things about life that are most important.
Take a weekend to organize your physical environment. Clear out your work area, discard what you don’t need, and create space that is welcoming and calming. This one step can do wonders for your productivity and peace of mind.
Then, we need to solve the issue of mental clutter. Do you have those nagging tasks, worries, or responsibilities racing around in your head? Put them down in a journal to clear them out of your mind or employ a brain dump exercise, which involves writing down all tasks that need to be done. This exercise eliminates mental overload and creates space for greater presence, meaning greater mental space for fun activities.
6. Unplug and Establish Boundaries with Technology
In this era of hyperconnectivity, it’s simple to get into the routine of endlessly scrolling through your phone - be it responding to emails, checking social media, or just senselessly refreshing applications. Not only is this a waste of time, but it also gets your energy and attention stolen.
To take back your time, place conscious limits on technology. Create moments during the day where you do not use tech - like during meals or the first hour upon waking - so you can rebuild your connection to yourself and the world around you. Try apps that monitor how much screen time you’re getting, or put your phone on “Do Not Disturb.”
Gaining control over your technology relationship allows you to spend more time on the things that actually matter to you - whether that’s enjoying a hobby, spending time with friends and family, or simply relaxing without the stress of maintaining ongoing connectedness.
7. The Art of Slow Living: Relish the Moments
Finally, regaining your time is more than about enhancing productivity. It’s about adopting a lifestyle that honors the immediacy of the present. Take on the philosophy of “slow living” by making a conscious effort to slow down and enjoy the small joys of life. Take a walk without looking at your mobile phone. Savor a cup of coffee without gobbling it down. Be fully present in interactions with family and friends, instead of dividing your attention or allowing distractions to intrude.
Through adopting a slow living ethos, individuals not only regain their temporal agency but also learn to become content in the mundane life experiences - allowing for a greater connection with what transpires.
Image by UnsplashTime to Take Back Your Time
Taking back one’s time does not happen overnight. It involves a conscious strategy to the manner in which one spends their hours while making sure that everyday routines are aligned with personal priorities. By learning the art of saying no to distractions, delegating when possible, streamlining one’s environment, and accepting the here and now, people can begin to find more time for activities that bring joy.
Time is an unrecoverable resource. Therefore, one must attempt to get the most out of it. Take charge, step away from chaos, and make room for the people, activities, and experiences that truly bring you joy. You must start the pursuit of the life you actually want, not one based on endless to-do lists.