How to Create More Time
Image via Oprah’s Instagram
“The most valuable gift you can give yourself is the time to nuture the unique spirit that is you” - Queen Oprah
We all have activities or moments that light us up, the trick is balancing them with the other to-dos our busy lives require. From responsibilities of full-time jobs, to families and partners, after we’re done all our must-dos, there never seems to be enough time for us.
I used to work 80+ hours a week, desperate for more time to actually enjoy my life, until a near-death experience led to debilitating PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Shortly after, I got let go from my job, and for the first time in my adult life, I had nothing but time.
For almost three years my focus was on healing, and restoring my body and mind. I learned some amazing practices and techniques to support my spirit in the process, but was scared a return to work would mean giving all of it up in exchange.
In my transition back to the “real world”, I’ve learned more than a few things on how to create more time despite a busy and full schedule.
Looking back when my life was filled to the brim, I was always taking on extra work to people please my boss, and said yes to every social event without questioning if the people and things I was spending my time on were filling me up, or depleting me instead. Below, I share my tips to create more time, space, and luxury in your life, to start enjoying more of it now.
How to Create More Time
Assess the way you spend your days
Through a lens of curiosity, track how you spend your time. What you discover might surprise you.
Note what takes up the most of your time, how it makes you feel, and if you’d be able to allocate it differently. Yes, I’m talking about mindless social media scrolling and binge-watching tv.
Get a better sleep, and wake up energized
Practice good sleep hygiene to ensure you’re making the most of your time, and getting the rest you need.
Start your day on a high note with a morning dance party or a fabulous outfit so you’ll be pleasure and joy focused for the rest of your day.
Know your priorities
What do you want to do with this extra time, and why? How do you want to feel? By knowing what you want to do, you’ll be able to say no to the fillers in life that have been taking up your precious time and energy.
Slowly start allocating your time to your first priority of the day/week/month, and little by little build-up. Make sure this small action is doable within your schedule, if not, how can you say no to clear more space?
Start enforcing boundaries
This was a big one for me at work. While jobs can be stressful and time-consuming, I invite you to get clear on how you contribute to this busyness. Look at the behavior of your co-worker who is always doing the bare minimum, and try out some of their actions for a bit. Notice how you feel.
Make sure you’re spending time with people who fill you up instead of deplete your energy. Get used to saying no when something doesn’t excite you, or interferes with your priorities.
Make long-term decisions that align with your vision
If you are dreaming of slow and peaceful mornings, but commute every day into your busy office, there’s only so much you can do in the short-term. Once you’ve implemented the other tips to work with where you’re at, start dreaming bigger of the life you want and take action towards it.
Get a life!
Time will become much more precious when you’re spending it on things that you truly enjoy. If you’re bored with where you're at, start adding new things into your life. This includes making new friends, trying different workouts, and exploring different parts of the city.
XOXOXO