9 Ways to Get More Out of Your Day

Time to Ignore the Hourglass

-- By Life Coach Mary Guarino, Ph.D

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Do you always feel pressed for time? If so, you are certainly not alone. Last October, millions of Americans participated in the first annual “Take Back Your Time Day,” a project of the Center for Religion, Ethics and Social Policy at Cornell University. The idea arose as a way to make the public aware of the “epidemic of overwork, over-scheduling and time famine” in our society.

Lack of time can be detrimental to our physical, emotional and spiritual health. When we are pressed for time, we tend to exercise less, eat foods for their convenience rather than their nutritional value, have less time to interact with our families and friends, and spend little, if any time, on self-development and spiritual growth.

Here are some simple ways you can begin to take back some of your time:

Set aside a certain amount of time each day just to do what you want to do. How about 1 hour each day? If that’s not “possible,” start with smaller increments of time, say 15 minutes, and work your way up.
Doing part of something is better than doing nothing. Even if you can’t complete a task or a project, it is better to take a small “chunk” out of it rather than letting the whole thing slide until later. If you absolutely “hate” working in that manner, then just make sure you set aside a specific time to complete the entire task or project.
Learn to say “No.” This isn’t always easy, but it can make a world of difference. Even if you don’t want to say “No” completely, try to set limits around how much you will do and when.
Bundle your tasks. Save up non-urgent errands so that you can do those that are logistically close to one another.
Delegate. How much is your time worth? It may be worth the cost of hiring someone to do things like mow your lawn, clean your house, AND you will be purchasing the precious commodity of time. It’s more than okay to ask for help.
Do the yucky stuff first. Take care of the tasks that you dislike so that you don’t waste precious mental time ruminating about not having done them!
Are the things you feel you “have” to do really necessary? It can be easy to get caught up in the details to the detriment of the big picture.
Take an honest look at the activities and people in your life that are “energy drainers.” Do they need to be part of your life? What would happen if you eliminated or reduced your time spent on/with them?
And, most importantly, set aside time each week to do something special. Make sure that, no matter how busy you are, you take time to play. Spending time with friends, outdoors, at the movies, whatever makes you happy, is essential in helping you be the most focused and effective you can be with your time.

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About The Author

Mary Guarino, Ph.D.
Mary Guarino is a life coach who helps people evaluate and improve their lives and relationships. She holds a doctorate in lifespan developmental psychology and a coaching certificate from the Institute for Life Coaching.

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Member Comments

MBETTIS3

This is definitely a good article. Not anything brand new, but we certainly need reminders. - 3/15/2013 2:28:52 PM
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ZUMBAGIRLTN

We have to begin to simplify our lives a bit and these are some good tips in doing that!! We don't always have to be "connected." - 1/2/2012 4:36:02 AM
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MISSYGEEN

I like exercising in the morning before work and last week and beginning this week I have made it a priority to go no matter how much time I have. I also like to do my morning spark huddle. I think now if I allot enough time for what I want to do in the morning I must go to bed a little earlier, so I am giving myself a bed time. My mother will love this. All the time we spent fighting her about bed time at the age of 44 I finally see her point. - 6/27/2011 8:40:07 PM
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PHDMAMA06

Very useful suggestions. Thanks! - 6/27/2011 1:14:47 PM
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VETFIT

Excellent article and suggestions. Thanks, everyone! - 6/27/2011 9:49:43 AM
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KRZYKAT3

Well said and great advice. I have been working on a couple os these ideas and will add some more to my life!

Letting go of work when home has been a goal of mine this past year! - 6/27/2011 8:39:32 AM
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DIJENRY

I love to quilt and try to make time everyday to work on a project. This gives me time to relax and get some Christmas gift made so I am not running around at the last minute. It also saves money...which certainly helps me relax!! - 4/16/2011 7:46:39 AM
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PRANA_DANCER

"Do the yucky stuff first."

I have always done this, in every aspect of my life. I eat my least favorite foods out of a meal first. I do the most boring of my home work first. I do my bathroom first while doing my house work. Its a great idea and it ensures that I'll actually get the tasks at hand done! - 4/15/2011 9:33:23 AM
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WOUBBIE

If you are the primary home-keeper in your little world (I hate the word housekeeper!) join Flylady's group. It's a great time-saver and is wonderful for your self-esteem as well. You'll be amazaed at how much free time you can squeeze out of your day when your life and daily routines are simpler. A couple of nice Spark Teams align with Flying tool FLY: Finally Loving Yourself. :) - 4/15/2011 9:25:31 AM
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DLMULLINS70

My "What I did for myself today"? I read the Bible instead of watching TV. - 4/15/2011 7:52:35 AM
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MARCIA22558

TIME, the four letter word we all need more of. This year I have started making time for me. Each morning I get up and exercise for 30 minutes. Then spend a little time on Sparkpeople while having my cup of coffee. I can't tell you how just starting with that time for me has helped my attitude. I just hope I can keep it up!!! - 1/20/2011 6:38:38 AM
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OKIE_NANA

Author says: 'Learn to say “No.” This isn’t always easy, ' For me saying 'no' is so NOT easy. When I tell my husband 'no' he cannot process the information. He asks if I want to go shopping with him, I say no and half an hour later he complains because I'm not ready to go. - 12/28/2010 10:55:43 PM
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TERIANA

Karatechick has a good point. I lived in a small town in Europe in the early 1980ʻs. Everything closed at 5 pm, everything (except a few restaurants) was closed on Sunday. It was glorious. However, I think the worst time stealer of all is technology. I have decided to disconnect the electronic leash (Blackberry) outside of work hours in 2011. Everything has taken on a false sense of urgency because communication is so instantaneous these days. My priorities have changed a lot. First on my list is my health, so that means exercise and eating right before anything else happens. Second on my list is my family so that means time spent with them gets booked first. Work and the rest of it gets wrapped around those priorities. It is my time--it is my life. I am tired of giving it away to employers and others who do not deserve it. - 12/27/2010 5:20:24 PM
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-PAULA

One day I had a list of things to do for several other adult people or group when I got off work. I was so stress that I went down to the trail and walked for two and a half hours, listening to some jazz. It felt so good to not do anything for anyone but myself. I have never let myself get into that position again. Me first! - 12/27/2010 9:54:20 AM
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DRA1947

As a variation of "do the yucky stuff first", how about savor the good stuff: feel and experience each instant. Be sure to treat it differently from all of the "have to dos" that we tackle. - 12/27/2010 5:51:10 AM
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