Do you notice when you ask someone the question “How are you?”, most people respond with, “I’m good, but it’s been SO busy“! This could be your answer most of the time as well. The fact is that everyone is BUSY. Busy with work, busy with family, busy with life.
The question we need to solve: How do we find time in our busy schedules, so we can do more of what we want and what we love?
Today, I believe we are busier than women in years past. Many women are juggling being mother’s and growing their careers at the same time. If you work in an office or corporate setting you are most likely doing the job that 3 people would have been responsible for years ago. You probably feel awkward leaving the office on time to get home to your family, while your colleagues without kids are still at their desks. Once you are home, after you’ve made dinner and helped with your kid’s homework you are exhausted.
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Are you looking to find time in your busy schedule, so you can do more of what you want and love? Try these 5 easy changes to create more time... #balance #mindfulness Click To TweetIf you work from home with kids you are just as busy with balancing home and work life. You’re most likely in a push/pull situation where you sometimes have guilt when you’re on your computer, when you feel you could be starting dinner or tidying up the kitchen.
First things first: We need to get rid of the guilt! Stop feeling bad that you can’t do it all. No one can. Period.
Second: Let’s ask ourselves… HOW can we find time in our busy schedules to create meaningful time with our family, our friends and ourselves.
It’s actually quite simple. Are you ready for what I’m about to say?!
We all need to STOP WASTING TIME!
Let me share a little stat with you all before you wonder what the heck I’m going on about…
According to comScore’s 2017 Mobile App Study, the average American adult spent 2.3 hours every day using apps on their smartphones or tablets. That is 16 hours a week spent scrolling. Ouch.
The question I have for you is… How much of this on-screen time have you spent just killing time or using an app when you’re bored?
Want to make more time for the things you love? First things first - Stop wasting time! #mindfulness #balance Click To TweetYou’ll be surprised how much time we are wasting on our phones. It may seem like just 5 minutes here and there but that quickly adds up to over 2 hours a day. Not good.
Just imagine how being mindful about your phone usage and many other parts of your day will easily give you back time so you can add some more enjoyment into your life.
Here are 5 Easy Ways for You to Find Time in your busy schedule!
#1. Use your phone less.
No kidding, but can you actually do it?! Try this…
Turn off unnecessary app notifications. I understand if you’re looking for a job and you get a notification that a new job has been posted. This is a notification you might still want to keep, BUT you don’t need to know if it’s your turn to play the next level of Candy Crush. Priorities, right?!
Allocate a specific time to check your phone (emails, updates on social media, etc) – but then put it away. This will help you avoid going back and checking your phone a hundred times a day.
Go out without your phone. Shock/horror! Honestly – you can do it 🙂 I go out without my phone sometimes. There is something freeing about not having my phone on me. The first thing I notice when I don’t have my phone is that my behaviour completely changes. For example: If I go to a coffee shop with my phone, you can bet I’m looking at it while taking a sip of my latte, but without a phone I am opening myself up to different possibilities… having a conversation with someone, simply just watching the world go by or writing in my journal.
Since you will be starring at your screen less you’ll give yourself at least an hour back every day. You can use this time in better ways such as reading, talking to a loved one on the phone or simply just relaxing doing nothing!
Once you get this time back regularly you’ll notice that you actually do have time to add some valuable experiences to your day – like going to the park with your kids, having a bubble bath or going on a date with your spouse.
#2. Stop Multi-tasking.
When we multi-task we think we’re saving time and being more productive, but in actual fact, we are taking longer to complete individual tasks.
So, if we are wasting time multi-tasking that would mean that we can a) create more time by focusing on one task at a time and b) be more mindful in our tasks (and relationships) when we are only focused on one thing.
Makes sense right?!
Not yet convinced? Check out this short TED talk on multi-tasking to give you a little perspective on how ineffective it actually is.
Forget multitasking, try monotasking.
Always busy? Never feel like you have the time for the things you want to do? Try these 5 simple ways to get more time back in your day. #balance #mindfulness Click To Tweet
#3. Learn to Say No!
Just imagine that you could say no to more things that you don’t want or don’t need to be doing. This will certainly give you some time back out of your busy schedule. I wrote a post on How to Say No without Feeling Guilty and I encourage you to read this when you have a chance. In today’s society, many of us feel we need to be ‘yes’ people most of this time, but this isn’t good for our life balance.
Get in the habit of saying no so you can say yes to more things that are important to you.
Related: The Art of Dating Yourself + 10 Self Date Ideas to Try Now
#4. Delegate and/or Outsource
Does it feel like you are doing more than everyone else in your house? It’s time to get help. If you have a family watching you do all the tidying you need to have a conversation with them – now! Perhaps your spouse is getting to relax every night on the couch while you’re on your 4th load of laundry, or your kids are leaving a mess behind wherever they go. If this is you, have the talk and get the other members of your family to commit and agree. It’s their house too and by getting help means you can all spend more quality time TOGETHER.
Another solution, if you have the funds, is to outsource. You could pay to get your house cleaned bi-weekly or get your yard tidied up.
One way many of us can also outsource is to order our groceries online and get home delivery. Think of the time saved here!
#5. Turn the TV Off
Okay. we all love our binge-watching, but do you sometimes find yourself watching a show you don’t even like, just so you can kill time? If this is you, please turn off the TV! I’m sure you can find better things to do with your time. This will give you the chance to pick up a book, get outside or play a board game with the family.
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There are obviously many ways to find time in our days, but I really feel that the above are some of the easiest solutions that will make an impact on your life immediately.
The whole point of finding more time in our busy lives is to take more control and live your life with intention.
Tell me: Have you tried any of the above and is it allowing you to get more time back in your day? If so, how are you using your time more wisely? Leave a comment below…
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Colleen says
Thank you for reminding us of the importance of putting down our phones. We waste so much time mindlessly scrolling through nothing! Also, you are right about letting go of guilt! As moms, we are always taking care of others. We must take care of ourselves as well.
yridley says
Hi Colleen! Glad this was helpful for you to read 🙂 I think we can all be guilty of mindless scrolling!
ShootingStarsMag says
All great tips. I usually always have my phone on me just in case – but I don’t really use it that much. I just never got into the habit, and I’d rather read than watch most TV. But it still seems like there’s not enough time in the day sometimes!
-Lauren
yridley says
Sounds like you have good balance 🙂 I agree still, there are times we are so (truly) busy that it’s exhausting. That’s when we need to dedicate time (i.e. put it in the calendar) and force ourselves to find a way to do the things we like.
Jennie says
These are all such good points! Especially the saying. I part. Sometimes we think saying no is a bad thing, but sometimes we need to say no to have time for ourselves!
yridley says
Definitely! Some people in our lives will always ask for help but never give it. Once we know who these people are then we can start saying no to them so we can start saying yes to ourselves and our family.
Lisa says
Yes to all of this! We get so busy doing things that don’t matter that we never have time for the stuff that does. I definitely agree with all of these, especially the final one. We’ve been much more productive as a family since we cut the satellite tv. We still watch a little bit, but not nearly like we did before.
yridley says
Hey Lisa! That’s a good idea to cut the satellite. Glad to hear that it gives you more quality time 🙂
Ruth Shapter says
This is all so true !! I really need to stop using my phone so much, I know I don’t need to have it on me as often as I do.
yridley says
It’s definitely a habit to have it with us all the time, so try in baby steps to leave it in a different room, or go out for 15 minutes without it. You might feel like you lost your arm at first, but I promise it will start to feel natural and worth it!!
Caitlin | Beauty & Colour says
I’m the worst for getting distracted by my phone! Definitely working on changing that
Lia says
I definitely need to get better at setting certain times for media!
yridley says
Yes, I think most people do! I say we should all try a media free weekend!
Tallary says
It is so easy to get caught up on your phone, especially if you’re on social media!
Nicole Kauffman says
Stop multi-tasking!! Seems so backwards when you’re talking about finding time to do more, but it’s so true!!
yridley says
100%. For some reason years ago we all starting to believe that multi-tasking was a good quality to have. Well, that is so wrong!
Megan | LoveFamilyHealth says
You know I needed to read this! I have been non stop these past two months and I NEED to take time for myself! Easier said than done right!
yridley says
Oh I hope you get to make time for yourself Megan. It’s SO important. Try putting a block of time in the calendar for YOU and don’t allow yourself to skip it. It might feel foreign at first, but force yourself. It will feel good!!
Jennifer Morrison says
Great tips! I often turn my phone to silent for blocks of time and turn it upside down so I can’t see the notifications pop up. I get so much more done. It shocked my kids who are used to constant contact, but I said call the house phone if there is a true emergency, otherwise, I need to be “at work”.
yridley says
I love your thinking. I do this too – and I agree… if there’s an emergency call the house!
Amy @ Orison Orchards says
Oh, wow! Your scrolling statistic totally applies to me! I feel so much better when I put my phone away and spend time talking with my children or in nature. I need to remember this!
yridley says
Yeah, that number is kind of crazy but still believable. It’s good for us all to know so we can be mindful. Spending time with your kids in nature sounds way better!
Vanessa says
I’m notorious for multitasking and saying yes to everything. Sometimes I just need to step back and gain perspective to make me realize what’s actually important and needs to be done, versus what I do just to make others happy or to say that I’m juggling multiple projects.
yridley says
Yeah, this is certainly a challenge. One method I use to stop my multitasking is by setting a timer for 15 to 30 minutes (or longer if needed) and complete a task at a time. Give it a try for a few days. I bet it will make you feel really accomplished! As for saying yes – this can be hard. I would say this… try and think about WHO you are saying yes to. Are they there for you as well? If the answer is no, you might want to change who you are saying yes to. Also, don’t forget to say yes to yourself – that means you’ll have to say no to others!
Amanda says
Getting an app to see how much time you spend on each app could be a real huge eye opener too! Great post.
yridley says
I know! I’m going to look for this. It might be quite a scary number for some!!
Myrtle Marie says
Yes! You are exactly right! I take regular breaks from social media, and it has made me more focused and productive. I was wasting too much time on my phone. 🤦♀️
yridley says
Sounds like you are using your time mindfully which is so important. Our phones certainly can be a time suck!
Katie says
Great tips! I love turning the tv off and have music playing in the background, I feel way more productive this way.
yridley says
Absolutely! I grew up in a house where my mom always had music playing. It makes you feel good and can actually help you be more productive too!
Nakeya says
Great tips. I pinned and shared with my followers. I tell people all the time that you have to give yourself permission to say “no”. Normally, the person you say no to, is going to be ok with it, even more than you.
yridley says
Thanks so much for sharing Nakeya 🙂 So true – most of the time when you say no, people are fine with it. I feel like we are giving ourselves pressure to say yes when we don’t need to be.
Sharon | TheHelpfulGF says
What an awesome post! I find that saying ‘no’ gives you permission to say your best yes! Often, there’s someone better and more equipped to say yes than you, and by saying ‘no’ you give them the opportunity!
yridley says
For sure! Saying no can be so empowering and good for you. I like your perspective on giving someone else the opportunity too. Good thinking!
Stacy says
This is a great post! I am going to join everyone else in saying, I definitely need to spend less time on my phone! I do find myself scrolling on social media when I’m bored – or putting off a more important task that I’m dreading. The other tips you mention are fantastic as well. I never realized multi-tasking can actually hinder your productivity so much! Thank you for this post!
yridley says
Yeah, it’s kind of scary if you add up how much time you spend in a day ‘killing time’! We don’t realize it, but we all do it! Yeah, multi-tasking is something our brains won’t even allow us to do. Try setting a timer and completing a task at a time and you’ll get way more accomplished 🙂
Jheelam says
Thank you for dropping the link of the “Ted Talk”. Never heard of “monotasking” before. The other tips sound so do-able, especially keeping the phone switched off.
yridley says
I love all things TED talk! Always interesting info.
Trish says
I am struggling with time management right now so this was a perfect post to read. I keep the TV off unless it is a special show in the evening. (No DVR so I watch live.) Staying off the phone is hard — but I’m working on that too! I keep a daily “to do” list and try to prioritize the most important things to do first each day.
Stephanie says
These are excellent tips. I’ll admit, I’m not great at turning off my phone while I work – especially since so much of my work is ON my phone, but I gotta work on it for sure!
yridley says
The great thing is, you can actually do most of your work form your laptop – even Instagram 🙂 It’s just about changing some habits!
Whitney says
I have an app that tells you how much you spend on it each day. It also tells you if there is an increase from day to day. For example, if you spent 4 hours and 30 minutes on your phone on Wednesday and you spent 7 hours on your phone on Thursday, it would show that + a notification saying an increase of 2 hours 30 minutes. I think the app could be useful if you spend your time on your phone a lot! Learning to no is an important one!
yridley says
I need to find this app! That would really be interesting to see your own personal habits. A real eye opener for sure!
Jordyn says
I spend WAY too much time on my phone, some days I like to leave it at home or in the car simply so I can use my time more effectively without distractions!
yridley says
We definitely think about our phones in the same way. I honestly like to go out without it. I also never check it in the evenings.
Jasmine Vargas says
I need to do better about using my phone less. It’s hard sometimes, especially when my kids are at school or if my fiance is texting me lol Cause then I am always on my phone checking other notifications.
yridley says
Turn those notifications off!!! Okay – you don’t have to turn them all off, but definitely go through and turn off the ones you really don’t need 🙂
Vicki says
It’s incredible just how much time we can spend on our smartphones and not even realise it! Great post!
yridley says
Oh I know – it’s scary. I try and remind myself what I did in my free time before smartphones and this makes me realize just how important it is to be more mindful.
Shani | Sunshine & Munchkins says
I love these suggestions! I actually keep my phone on silent and it helps me to not feel like I have to check my phone every time it makes a noise.
yridley says
I do the same!! It means I can check it when I want, not the other way around 🙂
Maddy Finch says
I agree with all of these things. I especially agree with using your phone less. Everyone is always using their phone nowadays. To get things done you need to put your phone away.
Alba says
Great Tips! I find that blocking time helps me the most.
Kristin Cook says
Oh man! So many good ones! I really struggle with the TV because it’s one of my favorite things, but it doesn’t help me with productivity or getting things done on time/early AT ALL. Ugh. lol
Sara Laughed says
I loved the TED talk on monotasking. I’ve definitely found that it’s hard for me to multitask, and the talk really helped me understand why. Thank you!
Sabrina | The Budding Optimist says
I love this! The going out without my phone scares me a little but I think that’s an indication I need to do it. I’m also learning the art of saying no to engagements and people that really aren’t fulfilling, it’s truly liberating. I recently started listening to the audiobook “168 Hours” and in it the author makes a good point: it’s not we don’t have the time, we have to prioritize and make the time. If we keep saying we can’t find the time to do something we love perhaps we need to confront the truth that it’s just not that important to us.
yridley says
Hey Sabrina! Thanks so much! That sure is a thought-provoking quote from ‘168 Hours’ and so true! Once you get into the habit of saying no it makes such a dramatic difference to your life, especially if you are normally a yes person to everything.