4 Ways to Unlock More Time in Your Day
They changed my life.
It’s not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste much of it. — Seneca
Time — it’s the one resource we all wish we had more of.
Yet, it often feels like it’s slipping through our fingers, no matter how hard we try to hold on.
I’ve been there, trying to squeeze the 25th hour out of the day.
But over time, I’ve discovered some strategies that work.
Let’s dive into these 4 life-changing ways to free up more time.
1. Sleep Pattern
Ever noticed how a late night throws off your whole next day?
Irregular sleep doesn’t just steal your rest; it robs your productivity.
- Skip the late-night parties.
- Resist the late-night suppers.
- Say no to burning the midnight oil.
It’s 100% fine to stay up late once in a while. Just be prepared for the slump the next day.
Productivity trumps the number of hours worked every single time.
Get a regular sleep schedule and watch as your day transforms with heightened focus and energy.
2. Chores and Errands
There are certain tasks that you absolutely must do and aren’t able to outsource.
And that’s ok.
For me, they are laundry, house cleaning, and meal prep.
It’s part of my lifestyle, and honestly, I enjoy it.
But here’s the trick: I don’t let these tasks overrun my schedule.
- Set specific times for chores and errands.
- For me, it’s 8–11 AM every Tuesday and Friday.
By doing this, you keep your tasks contained, giving you more mental space to focus on other priorities.
Do not let uncompleted tasks cloud your mental space.
3. Media Consumption
I get it. I’m guilty of them too.
- Binging Netflix
- Movie marathons
- Scrolling on social media
It’s impossible to cut them out completely because it’s a part of our culture.
Many gurus tell you to just stop doing them, but they don’t tell you how.
I don’t think it’s healthy to completely cut out “mindless” media.
Sometimes, my brain is squeezed so dry at the agency that I just need 2 hours of an Adam Sandler movie to recuperate.
Plus, you can get so much inspiration and new perspectives from various content types.
It’s about balance, not total elimination.
Here are 2 ways I do so:
App Timer
I use an app timer on my phone.
- 30 mins for LinkedIn
- 60 mins for Instagram
- 60 mins for YouTube
- 60 mins for Netflix
That’s 3.5 hours maximum per day.
Smartphones nowadays have native app timers which you’ll be able to find in your phone’s settings.
However, you can override them if you hit the limit.
If you don’t trust yourself to be disciplined, I have a friend who uses an app called Cold Turkey Blocker. (He pays for it.)
Ultimately, it’s up to you how you want to keep yourself accountable.
Reward Mechanism
Every day, I give myself a reward when I finish my tasks.
Checking everything off the to-do list is satisfying on its own.
But having 3 hours on a Wednesday night to binge-watch Young Sheldon while scrolling on Instagram with no guilt?
Yes, please!
Whether you want to be super productive or you have tasks that you hate, treat media as a reward instead of a distraction.
This way, you enjoy your media time without it eating into your productivity.
4. Jumpstart Your Week on Sunday Evening
I used to start the week on Monday mornings.
- Plan out the week.
- Review the last week.
- Remind myself what my strategy is.
Along with Monday blues? Not a good combination…
But switching to Sunday evenings has been a game-changer.
- Use Sunday evening to plan and review.
- Hit the ground running on Monday mornings.
This has changed my life, and I recommend it to everyone I know.
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Implementing these strategies has not only given me more time but also enhanced the quality of my work and life.
Remember, it’s not about having time; it’s about making time.
And sometimes, making time is all about smart, disciplined choices.
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