Some days, it can feel like there are just not enough hours in the day. Have you ever thought, “If I could just create more time today, I could get everything done”?
I used to fill my days with to-do lists, schedules and deadlines—often feeling like I barely had space to breathe. I’m still a work in progress when it comes to not overextending myself! But one key shift that helped was reframing how I viewed time and learning to use it more intentionally.
Through trial and error, I’ve discovered a few powerful yet simple habits that can help create a little more space in your day. If, like many of us, you constantly juggle work, home life, and everything in between, applying even a few of these habits can help you slow down the frantic pace and focus on what truly matters. And as a bonus—you’ll likely become more productive in the process!
1. Prepare the Night Before
Even the smallest tasks require time and energy. Decisions like what to wear, what to have for breakfast, or what to prioritise that day can consume valuable time and mental space before your day even begins. Decision fatigue is real! Removing even a few decisions can free up energy, helping you start your day with focus and intention.
I’ve found prepping a simple, healthy breakfast and writing a to-do list the night before helps me wake up feeling calmer and clearer about the day ahead and more in control.
What small steps can you take tonight to remove decisions and streamline your morning?
2. Get Up a Little Earlier
Even getting up 10 to 20 minutes earlier can create extra breathing room in your morning, and it’s unlikely to impact your sleep significantly. Plus, there are plenty of proven ways to improve sleep—making it easier to avoid the snooze button and wake up feeling refreshed. Simple things like going to bed and getting up at around the same time each day, creating a bedtime routine and limiting screen time before bed can help.
I love my sleep, and I’m not suggesting you set an alarm for 4 AM every day! But getting up just a little earlier can help you start your day feeling a little less rushed. Use this time however you like—whether it’s for a quick workout, journalling, or simply enjoying a morning coffee.
I learned to become “morning person” and after making this shift I’m much happier and more productive for it!
3. Schedule Focus Time
Try setting a timer to plough through smaller tasks on your to-do list for a great sense of achievement or use the time to focus on things requiring more time and energy. Research suggest that due to cycles of alertness we are not able to concentrate longer than 90 minutes without needing a break of at least 15 minutes. I find I work better in 50-minute intervals with a 10-minute break to move, stretch, or clear my mind.
By focusing on one task or sub-task at a time, it is amazing how much more focussed our minds can be. Using a timer is an effective way to hold yourself accountable and stay motivated, knowing you have a break scheduled. It also provides your mind with the space to really focus your energy, attention and effort on the task at hand. Try this technique and find a time interval that works best for you. It can be effective to start with shorter intervals and work up.
4. Manage Interruptions
Life can be busy and filled with distractions and all any of us can do is try to limit them as much as possible. Some simple but effective ways to reduce interruptions include:
- Putting your phone on silent or “Do Not Disturb”
- Letting colleagues or family members know you’ll be unavailable for a set period of time
- Exit out of email, close unnecessary tabs and turn off notifications to avoid distractions that may interrupt your focus and concentration
Hold yourself accountable to focus on the current task—if your mind wanders gently bring it back and make a note of any distracting thoughts and commit to come back to them later. Resisting the urge to check your phone and email constantly throughout the day can also make a huge difference. While it may be tempting, even a quick glance at your phone can break concentration and pull you away from the task at hand.
Even if you don’t schedule intervals of focus time, managing interruptions is key to maintaining focus and productivity. Try to schedule time for bio and meal breaks and keep water and snacks on hand so you are not tempted to get up when you are in the middle of something.
5. Coordinate Tasks
While multitasking is often counterproductive, when done right by pairing certain tasks together, it can actually save time. For example you could listen to an episode of your favourite podcast while going for a walk or catch up on emails while waiting for an appointment.
While I don’t believe in overloading every second of the day, by strategically combining low-effort tasks you can boost efficiency and productivity. It is a great way to get more done in a day which can leave you feeling more productive and accomplished. And when the day is done—reward yourself!
Final Thoughts
While it is true there are only 24 hours in a day, with a little planning it is possible to be more thoughtful and intentional with the time you have. By freeing up mental space, reducing distractions, and focusing on what truly matters, you can actually create the feeling of having more time—because you’ll accomplish more with less stress.
That said, we are human not machines, life happens and things don’t always go according to plan. Allow for some flexibility and if something urgent comes up, don’t be afraid to reschedule tasks without guilt.
This isn’t about packing more into your day—its about being more intentional with the time we have to create more space, freedom and flow. By becoming more mindful of how you spend your time, you can ensure its directed towards what truly matters most to you.
Try implementing one or two of these suggestions (or more) and see how much more time you can create in your day!
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