Feel Like You're Always Running Out of Time? How to Take Control

Feeling Like You're Always Running Out of Time?

Do you constantly feel like you're racing against the clock to get everything done? You're not alone. Many people struggle with feeling like there's never enough time in the day.

This time crunch can leave you stressed, overwhelmed and unsatisfied with life. But with the right mindset and time management approach, you can take control of your schedule and start to savor each moment.

Why We Feel Time-Pressed

There are several reasons why it seems like we're always short on time, including:

• Information overload - Endless emails, notifications, etc. scramble our focus.
• Overcommitted - Taking on too many tasks and obligations.
• Perfectionism - Feeling pressure to do everything flawlessly.
• Scarcity mindset - Viewing time as limited so we must cram things in.
• Poor planning - Failing to budget time realistically.

Understanding the root causes of time pressure can help you identify areas to improve.

The Perception of Time

Our experience of time is very subjective. Two people can experience the exact same event, yet one feels it flew by quickly while the other felt it dragged on forever.

What influences these perceptions? Attention and focus play a big role. Being deeply engaged in an enjoyable activity makes time seem to pass quickly. But boredom or stress tend to make time crawl.

We also perceive time differently depending on our age and stage of life. As we get older, years seem to go by more rapidly because each year is a smaller fraction of our total life experience.

Balancing Clock Time vs. Event Time

There are two different aspects of time:

• Clock time - The quantitative measurement of time in hours, minutes, etc. This time passes at a fixed rate.
• Event time - Our subjective experience of time passing based on what we are feeling and doing.

Good time management requires finding the right balance between clock time and event time. Scheduling based only on clock time leaves you feeling pressured and controlled. But ignoring clock time entirely can leave you unproductive.

The Scarcity Mindset

Viewing time as a scarce commodity fuels feelings of never having enough of it. Every minute gets packed out of fear of wasting time.

But time itself isn't scarce or limited. No matter what we do, every day still contains 24 hours; every year still has 365 days. How we choose to use that time is what matters.

Cultivating an abundant mindset helps you feel less frantic. You have plenty of moments to experience life meaningfully.

Strategies for Feeling Less Rushed

With intention and practice, you can develop a healthier relationship with time. Here are some tips:

1. Identify Time Wasters

Notice where you might be losing time each day, like checking emails constantly or scrolling social media for no real purpose. Eliminating even small time wasting habits can free up minutes to better use elsewhere.

2. Batch Similar Tasks

Gathering related tasks to complete together saves time lost switching between disconnected activities. For example, answer all emails at once rather than sporadically throughout the day.

3. Prioritize Important Goals

Focus your limited time on things that really matter, rather than minor tasks. Make sure daily activities align with your bigger life vision and purposes.

4. Delegate When Possible

Don't try to do everything yourself. Let go of tasks that others could reasonably handle, whether at home or work. This clears your schedule for high priority responsibilities.

5. Take Time Audit Days

Occasionally track how you spend every hour in a day. This illuminates where time goes and helps identify needed changes. Apps like TimeTune or Toggl can help.

6. Schedule in Advance

Planning out days, weeks, or months ahead ensures important events get calendar space. This prevents double booking and last minute rushing around.

7. Block Out Focus Time

Set meeting and distraction free blocks of time to concentrate on big projects. Silence phone notifications and close email to avoid interruptions during these productive sessions.

8. Maintain Realistic Expectations

Perfectionism and over-scheduling inevitably lead to disappointment. Focus on progress vs. perfection and leave breathing room in each day.

9. Switch Off Autopilot Mode

Slow down and be fully mentally present during activities instead of letting hours slip by on autopilot. Even mundane tasks become more satisfying.

10. Cultivate Patience

Instead of getting frustrated when things take longer than expected, practice patience and acceptance. You have plenty of time to live the life you want.

The Power of Presence

Ultimately, it's our relationship with the present moment that determines feelings of time abundance or scarcity.

When we're fully engaged and mindful, time seems to expand. We feel content simply experiencing each task without rushed thoughts of "what's next?"

Staying focused on the now with less fixation on past and future prevents time anxiety. With presence, you'll feel far less like you're running out of time.

Ways to Be More Present

Practicing the following habits builds your capacity for deep presence:

• Single task - Give full attention to one activity at a time.
• Notice sensations - Tune into sights, sounds, smells, etc. around you.
• Breathe - Taking a few deep, slow breaths brings you into the now.
• Unplug - Reduce distractions from devices, media, chatter.
• Appreciate - Find gratitude for this very moment, rather than looking ahead.
• Meditate - Regular meditation enhances awareness and calm focus.

When to Seek Help

If feelings of time scarcity and constant overwhelm persist despite your best efforts, consider seeking professional guidance. A therapist can help identify unhelpful thought and behavior patterns contributing to time management struggles.

You may also benefit from treatment if difficulty managing time is significantly disrupting work, relationships and overall well-being. Counseling and coaching resources can equip you with skills to get back on track.

With some mindset shifts and smart time management tactics, you can move through each day feeling focused and fulfilled, rather than frantic and frustrated. Using your 24 hours wisely allows you to pursue the life you truly want.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.