We want to do more to help create a better world, but we’re just so busy. How can we squeeze in anything else when we already don’t have enough time, and our lives are filled with mental and physical clutter? One thing we can do is create more space — and balance — using strategies like these:
1. Pay attention.
It sounds simple, but bringing more mindfulness to our decisions is incredibly challenging in our world of instant gratification and sensory overload. We can work toward more mindfulness, extending the pause between what we receive and how we react. If we notice how much time we’re spending consuming media, or the stuff we allow to accumulate, or our tendency to say yes before thinking about the consequences, then we can measure those observations against our values and goals. If they are out of sync, we can tweak our choices so they are better aligned.
2. Do it now.
For some tasks, it’s important (and easy) to just do them now. We have every intention of responding to that email, filing that paper, putting that dish away or sending that thank you. And then before we know it, weeks (or longer) have gone by, and the piles of clutter and to-dos have so overwhelmed us, we’re not sure where to start. (Or we may feel embarrassed at the lengthy delay in contacting someone, so we never reach out.) Getting the “little things” out of the way quickly leaves space for other meaningful tasks.
3. Use tools to help.
Whether in print, online or otherwise, there are tools to help us create more breathing room. As a former librarian and voracious reader, I’ve frequently had more than 30 or so books checked out at one time. Of course, there’s no way to read them all in three weeks, so I renew them, check them out again and again (or forget to put them back on hold), and continue the cycle of impossibility. All of this takes valuable time and energy, not to mention the mental pressure I feel. Then I discovered Good Reads, which is a tool that allows me to keep a list of “want to read” books. Now I can manage my reading obsession easily and sanely, which leaves more time for other things.
My husband and I have also started using an online calendar to help us manage our time more productively, so that we can be realistic and balanced in accomplishing our goals, chores, social time and more. It has already made a difference.
One simple tool that has really helped me recently is a list of all the tasks and actions that support my goals, some of which can be done in 10-, 20- or 30-minute bursts. With this, I’m never sitting around wondering how to spend a bit of free time, and thus wasting that time. (Don’t worry – taking time to breathe and look out the window is on the list.)
4. Set limits.
As with my library books, we humans can have trouble setting limits. But I’ve discovered that if I establish specific limits — whether it’s the amount of time I spend on Facebook, the maximum number of emails I can keep in my inbox, the number of shows or movies I can watch in a week, or the number of social engagements I say “yes” to in a month — following such parameters provides me with additional time, which can really add up to a meaningful amount.
5. Be flexible.
Setting parameters and limits, and creating schedules and lists, can be helpful in tackling our overtasked lives, but it’s also essential that we practice flexibility. The unexpected happens, and we need to modify our plans. When one strategy isn’t working, we may need to let go of our attachment to it and be open to another. Organization can serve us well. Rigidity doesn’t.
6. Get comfortable saying “no.”
Especially for those of us raised with a strong sense of obligation, of obedience to authority and a desire to be helpful (and needed), saying “yes” can be an almost uncontrollable instinct. We might be worried that others will think ill of us, or that we’re not doing our part, or that the project or friend or event may collapse without our contribution. Often that’s not true. Occasionally it is. But it’s important that we consider what’s going to do the most good and least harm for all — including ourselves. And sometimes that means saying “no.” It’s hard to get started, but using “no” judiciously and mindfully becomes easier, and it creates space, balance and a sense of joy that we’re actually using our time in the best ways possible.
It’s also important that we get comfortable saying “no” to ourselves. For example, this spring, among other things, I want to continue my Aikido training, take several online classes, join a new music group, take a couple of trips, start canoeing and biking (not at the same time), and ramp up my activism. Now, I could probably squeeze in time for all this (in addition to everything I’m currently choosing to do), but I would be constantly stressed and rushed and overwhelmed. So I have to choose which activities are going to be most useful, meaningful and fulfilling at this time, and let go of everything else. Saying “no” to some things means saying yes to a saner, healthier, more joyful way of living.
