Note: This article on 10 ways to gain an extra hour a day is written by contributing writer, Tammy Strobel.
When I was stuck in the work-spend cycle, I never felt like I never had enough time. I rushed from meeting to meeting, and zoomed to and from work in my car. Also, I worked a lot of hours to pay for stuff that I didn’t need. My husband and I decided to simplify our lives to enjoy benefits like saving money, building strong relationships, and to gain time in our daily lives.
Below you’ll find ideas that have helped me gain time in my daily life. Each tip continues to help me focus, slow down, and enjoy my daily routine. I hope the ideas help you, too!
10 Simple Ways To Gain An Extra Hour A Day
1.) Set limits on the news
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, I’ve had a fraught relationship with the news. I found myself slipping into the bad habit of doom scrolling. The behavior made me anxious and sad. I knew that I had to get off my phone and back into my life.
Something that helped: setting limits on when and where I read the news. For example, I don’t read the news on my phone anymore. Instead, I read the news on my desktop because I’m less likely to scroll through articles. Also, I give myself 15-20 minutes to read the news. Then I move on with my day.
2.) Prepare meals for the work week
In the past, I didn’t enjoy preparing my meals. However, my relationship with cooking has changed. It’s turned into a relaxing and creative activity that makes my week much easier.
For example, my husband and I write a list of meals we want to eat during the week and post it on the refrigerator. On Saturday or Sunday, we prepare food – like rice, bread, baked goods, and more – to make assembling our meals easy during the workweek.
Knowing what I’m going to eat during the week is a relief because it reduces decision fatigue, saves time, and it’s helped us save money on groceries.
3.) Try time blocking
Author Cal Newport says, “I take time blocking seriously, dedicating ten to twenty minutes every evening to building my schedule for the next day. During this planning process I consult my task lists and calendars, as well as my weekly and quarterly planning notes. My goal is to make sure progress is being made on the right things at the right pace for the relevant deadlines.”
Initially, I thought time blocking would be too rigid for my daily life. I was wrong, though! Time blocking for work and creative projects reduces my stress. It’s also helped me stay focused and inspired.
4.) Combine your workout with your commute
Instead of going to the gym, my husband rides his bicycle to work. He said, “combining my workout with my commute is a great way to build time into my schedule and save money.”
Interestingly, research suggests that “slow commute modes (walking and biking) result in more satisfaction than car and public transit.” For example, when I commuted to work by bike, I found it fun and relaxing.
5.) Avoid recreational shopping
Over 15 years ago, I read the first edition of Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. The book changed my relationship with money, stuff, and so much more. The authors helped me realize that I bought stuff – like new clothes – when I was depressed, bored, or needed a reward.
Noticing this trend motivated me to change my habits and stop shopping for fun. As a result, I’ve saved money, improved my mental health, and have extra time.
6.) Restructure your work schedule
Consider talking to your supervisor about restructuring your work schedule. For example, at my last traditional office job I asked my boss if I could shift to a four-day workweek. When she said yes to my request, I was happily surprised. The new schedule gave me time to unwind on the weekends, and I felt more productive and happier at work.
7.) Minimize meetings
A few weeks ago, I overbooked my schedule. As a result, I spent way too much time on Zoom! Usually, I’m good about setting boundaries at work. I’m not perfect, though. The experience reminded me that it’s okay to say no, and to request alternative meeting times. In the future, I will be doing both so that my days feel more spacious.
8.) Focus on single-tasking
When I started to single-task, it was hard! I had to remind myself to focus. Over time, single-tasking has gotten easier and it’s motivating. Single-tasking enables me to finish work tasks a little quicker. In turn, that gives me extra time during the work week.
9.) Try the 2-minute rule
If it takes me less than 2-minutes to complete a task, I do it immediately. This rule helps me avoid procrastination; especially for small chores like washing my coffee cup or making my bed in the morning. Plus, the rule prevents tiny tasks from accumulating into a long to-do list. As a bonus, the 2-minute rule decreases mental clutter, brings me joy, and saves time.
10.) Say no to social invitations
A few months ago, I declined an invitation to hangout with friends in the evening. I was worried they would be upset with me for saying no. I shouldn’t have worried so much! A recent study examined the downsides of saying no to social events. Over 2000 people participated in the study and the findings were clear – people, like me, tend to overestimate the negative ramifications of saying no. In short, science says it’s okay to decline social invitations.
Remember …
By implementing a few of the tips above, you can add an extra hour to your day. Identify one or two concepts from this article that resonate with you. Integrate them into your daily routine and keep track of your experiences.
For instance, if you decide to decline social invitations, document your thoughts in a journal. Record the reasons behind your decision and estimate the time you saved. After a few months, revisit your journal entries. This approach is a great way to recognize patterns and trends in your daily life.
Resources to help you gain an extra hour a day
If you’re looking for ways to rethink your relationship with time, explore the list below.
Books
- 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam
- Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
- Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock by Jenny Odell