Mastering Time;
4 Tips How to Make Every Moment Count (Without Burnout)
Let’s talk about the one thing we all want more of but can’t seem to get enough of—time. I’ve seen and experienced how time (or rather, the lack of it) creates a whirlwind of stress, procrastination, and burnout. But here’s a thought: What if you could reclaim control over your time and spend it on things that genuinely bring you joy and peace?
Whether you’re a corporate powerhouse, an entrepreneur, or navigating life’s endless to-do list, we can all agree—time is precious. And I’m not just talking about time management hacks or productivity tricks. I’m talking about the value of time, the moments you can’t get back, and why spending your time intentionally might just be the most life-changing choice you’ll ever make.
Why Time Is So Precious
The average person lives about 700,000 hours. That might sound like a lot, but when you break it down, you start to see the reality. We spend about 26 years of that sleeping. Yes—26 years! And another 13 years on work. Add in the time spent commuting, scrolling, procrastinating, worrying about tomorrow—and it starts to feel like there’s barely enough time left to simply be.
And here’s something fascinating: Studies show that the way we spend our time impacts our mental health, happiness, and even life satisfaction more than the amount of money we make. In fact, Harvard researchers found that people who prioritise time over money tend to feel more fulfilled and less stressed. The time we spend (or save) in small, mindful moments can add up to big changes in our well-being.
The Spiritual Side of Time
There’s also a deeper, more spiritual side to time that often gets overlooked. Many cultures and spiritual teachings suggest that time isn’t linear—it’s an energy, a gift, something that’s meant to be cherished, not squandered. It’s why we feel so connected to those rare moments when we’re “in the flow”—fully present, not thinking about the next task or yesterday’s worries. In those moments, time almost feels like it stands still, allowing us to experience a profound sense of peace and purpose.
Think about it: When was the last time you felt completely at ease, like time didn’t matter? Maybe you were watching a sunset, catching up with an old friend, or lost in a creative project. Those are the moments that make us feel alive, yet they often get lost in the shuffle of deadlines and distractions.
Real-Life Example: The “Always Busy” Cycle
Let’s take Sarah, one of my clients (name changed). Sarah is a high-achiever, always juggling work as a freelance designer, family with 2 kids and a Labradoodle puppy, and personal goals. She feels constantly busy yet unsatisfied, with her mind always jumping to the next thing on her list. She spends hours every day checking her email, worrying about missed messages, or double-checking details that don’t truly matter in the big picture. She’s exhausted, frustrated, and feels like life is flying by.
When I asked Sarah to track her time, she discovered she was spending nearly three hours a day on email alone—over 1,000 hours a year. That’s the equivalent of 40 days just… checking email! Imagine what she could do with even a fraction of that time spent on something meaningful instead. By the way, there is an email course in the making that will address exactly this: Less Stress-More Me.
When Sarah started setting intentional boundaries around her inbox, she felt lighter. Her relationships improved, her work didn’t suffer, and she felt more present in her daily life. Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, doing less gives us more.
4 Tips for Spending Your Time Wisely
1. The “Good Enough” Approach
Not everything needs to be perfect, and not every task deserves an A+. When you give yourself permission to do things “well enough,” you’ll be amazed at how much more time you free up. Studies show that perfectionism often leads to less productivity because we get caught in the trap of overthinking and redoing things. So, if that report is good enough, let it be!
Tip: Next time you’re tempted to keep tweaking, ask yourself: Is this good enough? Will making it perfect truly add value? If the answer is no, move on and reclaim that time.
2. Block Out “No Phone” Time
Let’s face it—our phones are one of the biggest time drains. Did you know that the average person spends 2.5 hours per day on social media alone? That’s over 900 hours a year! Imagine what you could do with that time if you set aside just one hour each day as “no phone” time.
Real-Life Hack: In the morning, set an hour aside to be phone-free. Use that time to enjoy your coffee, meditate, or get a head start on your day without the digital noise. You’ll feel more focused, less rushed, and surprisingly peaceful.
3. Find Your “Time Wasters” and Make Small Shifts
Time-wasting doesn’t always mean lounging around. Sometimes, it’s the mental exhaustion of overthinking small decisions. Are you spending 15 minutes choosing what to wear? Or agonising over every word of an email? That’s valuable time that adds up!
Tip: Start small. Pick one area—maybe it’s spending less time on social media or making quicker decisions on things that don’t need so much thought. The goal isn’t to eliminate every “wasted” minute but to make small shifts that add up.
4. Reclaim Your Evenings for Rest
If you’re someone who feels “on” all day, evenings are an important time to unwind. Set a boundary for when you’re done with work or errands, and stick to it. Just like your body needs sleep, your mind needs a break from the constant demands of the day.
Example: Instead of scrolling through social media at night, try reading, stretching, or spending quality time with loved ones. Studies show that people who disconnect in the evenings feel more refreshed and are more productive the next day.
How Will You Spend Your Time?
Time is a limited resource, and once it’s gone, we can’t get it back. But here’s the beauty of it—by making small, intentional changes, you can transform the way you experience time. Whether it’s creating phone-free moments, learning to say “good enough,” or reclaiming your evenings, these small shifts can lead to a more balanced, joyful life.
Imagine spending less time stressing and more time enjoying. Imagine a life where you’re not rushing from one task to the next but actually savouring each moment, feeling present, and spending time on things that make you feel alive.
After all, time spent well is a life well-lived. So, let’s start reclaiming those hours, one small step at a time. Check out my 3 week email course “Less Stress-More Me”. You’re worth it!
Here’s to less stress and a lot more of you, keep showing up, keep shining, and let's remind each other of the value of time.
Loads of love,
Nadine xxx