The Worst Way to Use Your Time

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Assuming you get the recommended eight hours of sleep each night, that still leaves 16 hours of waking time to fill with a combination of pleasure, pain, boredom, and love. (OK, I hear you—no one you know gets eight hours of sleep every night. But just play along with the math I'm laying out here.)

All organisms face serious decisions about how to allocate their time and energy. Humans are no different. Many of these choices are determined by wrestling with a complicated set of tradeoffs: "If I work more hours, I make more money but lose time with my family. If I take a job with an hour-long commute each way, I may go insane after two years. If I take my family out to eat every night, I save precious hours grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning, but it will not be long before my money is all gone." And so on and so on.

Time is a precious commodity that we can never get back. That's why it's so important to make the most of it, especially during the day when we have more energy and a greater capacity to focus. There are many ways to spend your time during the day, but what is the best way? Here are some great ideas to help your sort through your options.

1. Prioritize

First, it's seriously important to prioritize your tasks and responsibilities. Make a to-do list and prioritize your most important tasks, such as work, family responsibilities, fun, and restoration. For many, it can help to tackle your most important tasks first thing in the morning, when people tend to be more mentally sharp and attentive, and then move on to less important tasks as the day goes on. This will help you get the most out of your day and prevent burnout.

2. Don't Forget Your Body

Next, it's crucial to make time for exercise and physical activity. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve physical and mental health, reduce stress, and increase energy levels. Whether it's a morning workout, a walk around the block during lunch, or a yoga class after work, making time for exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

3. Take a Break

Another important aspect of making the most of your day is to prioritize self-care. This can mean taking breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or simply doing something you enjoy, like reading or watching a movie. By taking care of yourself, you'll be better equipped to handle the demands of your day.

4. Be Connected

Connecting with others has always been a vital part of healthy human functioning. Spending time with friends and family, volunteering in your community, or participating in group activities can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. According to recent research, social connections can help reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase life satisfaction.

5. Avoid Distractions

Finally, it's important to be mindful of your time and avoid distractions. This means putting away your phone and other distractions during work hours, avoiding multitasking, and focusing on the task at hand. By reducing distractions and focusing on your work, you'll be able to get more done in less time.

And while we're on the topic of daytime distractions, it is important to note that this also applies to the transition between day and night. When it's time for bed, put away your phone. The extra sleep you get will help you the next day more than your favorite TikTok influencer will.

In sum, there are many ways to spend your time during the day—some positive, some negative. By structuring your daily plans around the suggestions here, you should be able to make the most of your time and live a more fulfilling life.

©2023 Kevin Bennett, Ph.D. All rights reserved.

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