Feeling Too Busy Is As Bad For Mental Health As Being Unemployed: Here Are Ways To Build 'Time Abundance'
Being busy all the time is as bad for mental health as being unemployed.?Feeling overwhelmed or lacking time for personal pursuits can cause unhappiness, leading to "time famine," as highlighted by Yale University psychology professor Laurie Santos. This can ultimately result in decreased productivity and burnout.
And with India being ranked 126 out of a total of 143 countries in the World Happiness report 2024, it is clear that Indians arenĄ¯t as happy.
Ways to save time
But, Laurie Santos points out to CNBC Make It about ways to build time abundance:
No time blocking
Experts praise time blocking i.e. scheduling tasks on calendar for dedicated periods. However, Santos disagrees.?
A busy calendar can lead to skipping meals, chats, and leisure. Some tasks aren't worth scheduling, she says.?
Santos instead suggests allowing uninterrupted time for big projects which can reduce stress and boost productivity.
Embrace 'time confetti'
When you unexpectedly have a few free minutes, celebrate it. These brief moments of freedom, dubbed "time confetti" by author Brigid Schulte, can boost happiness, according to Santos.
Instead of diving into a new task or scrolling on your phone, use these moments for something enjoyable. Take a walk, meditate, or share pet photos with a colleague.
Spend money to save time
Recognise that working hard takes a toll and spending money to rest and recover can be worthwhile, noted Santos.
So while saving money is good, but not at the cost of time. If you are working late, don't hesitate to order takeout or eat leftovers for dinner.?
When time is tight before an event and transportation is uncertain, consider treating yourself to an Uber ride for added convenience, says Santos.
Lastly, Santos suggests, say 'No' more - you donĄ¯t need to be saying yes to every small meeting or extra task.
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