Time As A Friend
In our modern lives, it can feel like we’re living out a scene from the movie Twister—except instead of cows, cars, and houses swirling around, it’s grocery lists, emails, spreadsheets, coffee cups, holiday party outfits, Pelotons, and that endless to-do list. Every second counts, so we’re in a constant race to move from one activity to the next, trying to keep up as if each task holds the key to survival. While the storm of tasks can’t simply be paused, learning to slow down and reclaim time can bring relief and clarity. Here are three ways to manage time better, restore balance, and start treating time as a friend, not an enemy.
1. Compartmentalize and Time Block
When everything feels like it needs to be done immediately, trying to tackle multiple priorities at once becomes overwhelming. Instead, compartmentalize tasks by category or urgency, and dedicate specific time blocks to focus on them. Time blocking is a productivity technique where you schedule parts of your day to focus solely on one task or type of activity. For example, you might reserve an hour in the morning for emails, and then, for the next two hours, work on a project requiring focused, creative energy. Having clear boundaries between tasks reduces the mental chaos of constantly switching gears.
Think of this as giving yourself permission to fully engage with one thing at a time, freeing you from the guilt of feeling like you should be doing something else. Time blocking also allows you to “batch” similar tasks, which makes them more efficient, while helping you move forward in a focused way.
2. Set Boundaries and Practice Saying No
When we’re caught up in a whirlwind of responsibilities, we can start to see time as an adversary, always slipping away. But time can become your ally when you treat it with care and purpose. Get clear on your desires and goals so you can prioritize what truly matters and say “no” more easily to distractions. Time is there to support your goals, but it requires intentionality to transform it from a source of stress to a valuable resource.
One of the most liberating ways to reclaim your time is by learning to say “no”—especially to things that fall into an undecided category. Every invitation, email, or “quick” favor requests your time, but not everything deserves it. When you’re unclear on whether something aligns with your goals, it’s often a sign to say “no” or “not right now.” Clear boundaries protect your time and your energy.
Identify the activities and tasks that don’t contribute meaningfully to your goals or values, and practice setting limits on them. If a commitment feels optional but you find yourself feeling obligated, pause and ask, “Does this serve my top priorities?” This approach helps you stay focused on what matters, preventing your schedule from being packed with low-impact activities that drain energy. Setting boundaries may take practice, but the clarity and freedom it brings make it a skill worth developing.
3. Use Exercise to Strategically Fuel Your Day
Exercise is not only good for physical health—it also has a profound effect on mental energy and productivity, thanks to dopamine. Research shows that physical activity boosts dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to motivation, focus, and creativity. This “dopamine bump” can be particularly beneficial for tasks that require creative thinking and a sharp mind.
To harness this natural brain boost, schedule your exercise at a time that aligns with your work demands. For example, if you need fresh ideas for a proposal or you’re working on a complex problem, try fitting in a short workout before diving into the task. By giving your brain this boost, you’re setting yourself up for higher-quality output in less time. Even 15–30 minutes of movement—whether it’s a brisk walk or a mini strength session—can be enough to fire up your neurons and improve your productivity.
When you manage time wisely, it becomes a friend that moves with you instead of a force that pushes you into the chaos.
