How to stop feeling like you’re running out of time

There are never enough hours in the day, are there? Between work, commuting, family commitments and trying to maintain some sort of social life (what social life?), our day-to-day lives can feel pretty hectic.

Well, the thing is, we all have 24 hours in each day. We might not be able to magic any more minutes or hours into your day, but we can help you make better use of the time you do have. Good time management isn't about cramming more into your schedule – it's about feeling more in control of your day and making space for what matters most.

Of course, everyone's circumstances are different. Caring responsibilities, long commutes and other commitments can leave very little free time, and that's OK. Rather than trying to do everything, the aim is to make the time you have work better for you.

To help you stop feeling like you're constantly running out of time, we've got some tips to help you get on top of your day.

Stop saying those words

Every time you say aloud that you "don't have time", it can leave you feeling out of control.

Change your language, and you can change your frame of mind. Take ownership of the words you use in relation to your time. For example, saying something like, "I'm putting this project on hold until next year," acknowledges that you're making a conscious decision, rather than simply running out of time.

So, rather than saying, "I wish I had more time to read," reframe it as, "I'd love to read this book, but I'll wait until I've finished renovating my home."

Adjust your expectations

As you establish your schedule, set yourself up for success, not failure. Things in life often take longer than expected, whether it's a project at work, the weekly food shop or that catch-up with a friend you'd set aside an hour for – but you're still chatting two hours later.

Be kinder to yourself. Make things as easy as possible and factor in a little breathing room throughout your day. Maybe you don't have time to achieve everything you would like to today, but that's OK.

If you're someone who constantly feels overwhelmed by your to-do list, working with a coach can help you explore what's behind that pressure and develop healthier, more sustainable ways of managing your time and energy.

Prioritise what matters most

If you're not usually a list-maker, try writing everything down that's on your mind. Sometimes, seeing all the tasks you want to complete in front of you can help make them feel less overwhelming. It can also help you prioritise your time more effectively.

Ask yourself:

• Which three tasks do I need to complete today?
• Which tasks can wait until tomorrow?
• Is there anything that doesn't actually need doing at all?
• Could someone else help with this?

Not every task is equally urgent. Focusing on what will make the biggest difference can help you feel more productive without trying to do everything at once.

Get some headspace

If you're struggling to achieve everything you want to each day, maybe it's time to slow down rather than speed up. When did you last allow yourself the time to have a bubble bath or a night out with friends?

Yvonne Fernando, NLP master practitioner and life coach, says:

"For many of us with hectic lives, we seem to have forgotten how to be quiet and calm. Mindfulness, meditation and relaxation all involve slowing us down.

"In this state, we are more able to encounter thoughts that may lie buried or dormant and experience a range of sensations we can't get when we're going full throttle. As we progress and develop the practices, they can open us up to discovering more about ourselves, which is always a good thing."

It can feel easy to forgo indulgent activities when you're busy, but allowing yourself time to reset can actually help you become more productive during your working hours. Looking after your wellbeing isn't wasted time – it's an investment in your ability to cope with life's demands.

Notice your time saps

Do you spend a lot of time scrolling on social media? Or do you answer your emails as soon as they come in, even if you're working on something else at the time?

It's these habits, sometimes carried out unconsciously, that can get in the way of doing what we really want (or need) to do. If you know your time management skills could be better, try making small changes.

Constant notifications can also interrupt your concentration. If possible, silence non-essential alerts or schedule specific times to check your emails and messages. Giving yourself uninterrupted time to focus on one task can help you complete it more efficiently.

Remember, time management isn't about doing everything as quickly as possible. It's about making the best use of the time you have available.

Get better at saying no

We live in a world where "yes" often feels like the default answer, so going against the grain can be difficult.

But you don't have to say yes to every opportunity or favour that comes your way. Whether it's another meeting, a networking event or someone asking for your help, it's worth asking yourself whether it genuinely fits with your priorities.

If you're already stretched or it's not a good use of your time, you're allowed to say no. Setting healthy boundaries protects your time, your energy and your wellbeing – and you don't have to feel guilty about that.

Ultimately, managing your time isn't about squeezing more into every hour of the day. It's about making conscious choices that support your wellbeing, your priorities and the life you want to build. Small changes, practised consistently, can help you feel more in control and leave more room for the people and activities that matter most.