Yale professor and well-being researcher Dr. Laurie Santos describes time affluence as:
The subjective feeling that one has sufficient time to pursue leisure and other activities that are personally meaningful.
You’ve likely experienced time affluence if you felt a sense of relief when plans (that you weren’t really excited about) were cancelled at the last minute.
When I get a full day off with nothing planned, I feel like I have time affluence. However, I get the same feeling when I accidentally wake up 15 minutes early. I notice myself thinking, “How nice! Now I have extra time to [fill in the blank with whatever it was I’ve been wanting to do but felt like I didn’t have time to].”
Time affluence is the opposite of a feeling we know all too well in healthcare — time scarcity. It’s stressful to perpetually feel like you don’t have enough time to do the things you want or need to do.
I’ve been working on changing my mindset when it comes to time, even though my schedule is as hectic as ever. Here’s what I’m focusing on:
1. I say no to things that don't align with my goals/values
James Clear wrote, “the ultimate productivity hack is saying no.”
I aim to say no to things that don’t align with my priorities, something that’s become easier since having my son. I’m more judicious with my yesses since I need to ensure my schedule includes time to play with him.
Of course, this means that I need to have a clear definition of my priorities. Like I wrote about in this post, it’s essential to know your Why. Once you have that, it gets easier to determine what activities and roles are a no versus a no-holds-barred yes.
So don’t be afraid to say no. It’ll provide much-needed time affluence, leaving you free to do things that are more in line with your values.
2. I aim to stay present to create time affluence
Time draws out when you’re in the present. If you don’t believe me, think about a time when you’ve sat in awkward silence with someone. Ten seconds can feel like a long time.
Although my meditation practice has fallen off the rails, I consistently aim to be present with what I’m doing. When I’m on my phone/social media, time slips away and then it feels like I don’t have enough time to do what I want. But if I’m truly in the moment, time slows down and I feel like I have more of it.
3. I try to have time with nothing planned
About once every two weeks, I have an afternoon without any set plans. Sometimes that’s a post-call day, and sometimes it’s on the weekend. I look forward to that time of getting to do whatever I want in the moment.
I’m privileged to be able to do this, and I know it’s not possible for a lot of people. But if you can, I recommend setting aside some time on a regular basis that’s not jam-packed.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to abstain from all activities. It just allows you to feel like you have some free time.
Were you able to get some time for leisure this weekend? Let me know in the comments!
Stay well friends,
Dr. Kuhnow
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