It starts innocently enough.
A neighbor asks for a quick favor. A dentist has a last-minute opening. A coworker wants to “hop on a call” in between back-to-back meetings. The response? “Sure, I’ll just squeeze it in.”
It feels productive—like a clever way
to maximize every minute. But in reality, overbooking doesn’t save time. It drains energy and adds mental clutter to an already full day.
When too many things are squeezed into the schedule, there’s no space left to breathe. Appointments run into errands. Email piles up unanswered. Meals are rushed or skipped
entirely.
When something unexpected happens—a child needs to be picked up early, a friend calls needing to talk, or the car won’t start—it all falls apart.
The myth of “squeezing it in” is that everything will fit. The truth is, it fits by pushing something else out—often rest, attention, or peace of mind.
Instead of trying to pack every moment, it’s far more effective (and sustainable) to build in breathing
room.
Here’s what that can look like:
1. Pad the plan. If a task takes 30 minutes, allow 45. If a meeting ends at noon, don’t schedule another until 1. That extra time allows for transitions and unexpected delays without a cascade of
chaos.
2. Protect white space. Blank spots on the calendar aren’t wasted time—they’re recovery time. They allow the mind and body to reset before moving on to what’s next.
3. Ask better questions. Instead of “Can I squeeze this in?” try, “Where will this fit comfortably?” or “Does adding this serve me—or stress me?” Those small shifts in language lead to smarter scheduling decisions.
4. Stay flexible. Life doesn’t follow a script. A little
wiggle room makes it easier to roll with whatever comes up, from last-minute changes to surprise opportunities.
Because squeezing it in might sound smart in the moment—but over time, it can squeeze the joy right out of the day.
P.S. On another note...
Whether you're nurturing herbs on a sunny windowsill or harvesting ripe tomatoes from backyard rows, my For the Love of Gardening curated collection is designed for anyone who delights in the gardening life—and wants to make it simpler and more
rewarding. 
