We all want to make the most of our time, but sometimes our calendars get so jam-packed that
there’s barely space to think—let alone breathe. Between meetings, errands, and obligations that seemed like a good idea at the time, it's easy to lose sight of what really matters.
If your days feel more frantic than fulfilling, it might be time to hit pause and reconsider what’s filling your schedule. These five ideas, inspired by
reader experiences, will help you free up precious time—without sacrificing what’s most important.
1. Standing Appointments You Secretly Dread
“Every Wednesday I had a video call with a networking group. After a few months, I realized I
wasn’t getting much out of it—but I kept showing up because it was on the calendar. One day, I gave myself permission to stop. No one missed me, and I gained an open hour for reading and walking my dog.”
-- Brenda, Fort Collins, CO
Not every recurring meeting or commitment deserves a permanent spot in your life. If something isn’t adding value—or if you find yourself constantly wishing it would cancel itself—it might be time to gracefully bow out.
2. Obligatory Social
Plans
“A neighbor invited me to a monthly card game, and I kept going even though I don’t like playing cards! I finally realized I was saying yes out of guilt, not joy. I still chat with the group now and then, but I reclaimed my Friday nights.”
--
Latasha, Birmingham, AL
Friendships matter—but not every invitation is a must. Decline politely, and spend your time in ways that truly fill you up.
3. Multi-Step
Errands That Can Be Streamlined
“I was driving all over town each week for groceries, pet supplies, and prescriptions. I finally set up auto-ship for the dog food, started using the pharmacy’s mail-order option, and now do one grocery pickup. I’ve shaved off hours each month!”
-- Jonathan, Santa Rosa, CA
Errands are necessary, but how you do them makes all the difference. Consolidate where you can or delegate to tech—your schedule will thank you.
4. Helping Out of Habit, Not Intent
“I was always the go-to for decorating church events, even when I didn’t have the bandwidth. It hit me that I was saying yes just because I always had. I let someone else step in, and they brought fresh ideas. Everyone benefited—including me.”
-- Denise, Muncie, IN
Helping others is wonderful—but only when it doesn’t come at the cost of your own well-being. If you're on autopilot with certain favors or volunteer tasks, reassess and pass the baton when it makes sense.
5. Forgetting to Schedule Downtime
“I used to fill every empty space in my calendar with something productive—laundry, errands, even reorganizing the fridge. It wasn’t until I started blocking off time just to rest or read that I realized how much I needed it.
Now, those are the appointments I protect the most.”
-- Carrie, West Hartford, CT
We often forget that rest is productive. If your calendar has no white space, you’re not leaving
yourself time to recover, reflect, or simply be. Try adding a “do-nothing” appointment to your week—even 30 minutes makes a difference. You don’t have to earn your rest. You just need to claim it.
Ready to Reclaim Your Time?
Take a look at your calendar with fresh eyes this week. What can you let go of—not forever, just for now? What can be simplified, combined, or declined?
The goal isn’t to do less just to do less. It’s to do less of what doesn’t matter, so you have
the space to enjoy what does.
On another note...
My carefully curated list...
includes must-have travel essentials that will keep you organized, comfortable, and ready for any adventure.
