How to redesign your days to give you back a few extra hours every week

Let go of activities that no longer make sense.

Quit a recurring meeting. Quit a committee. Quit Social media. Quit a program. By doing this, you automatically open up space.

When you can't let go completely of an activity, you can open up more space in your life by setting firmer boundaries around it so that you still have space for other items that matter.

For example, limit the number of hours you spend on checking and responding to emails or the time you spend on your phone.

Give yourself permission to take a break.

For example, choosing to eat lunch away from your computer can give you a sense of peace and space, even if you’re away from your desk for only 10 minutes. 

Delegate activities that you don’t need to do yourself. You can save yourself at least four to five hours a week by having others help.

As you plan your day, ask yourself: Is this something that I really need to do myself, or could someone else do this instead?

If you want more time to do something you “never have time for,” start putting that activity first and then arrange your schedule around it.

Add an exercise class, book a trip, plan a get-together with friends—and don’t cancel it.