We all crave more time. Yet, in our constant pursuit of more time, we often miss the precious slivers already available. We scramble and stress over what seems absent, oblivious to the small moments waiting to be repurposed. These “pockets of time,” as I call them, hold the key to unlocking the space we crave, if we only shift our focus and learn to see them.
What are pockets of time?
These are identified as short periods of time, 15 minutes here, 10 minutes there. Time between things we are doing, where we perhaps waste our valuable time.
It might be 10 minutes in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up. It might be 15 minutes at lunchtime once you’ve had some lunch. You get the gist.
How can we use these pockets?
Forget rigid schedules and military precision – self-care shouldn’t feel like a boot camp. But when we crave a breath, a moment to simply be, these hidden pockets of time become life rafts.
And honestly, let’s admit it, we all have them. Instead of mindlessly scrolling or aimless wandering, let’s claim these micro-moments for the nourishment we truly need.
Here are some examples.
- Ten minutes in the morning thinking about your day ahead rather than looking at Instagram. Have a cuppa, take a breath and think about what you have to do that day.
- Ten minutes at lunchtime. Eat your lunch and switch off by reading your book, listening to a podcast, focus on something different.
- Ten minutes in the car waiting for someone. Again, read a book, make a quick call to a friend, send a voice note.
- Ten minutes stretching your legs. Stride around the block, it doesn’t need to be a long walk. Focus on your surroundings and appreciate not having to talk or listen to anyone!
- Ten minutes after work, especially if you work from home. Create a routine of shutting everything down and taking those minutes to take some deep breaths, jot a few notes for the next day and then change into non-work mode – and yes, that can include changing into something comfier.
Pockets of time are a valuable and underused resource. We just have to be mindful of where we can grab them. Use them to your advantage to take breathers within your day – just 10 minutes, it can make ALL the difference.
