Simple Shifts: 5 Simple Ways to Recover Lost Time

Have you ever caught yourself wishing for just a few more hours in the day? I know I have. But sometimes, it’s not about doing more work — it’s about living more, savoring more, and truly enjoying the time we already have.

Imagine what you could do with an extra three hours. Sit a little longer with your cup of tea, read a few more pages of that book you’ve been meaning to finish, FaceTime a friend just to chat, or maybe do absolutely nothing — just soak in the afternoon sun or get lost in your favorite music. No mental to-do lists running in the background, no feeling of time slipping away. Just calm, present, mindful moments.

But here’s a thought: even if we had 30-hour days, would we really use that time wisely? Or would we just end up working longer hours, packing our days with more tasks?

I work a 9-5 job, and my office is 25 km away — which means by the time I’m home, I’m left with only 3-4 hours to myself. In that time, I still have to manage some basic household chores. Thankfully, everyone in my house is pretty self-sufficient, which eases my workload — but even then, I’m left with barely a few hours in the evening and a single Sunday to call my own. How much can I really fit into that?

There are so many things I want to do — including doing nothing. And although it’s not always possible, I try to carve out as much time as I can just to have it for myself. Over the years, I’ve figured out a few things that work for me, helping me find those extra hours — and I think they could be helpful for you, too.

I know many corporate professionals have similar routines. It’s easy to lose yourself in this chaos. Sometimes, you take a moment to remember what you even enjoy doing in your free time — because you hardly get any. And that’s why, instead of daydreaming about having more hours, we need to take control of the 24 hours we already have. That’s the only way to carve out time for the things that truly matter to us.

Here are a few things that can help you save time:

• Outsource cleaning or create a routine: Household chores can eat up hours every week. If it’s within your means, consider hiring help — even having someone come to do dishes and sweeping can free up valuable time. If outsourcing isn’t an option, establish an efficient cleaning schedule. For example, do laundry on Wednesdays and Sundays, and dedicate Saturday mornings to tidying up the house. This way, you avoid spending bits of time every day on scattered chores.
• Roll with meal plans: Create a rotating meal plan once, and you’re set for weeks. For example, plan simple and balanced meals like dal-chawal on Mondays, vegetable stir-fry with roti on Wednesdays, and something easy like poha or upma on Fridays. Batch cooking on weekends — like preparing gravies, chopping veggies, or making dosa batter in advance — can save you from the daily stress of figuring out what’s for dinner. Knowing what’s on the menu simplifies grocery shopping and saves mental energy.
• Shop for groceries online: Think about the hours spent driving, browsing aisles, and waiting in checkout lines. Online grocery shopping can be a total game-changer. Apps like Instacart or store-specific delivery services allow you to order from the comfort of your home and get everything delivered — no traffic, no long lines.
• Embrace the planner: I’ve always been a planner person — even when I fall off the wagon sometimes. Having a system keeps my mind clear and helps me optimize my time. For instance, I use a digital planner for work tasks and a paper planner for personal goals. You could also try time-blocking — setting specific hours for work, rest, and hobbies — to avoid burnout and stay on track.
• Declutter your space: A cluttered home often leads to a cluttered mind. Start small — maybe tackle your wardrobe first by donating clothes you haven’t worn in a year. Then move on to kitchen counters or that one drawer full of random stuff. A tidy, organized space means you spend less time searching for things and more time simply living and enjoying your surroundings.

At the end of the day, it’s not about cramming more into our schedules — it’s about making space for what brings us joy and peace. By being intentional with our time and making small adjustments to our routines, we can create a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling. So, start small, stay consistent, and remember — the time you make for yourself is never wasted. And if you have any tips or ideas that help you manage your time better, I’d love to hear them!