Time—it’s one of the most valuable yet easily wasted resources. In today’s fast-paced world, it often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Between work, family, social commitments, and endless to-do-lists, it’s easy to forget to set aside time for yourself. But here’s the truth: you deserve personal time, and reclaiming it is within your control.

This blog post will help you not only find more time for yourself but also use it meaningfully. Whether you want to relax, grow, or pursue passions, the key is in intentionality and smart time management. Let’s dive into practical strategies to make personal time a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.

Understanding Where Your Time Goes

Before you. can carve out more time for yourself, you need to analyze how you’re currently spending it. Many people feel they don’t have time, but often, it’s about redistribution, not availability.

Time Audit Exercise:

For 3-5 days, track your time. Write down what you do every hour.
Categorize your activities into work, family, social time, chores, entertainment, and personal time.
Identify patterns. Are you spending too much time scrolling social media, watching TV, or doing things that don’t truly serve you?
Highlight areas here you can reduce or eliminate tasks.

Once you have a clear picture, you can start reclaiming lost time.

Practical Ways to Find More Time for Yourself

Set Clear Boundaries
Boundaries are essential in protecting your personal time. Whether it’s saying no to unnecessary commitments or setting work-life balance rules, boundaries help you regain control of your schedule.

How to Set Boundaries:

At work: Avoid staying late unless necessary. Communicate clear availability to your colleagues.
With Family and Friends: Let them know you need time for yourself and as for their support.
With Technology: Implement screen time limits o reduce distractions.

✔️Action Step: Block off “Me Time” on your calendar like any other appointment. Treat it as non-negotiable.

2. Utilize Time Blocking

Time blocking is a productivity technique that helps you schedule your day with intention. Instead of moving through the day aimlessly, you dedicate specific blocks of time for different activities.

Example of a Time-Blocked Day:

6:30 AM - 7:30 AM: Morning routine & self-care
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Work (Deep focus tasks)
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Lunch Break
12:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Meetings/emails
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Personal time (Reading, journaling, or exercise)
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Family & dinner
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Wind-down & relaxation

✔️ Action Step: Plan your day the night before, ensuring at least 30 minutes of personal time is scheduled.

3. Wake Up 30-60 Minutes Earlier

Mornings are a golden opportunity to create personal time before the world wakes up. By waking up earlier,, you gift yourself quiet, uninterrupted moments to focus on self-care, exercise, reading, or reflection.

How to Make Waking Up Earlier Easier:

Go to bed 30 minutes earlier.
Place your alarm away from your bed.
Start with just 10-15 minutes earlier and build up
Have a meaningful morning activity planned (e.g., meditation, journaling, stretching).

✔️ Action Step: Try waking up 15 minutes earlier tomorrow and use that time to do something that fulfills you.

4. Learn to Say No

Many people struggle with overcommitment, leading to exhaustion and a lack of time for themselves. Saying no doesn’t mean you’re selfish—it means you value your time and energy.

Ways to Say No Politely:

“I appreciate the invite, but I need some personal time this evening.”
“I’d love to help, but I have other commitments right now.”
“I need some time for myself, so I can’t take on anything extra.”

✔️ Action Step: The next time you’re about to say yes out of obligation, pause and ask yourself: Does this align with my priorities? If not, say no.

5. Delegate & Automate Tasks

Not everything needs to be done by you. By delegating tasks at home and work, you free up valuable time.

Ways to Delegate:

At work: Outsource small tasks or use productivity tools.
At home: Share responsibilities with family member or hire help for recurring chores.

Ways to Automate:

Use auto-pay for bills
Meal prep on Sundays to save time cooking.
Set up subscriptions for essentials to minimize shopping trips.

✔️ Action Steps: Identify one task you can delegate this week and one task you can automate.

6. Make Use of “Hidden Time”

There are hidden moments in your day where you can maximize your time without adding extra hours.

Examples of Hidden Time:

Commutes: Listen to audiobooks or motivational podcasts
Waiting in line: Read an article or make a gratitude list.
Doing chores: Use this time for brainstorming or creative thinking.

✔️ Action Step: Choose one activity to replace passive waiting with productive or relaxing habits.

Final Thoughts: Time is Yours to Take Back

Creating more personal time doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities—it means prioritizing yourself so you can show up better in all areas of life. Small changes in how you schedule. delegate, and set boundaries can make a world of difference.

✓ Your Challenge: Choose two strategies from this list and commit to them for the next 7 days, Notice how they transform your ability to make time for yourself!

Your time is valuable, and you deserve to spend it on things that bring you joy, growth, and peace.

Are you ready to reclaim it:?

Looking for more motivation and time management tips? Join the Shes Sheek community of like-minded individuals striving for balance and fulfillment!

Reclaim Your Time: Practical Strategies to Prioritize Yourself