There is always a shortage of time. There is not enough time for work, for taking care of yourself, or for your loved ones. We live with a feeling of constant pursuit: everything is important, everything is urgent, everything is on our shoulders. But is it possible to stop, breathe — and do the most valuable thing, investing a few hours a day, informs Ukr.Media.
This article is not another “how to do everything” guide, because that's a flawed task in itself. The goal is not to do EVERYTHING, but to free up space for what really matters.
First, no more, but otherwise
Working less requires thinking differently. It's not about “squeezing in more,” it's about what to let go of. And it's about having the courage to ask yourself the uncomfortable question: “What's really important in my life?” Not for a report, not for someone else's approval, but for you.
It's not magic. It's a strategy backed by science, experience, and an inner decision not to spray anymore.
The truly important thing is usually not urgent.
We often confuse the important with the urgent. But as cognitive psychology research shows, the brain reacts to urgency as a signal of danger — and automatically prioritizes it. As a result, the day is spent “putting out fires,” and the deeper issues are left for later.
What to do: Divide tasks into 4 categories (Eisenhower matrix): urgent and important, important and not urgent, urgent but not important, and those that should be crossed off altogether. Focus on the second category. It is this that builds the future.
Practice: Every morning, write down 3 things that really get you closer to your goal—not tasks, but actions that create change. And start your day with them. Yes, even if the unwashed floor can wait a little.
Working in blocks: not more, but deeper
The popular Pomodoro technique—25 minutes of focused work and 5 minutes of rest—works because it matches the natural rhythm of attention. But for complex tasks, it's not enough. Our brains are capable of deep immersion, the so-called “flow” state, only after 10-15 minutes of continuous concentration.
What to do: Experiment with longer blocks — 50/10 or 90/15. Assign a clear goal to each block (write a piece of text, process data, make a plan). Don’t get distracted until you’re done.
Practice: Don't use phone breaks. Stand up, stretch, take a deep breath, look up at the sky. This is not a banality – it's a technique for restoring attention.
Turn off external noise — and internal noise too
Distractions aren't just notifications. They're also thoughts like “What if I'm missing something?” or “Maybe I should answer right now?” According to neuropsychologists, each shift in focus “costs” the brain 23 minutes before we return to full productivity.
What to do: Create a ritual for entering “working silence”—for example, making tea, turning off the sound, hanging a “do not disturb” sign. This is a signal to both your brain and your surroundings.
Practice: Keep a notebook nearby for thoughts that suddenly arise. Write them down and get back to work. This simple solution helps you not to keep everything in your head.
Not everything has to be done by you.
You don't have to carry the world on your shoulders. Even at home. Even if “no one else can do it better.” It's not a weakness – it's the ability to prioritize.
What to do: Delegate the simple. Automate the routine. Simplify the regular. For example, automatic response templates, shopping planning, reminder services — these are not “tricks”, these are saved hours.
Practice: Imagine you are away from work for 2 days. Which tasks will still be completed? And which ones will be left hanging? The latter should either be delegated or their importance should be reconsidered.
Face the truth about your day
We feel like we're busy all the time. But often we're not working, we're just “doing work.” Time auditing isn't about control, it's about taking back control.
What to do: For a few days, record exactly what you do every 30-60 minutes. Then look at these records honestly: What was truly productive? What was automatic or avoidant?
Practice: Ask yourself 3 questions for each task: can I not do it, can I delegate it, can I do it faster or easier?
Rest is not a weakness, but a strategy
Working 3-4 hours a day, we often try to “squeeze the most out of ourselves.” And we forget that a clear mind requires not only effort, but also space. Productivity is rhythm, not pressure.
What to do: Plan your breaks as carefully as your tasks. Rest should be meaningful: silence, walking, breathing, contact with your body. And — without guilt.
Practice: In the evening, don't try to “make the most of the day.” Instead, ask yourself, “What was really important today?” and allow yourself to be grateful for even one small accomplishment.
Not about perfection. About choice.
Working 3-4 hours a day and getting the most important things done is possible. But it's not about productivity in the “get everything done at once” style. It's about understanding that not everything is equally important, and you have the right to choose.
It's not always easy. But if you're still reading, you've probably already started.
