Finding time to spare in a fast-paced world

I just don’t have the time for it anymore. I ran out of time. I wish I had more time.

If you are an active working person you probably have used one those expressions in the last few days.

Even with all our labor-saving devices, our days are so filled with responsibilities and activities that we struggle to meet the day-to-day necessities of keeping our personal life on an even keel.

Technology has made the fax machine, personal computer, lap top, cordless phone and cellular phone available to use to speed up and increase productivity. Housewives avail themselves of such labor-saving devices as microwave ovens, dishwashers, frozen dinners and other appliances and conveniences to make living simpler inside and outside the home. Consider the power machines that cut and trim the yard, blow the leaves and then mulch them or bag them.

Time study experts find, however, that the enormous availability of products in itself can rob us of time.

Consider the products on the shelves of the supermarket. According to consumer research the number of products has increased more than 12 times during the past decade. It simply takes more time to shop, to find the brand you use or decide which new product to try.

It’s true we don’t have to do laundry with hand-crank washers that required wringing out the clothes, then hanging them on the clothesline to dry. But we may change clothes several times a day because it is so simple to drop them in the modern washing machine.

We can have dinner in a flash. Supermarkets chop the fruits and salad makings for us. Or we can dine out at any number of restaurants or fast food places.

We don’t have to drive across town to deliver messages; we fax them. We don’t have to wait at home for a telephone call; we drive our automobile and answer our cellular phone. We don’t write as many letters; it’s quicker to send E-mail from our computer. We can set our VCR to record our favorite program.

So why don’t we have time to spare, time to do whatever we want?

Time study experts find that we have replaced those so-called “saved times” with extra responsibilities and activities. Children are car-pooled to various after-school programs. We volunteer hospitals, nursing homes, schools, churches and libraries. Executives travel more. We feel guilty if we don’t share our talents so we agree to participate in numerous clubs and organizations.

A frantic pace leads to disruption of home life. Few families share regular meals together.

What can be done to find the time we all need to slow down?

• We can do less instead of more.
• Decide what is really important in your life and cut back on activities that don’t fit your goals.
• Listen to your body talk. Find your rhythm. Quit rushing.
• Decide what you really want and savor the time you have lost.

Copyright c 1996 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.