Time Mapping: How to make your time work for you

Similar to the concept of Money Mapping, if you are struggling to find some self-care time or time to just get your to-do list done and not feel burnt out, you need to face your reality- where are you spending your time now?

According to Abramson (2022) individuals across various fields have experienced higher rates of burnout and stress since the start of the pandemic due to a spike in work hours and at-home responsibilities. Something we all have in common, regardless of education level and income is that we want to spend our time doing things we enjoy. Nonetheless, some of us wake up every morning already dreading the day because we are busy taking care of others, leaving ourselves in the backburner.

If you are ready to face your reality and make that pivot to fulfilling your needs, this post is just for you.

Some Quick Guidelines on Time Mapping

Your first attempt at Time Mapping can take you at least an hour. However, this hour will leave you confident that you are now in control of your time. You might go through an emotional rollercoaster as well; so make sure you are in a good and curious mood when you decide to start. Once you are done, make sure to revisit your map and make adjustments as you live your life.

Control: Who is in charge of your day?

Guide: Point A to Point B

Tengo Miedo: it's okay to feel scared

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Control: Who is in charge of your day?

Do you ever wake up and tell yourself,

Today I am going to do something fun for me.

And then you find yourself in bed at the end of the day upset that the entire day was spent doing everything but what you actually wanted to do?

Whether you spend your day caring for others or working long hours (or even both), you need to ensure you are taking care of yourself. We have been brainwashed into believing that we need to work ourselves to the bone to deserve a break. Hence, we look forward to long weekends and holiday breaks to binge enjoying life. Meanwhile, we impatiently wait for these holidays, though, we are walking around exhausted, miserable, and irritable.

So who is actually in control of your day? Are you doing at least one thing you enjoy?

Guide: Point A to Point B

My undergraduate philosophy professor taught me that there are various ways to get from Point A to Point B. In this case, Point A is who you are today; Point B is you meeting your goal of happiness.

Each of us has a different version of our happy self in mind. What does yours look like? And I don't just mean the version of you laying on a beach on Memorial Day weekend. I mean, what does the happy version of you look like every day? For the next section, feel free to use a cute journal, your phone, or my cute Time Map template.

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Dedicate at least an hour

As I mentioned earlier, you will need at least an hour the first time you create your time map. Do not feel guilty for carving this time out either. If you are not in control of your time, who is?

Be honest

This time map is for your eyes only (unless you decide to share the wealth) and is intended to give you your power back. You are the only one who knows your needs and wants. So, be honest with yourself as you complete and modify your map.

Start with your fixed responsibilities

There are certain responsibilities that we can't get rid of as adults (e.g., work, taking care of the kids, feeding the dog, etc.). Start your time mapping by adding these fixed activities to your map first.

Sleep

7-8 hours of sleep

Yes, you read that right. Add in 7-8 hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation causes horrible things to your body (e.g., memory loss, fatigue, stress, weight gain, weak immunity, diabetes) (Watson & Cherney, 2021).

Review

Take a step back and review your map. Do you have any time left?

If so, fill in the remaining slots with your favorite hobby or an activity that will get you closer to your goals.

If not, are you able to reduce any of your fixed responsibilities?

Modify as needed.

This will not be the last time you look at your time map. Make sure you review it monthly or as needed and modify it to fit your needs.

Tengo Miedo: it's okay to feel scared

Habits aren't developed overnight. You have been on this current path for a very long time. So it's okay to feel a little scared of this change. Take your time and really tune in to how you have been feeling lately. If you have been feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or like running away from the busyness, then maybe it's time for you to listen to your body and take a pause. Truly envision what life you want to live and go with your heart!

This guide is super simple to follow and intended to work for whatever you need and want. Last but not least, make sure to subscribe to see more posts like this, and leave a comment :)

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Flor E. Carabez, Ed.S

Esperanza Equity Consulting LLC.

References

Abramson, A. (2022, January). Burnout and stress are everywhere. Monitor on Psychology, 53(1). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/01/special-burnout-stress

Watson, S., & Cherney, K. (2021, December 15). 11 effects of sleep deprivation on your body. Healthline. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body