Why do I feel like I don't have enough time?

22/03/2023

There are several activities that can be time-consuming in a person's life, and the amount of time spent on these activities can vary depending on an individual's lifestyle and circumstances. Here are some examples:

  • Sleep: On average, people spend about one-third of their lives sleeping, which can be around 25-30 years.
  • Commuting: Depending on where one lives and works, commuting can take a significant amount of time. According to a study by the US Census Bureau, the average American spends about 225 hours a year commuting to work.
  • Work: For many people, work can take up a large portion of their time. The standard working week in many countries is around 40 hours, which is more than 2,000 hours a year.
  • Housework: Cleaning, cooking and other household chores can be time-consuming, especially for those without help. According to a survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spend an average of 1.7 hours a day on household activities.
  • Childcare: Raising children can be a full-time job, and parents can spend a significant amount of time caring for their children. According to an OECD report, parents in the United States spend an average of 4.7 hours a day caring for their children.
  • Social media and entertainment: Many people spend a lot of time on social media and consuming entertainment, such as watching TV or movies or playing video games. According to a Nielsen report, the average American adult spends about 11 hours a day consuming media.

These are just a few examples of the most time-consuming activities in a person's life, but there are certainly others depending on an individual's priorities and lifestyle.

What about the feeling that I can't do anything?

Feeling like you don't have enough time can be a common experience and can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some possible reasons why you may feel this way:

  1. Overcommitment: If you've taken on too many responsibilities or obligations, you may feel like you don't have enough time to complete everything you need to do. This can lead to feelings of stress and overwhelm.
  2. Poor time management: If you struggle with managing your time effectively, you may feel like you're always rushing and don't have enough time to get everything done.
  3. Perfectionism: If you have high expectations of yourself and feel that everything you do has to be perfect, you may spend more time than necessary on tasks and feel like you don't have enough time to complete everything.
  4. Procrastination: If you tend to put off tasks until the last minute, you may feel like you're always rushing to get things done and don't have enough time to get everything done.
  5. Unrealistic expectations: If you have unrealistic expectations of how much you can accomplish in a given amount of time, you may feel like you don't have enough time to get everything done.

It can be helpful to identify the root causes of your feeling that you don't have enough time and take steps to eliminate them. This may include setting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibility, or seeking support from others. In addition, it can be helpful to practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help reduce feelings of stress and overwhelm.


PhDr. Ivana Čergeťová, PhD., LL.M., MBA, PCIC

I am a psychologist, NLP coach, attachment-based therapist, career counselor, and academic staff. I have been dedicated to the attachment theory in personal and work settings for over 20 years. I work on this topic not only as a counselor but also as a researcher. Meeting with me can help you if you are seeking an expert in mental health specializing in relationships, communication, and personal development. For more information, follow my social networks @radipsychologicka #attachment #relationships #love #attachment #JoinMeForAdvice #relationshiptherapist #development