8 Ways To Claim Back Your Time

Hey there,

Let me guess. You're sitting at your desk, maybe sipping coffee (or chugging it down if you’re like me), thinking If only I had more time, I could finally get everything done! Sound familiar? If so, you're not alone. I hear this from nutritionists all the time. It’s like we’re all stuck in this never-ending loop of feeling like we never have enough hours in the day.

And guess what? We’re right. Time is our most precious commodity, and once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. Scary, right? But here’s the thing: while we can’t magically add more hours to our day (if only!), we can get smarter about how we manage our time.

Think about it like riding a bike. At first, you’re wobbling, the pedals feel stiff, and staying balanced is a challenge. But as you keep pedalling, you gain momentum, and before you know it, you're gliding along effortlessly. Time management works the same way – it feels tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be cruising.

So, if you find yourself wishing you had more time, here are my top tips to help you get control of your day, boost productivity, and make the most of those precious hours.

Not all of these tips will be for you, but even picking just one could be a game-changer. Ready to roll? Let’s do this.

1. PLAN AHEAD

You know the saying, "Fail to plan, plan to fail"? Yeah, I hate it too, but it’s painfully true. One of the best ways to gain control over your week is to take 15-20 minutes on a Sunday to map it out.

Ask yourself: What is the one thing I can do this week that will have the biggest impact on my business?

Seriously, write it down. Focusing on that one big thing will give you a sense of direction, and trust me, it makes everything else fall into place more easily. It’s like having a GPS for your week, guiding you towards where you really want to go.

2. WRITE A BIG TO-DO LIST

I know some of you love your lists (guilty as charged), but is your to-do list really helping you? Or is it just a brain dump of every little thing that crosses your mind?

Here’s the deal: Get everything out of your head and onto a piece of paper. All the personal stuff, work stuff, family commitments – throw it all down.

Now, split that list in two: Work vs. Personal. It’s easier to manage when you can actually see what’s demanding your attention. Now you can start prioritising, outsourcing, or flat-out eliminating some of the tasks that aren’t serving you.

And keep it visible! Stick it where you can see it every day. There's something so satisfying about crossing things off a list!

3. PRIORITISE LIKE A PRO

Okay, so now you’ve got your big list – it’s time to sort the wheat from the chaff. We’re talking about the difference between urgent and important.

Start by tackling the urgent tasks first (you know, the stuff that can’t wait). Then, prioritise the items that will actually help you reach your goals faster. If your goal is to find clients, then anything on your list that brings in clients is now officially “important.”

For some people, knocking out the quick, easy wins first creates momentum. For others, diving into the hard stuff feels more rewarding. Figure out what works for you, but remember – flexibility is key. Sometimes priorities shift, and that’s okay.

Just make sure your boundaries are solid so those priorities actually get done. Which brings me to…

4. ESTABLISH SOME BOUNDARIES

Ever feel like your work is creeping into every part of your life? That’s a sign you need some boundaries, my friend.

Consider this: Do you need set working hours so your family and clients know when you’re “on” and when you’re “off”? Maybe slap a sign on your office door that says “Do Not Disturb (unless there’s cake)” so the kids and hubby know you’re in the zone.

It’s also important to set boundaries with your clients. Let them know when they can expect to hear from you, and resist the urge to reply to every email at lightning speed. Remember: You don’t have to be everything for everyone, all of the time.

5. DO YOU REALLY NEED TO DO EVERYTHING?

This one’s a biggie. Take a long, hard look at your week. Are you doing tasks that someone else could easily handle for you?

Outsourcing can be a lifesaver. Whether it’s hiring someone to clean your house, having your shopping delivered, or even getting a launderette to handle the laundry, there’s no shame in freeing up your time.

Let me tell you a little secret: I found this local launderette that washes, dries, and folds my clothes for cheap. While they're folding, I’m sipping coffee across the street and doing a power hour of work. Total win-win.

And don’t forget about your family! Delegating tasks to your kids or partner is not only smart – it’s necessary. CEOs delegate, and so should you.

6. LEARN TO MULTITASK (THE RIGHT WAY)

Now, multitasking gets a bad rap sometimes, but when done strategically, it’s a serious time-saver.

For example, I love listening to podcasts while driving or walking the dog. It’s a great way to get some personal development in while knocking out two things at once. Just be careful – no multitasking while chopping onions. Trust me on this one.

And here’s a tip you might not have tried yet: learn how to use the voice dictation on your phone. Some of your best ideas will come when you're out and about – jotting down those “a-ha” moments hands-free can keep the inspiration flowing without interrupting your day.

7. WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER

Batching tasks is a great way to get more done in less time. Just like you tell your clients to batch-cook their meals, you should batch-create your social media posts. Trust me, scheduling your posts all at once instead of daily will free up so much time.

Apps like Canva and social media planners are your friends here. And if you’re struggling with content ideas, recycle! Repurpose old posts, blogs, or even past client notes. If it worked before, it’ll work again.

While we’re at it – let’s talk automation. Are you still manually scheduling client appointments or sending forms? Stop. Get yourself an online scheduling tool and some automated processes in place. Not only does it save you time, but it also makes you look like a total pro to your clients. (I use Practice Better in my practice and its a game-changer)

8. LEARN TO SAY ‘NO’

Are you taking on too much? Saying ‘yes’ to everything and everyone might make you feel helpful, but it's draining your energy and stealing your time.

Here are a few ways to say ‘no’ without feeling uncomfortable:

- “Let me get back to you.” This buys you time to check your schedule and see if you can really commit.

- “I can’t add anything to my plate right now, but have you tried… [suggest a solution].” This shows you care without overloading yourself.

- “It’s not really my thing, but thanks for thinking of me!” Perfect for those invites you *really* don’t want to accept.

And remember, sometimes a simple “no thanks” is all you need. No explanation required.

Your Time, Your Rules

We all have the same 24 hours in a day – it’s how we use them that makes the difference. Start small. Pick a couple of the tips above and give them a try. Whether it’s planning your week on Sunday, setting clearer boundaries, or outsourcing laundry (I highly recommend that one), the key is to make a start.

And if you need an extra push, maybe it's time to revisit your “why.” Why are you doing this? What’s your purpose? Are you fired up about it? If not, let’s work on that.

Remember, you’re in control. Time management isn't about squeezing more work into your day; it’s about creating a business – and a life – that feels good.

You’ve got this. Let’s make the most of every single minute.

Cheers to taking control of your time!

Karen 🫶🏼