Too Much Free Time Can Be Counterproductive

Savvy Sunday

A quiet Sunday reflection for women embracing life’s next chapter.

Why Am I More Organized Now That I’m Busy?

Back when I was ‘retired,’ and I use that word loosely because I am not sure I was ever truly retired, my calendar had more white space than a brand new journal. And yet somehow I managed to accomplish very little. Laundry sat longer than it should have. Emails waited patiently for replies that never came. My spice drawer was a hot mess….sorta still is, not gonna lie.

Fast forward to now. These days I am writing a friend’s biography, preparing to launch a seven week journaling course, running a business and teaching multiple classes in a day, writing for a monthly article for a Florida magazine plus two blogs every week. This one and one for Pilates On Plains. I barely have time to sit down most days, yet oddly enough things are getting done. The laundry is folded, the to do list is moving, and this morning I even remembered to defrost Tanks dinner. I stood there in the kitchen for a moment thinking, who exactly is this organized woman? I was quite proud of myself. 

It made me curious. Why does it sometimes feel easier to stay organized when life is busy?

It turns out there may actually be a reason for it. When our days are completely wide open, everything feels optional. There is always the sense that we can do something later. And later quietly turns into tomorrow, or next week, or sometimes never. Without a little structure, it becomes surprisingly easy for small tasks to float around unfinished.

But when life has a bit of rhythm to it, our brains tend to shift gears. We begin prioritizing more clearly and making decisions more quickly because we know time is limited. Researchers have even found that people who have a moderate amount of structure in their day often feel more productive and purposeful than those with unlimited free time. A little pressure can actually give our days shape and direction.

There is also a concept psychologists talk about called flow. Flow happens when we are engaged in something that challenges us just enough to keep our attention. Not bored and not overwhelmed, but interested and focused. When we find ourselves in that space, we tend to work steadily without feeling drained. Think about the moments when you are doing something meaningful, perhaps organizing the garden, writing in a journal, or learning something new. Time seems to move differently in those moments.

Another piece of the puzzle may simply be people. Being connected to others naturally encourages follow through. Teaching a class, meeting a friend for a walk, working on a project with someone, or even training a dog like Tank all create small commitments that gently hold us accountable. When others are involved, we often show up a little differently. We are more likely to keep our promises and finish what we started.

A study from researchers at UCLA and the Wharton School found that people tend to feel happiest and most productive with about two to five hours of free time each day, with roughly 3.5 hours being the “sweet spot.” Interestingly, when participants imagined having seven hours of free time daily, their sense of productivity and purpose actually declined. You can read more about the study HERE 

What I am slowly learning is that being busy is not always the problem. Sometimes the real issue is having too little structure or purpose in our days. A life with a few meaningful commitments can actually feel calmer than one that is completely open. It gives our days rhythm, it gives our minds direction, and it reminds us that our time still matters.

So here is a small question to think about while you sip your own Sunday tea. Do you feel more productive when life has a little structure, or when your days are completely open? There is no right answer, of course. But noticing the rhythm that works best for you can be one of those quiet little discoveries that makes life feel smoother.

Next Sunday I want to talk about something many of us eventually discover as life evolves. The beauty of quiet seasons. Not the kind that arrive with snow or falling leaves, but the life seasons that slow us down just enough to help us grow.

Until then, enjoy your Sunday. And if your spice drawer is a hot mess, don’t worry about it. I guarantee you are in very good company.

 

Tank Tales

Tank lives a life of very serious responsibility.
High level management, really.

His office just happens to be the living room rug or couch or where ever he darn well pleases.

5:59 AM – Alarm Clock Management
Tank gently reminds his staff of their obligations.

“Mom… it’s 5:59. Just reminding you I eat at 6… so you should probably get up.”

6:00 AM – The Breakfast Review
Breakfast is served. Tank eats with the focus of a seasoned food critic, then spends the next ten minutes inspecting the bowl in case a single morsel escaped his attention.

6:02 AM – Recovery Period
Eating is exhausting. Immediate nap required.

7:00 AM – Secondary Breakfast Strategy
Dad is now awake. Tank positions himself nearby in case a second breakfast opportunity presents itself. His negotiation technique involves soulful eyes and quiet optimism.

7:30 AM – Facilities Break
Once the begging portion of the morning meeting concludes, Tank steps outside for a quick pee.

7:35 AM – Security Detail
Tank patrols the back door and barks at absolutely nothing.
Or… is there nothing there because he barked?

We often discuss this mystery.

8:00 AM – Executive Walk
Time for a walk with the parents. Tank supervises closely.

9:00 AM – Strategic Resting Phase
He curls himself into a perfect pretzel and settles in for another nap… unless Mom is heading to the studio, which of course is known to Tank as The Place of Treats and Belly Rubs.

And so the day continues.

Sniffing.
Supervising.
Napping.
Reorganizing stuffed animals.
Ensuring the humans stay on schedule.

He never seems rushed.
Never overwhelmed.
And somehow, he still manages to get everything done in a day.

Honestly, we could probably learn a thing or two from him. 🐾