You are poor. Not in the money sense. But in the time sense. I'm also poor. Like you, I suffer from "time poverty". We all do.

In today's fast-paced world, time poverty has become a pressing issue, impacting our happiness and productivity. Our constant connection to technology and obsession with work and money have left us feeling overwhelmed. 

Harvard Business School psychologist Ashley Whillans says that the rising rates of time poverty "have crushing effects on our happiness, our social relationships, and our physical health. Time poverty silences our laughter, steals our joy and depletes our personal well-being."

All is not lost though. By understanding the root causes and implementing effective self-nudging strategies, you can reclaim your time and enhance your well-being, in both your professional life and personal life. Let's look at why we experience time poverty in the first place.

Technology and fragmented leisure

Our constant use of smartphones, tablets, and laptops has fragmented our leisure time into small distracted moments. Whillans and her team call this "time confetti." It's like having a virtual ticker tape parade of tiny moments slipping through your fingers. 

We don't think it's that much. But the constant checking of your phone - an email here, an Instagram scroll there, and before you know it, you've got nothing to show but a craned neck and two sore thumbs. 

The Misconception of money's influence

Society has taught us that money is the key to happiness, but research shows that it only protects against sadness and doesn't guarantee joy. Money can't buy you love, and it certainly can't buy you extra hours in a day. 

"My data suggests that time poverty is also caused by our obsession with work and making money," says Whillans. "We are taught - and incorrectly believe - that money, not time, will bring us greater happiness." 

Money is important. But it isn't everything. Perhaps the new rallying cry for the Future of Work is to shift your focus from chasing dollar bills to cherishing the precious moments that make life truly fulfilling, or at least more fulfilling than the pursuit of money alone.

Strategies for "time abundance"

Reclaiming our time requires intentional choices. Here are three strategies that will make you the time management superhero you were always meant to be:

• Prioritizing meaningful activities: Allocate time for activities that bring joy, such as socializing, volunteering, and exercising. Remember, no matter how busy you are, there's always time for a good laugh with friends.
• Outsourcing and delegation: Identify tasks that drain your time and energy, and consider outsourcing or delegating them. After all, who wants to spend their weekends battling dust bunnies when you could be out exploring the world or indulging in your favorite hobbies?
• Maximizing found moments: Utilize small pockets of free time, like during commutes or waiting in line, for meaningful interactions. Instead of scrolling mindlessly through your phone, strike up a conversation with the person next to you. Call a friend or a parent. Research shows, after all, that stranger conversations can make us feel good - better than we think they do.

Inc