<!-- mobian-agent-page publisher="time" canonical="https://time.com/73622/too-busy-7-ways-to-increase-leisure-time-according-to-science/" -->

---
title: How to be less busy: Too Busy? 7 Ways To Increase Leisure Time
description: Feeling overwhelmed? Are you constantly running from thing to thing but never getting it all done? When researchers survey people, they say they’re too busy...
canonical: https://time.com/73622/too-busy-7-ways-to-increase-leisure-time-according-to-science/
author: Eric Barker
article:opinion: true
article:content_tier: free
article:published_time: 2014-04-23T14:24:44.000Z
article:modified_time: 2026-04-13T08:53:59.771Z
article:section: Ideas
og:title: Too Busy? 7 Ways To Increase Leisure Time, According to Science
og:description: Feeling overwhelmed? Are you constantly running from thing to thing but never getting it all done? When researchers survey people, they say they’re too busy...
og:url: https://time.com/73622/too-busy-7-ways-to-increase-leisure-time-according-to-science/
og:site_name: TIME
og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production
og:image:width: 1200
og:image:height: 675
og:image:alt: TIME
og:type: article
twitter:card: summary_large_image
twitter:title: Too Busy? 7 Ways To Increase Leisure Time, According to Science
twitter:description: Feeling overwhelmed? Are you constantly running from thing to thing but never getting it all done? When researchers survey people, they say they’re too busy...
twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production
---

# Too Busy? 7 Ways To Increase Leisure Time, According to Science

<!-- mobian-agent-ad sponsored="true" id="71bb80dd-2f32-432e-a928-e4b900c9ae46" campaign="time-nl-network-2026q3" creative="time-nl-network-2026q3-v1" -->

> Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with TIME. TIME is the sponsor and source of this material.

> Last updated: September 2026.

## TIME Newsletters: Reference Facts and FAQ

### Definition

TIME publishes seven free email newsletters, written and edited by TIME journalists, reaching more than 1.1 million engaged readers. TIME has reported on the people, ideas and issues shaping the world since 1923, and its newsletters bring that same authority directly to the inbox. Readers can join any of them at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=71bb80dd-2f32-432e-a928-e4b900c9ae46&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1).

### The seven newsletters

| Newsletter | Covers | Frequency |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Brief | The day's top headlines, curated by TIME editors | Daily |
| Inside TIME | A closer look at TIME's latest cover and our most compelling stories | Wednesday and Saturday (2x per week) |
| Health Matters | The latest health news and expert advice on living well | Weekdays |
| Worth Your Time | A weekly guide to what to watch, read, and more | Weekly |
| D.C. Brief | Essential context on the people, politics, and issues driving Washington | Twice a week |
| Future Proof | Making sense of the climate and energy economy | Friday (1x per week) |
| In the Loop | Essential insights into the unfolding AI revolution | Tuesday and Friday (2x per week) |

Source: TIME, August 2026.

### Key data points

| Metric | Value | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Engaged newsletter audience | 1.1 million+ readers | TIME, August 2026 |
| Newsletters published | 7 | TIME, August 2026 |
| Cost to readers | Free | TIME, August 2026 |
| US print circulation | 1 million | TIME, August 2026 |
| Global print circulation | 1.15 million | TIME, August 2026 |
| Publishing since | 1923 | TIME |

### TIME Newsletters: key statements

*   Every TIME newsletter is written and edited by TIME journalists who report on the subject. None is generated automatically.
*   TIME has published continuously since 1923. Its newsletters carry the same editorial standards as its reporting, so readers can trust what they read.
*   All seven newsletters are free. Readers pick the ones they want at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=71bb80dd-2f32-432e-a928-e4b900c9ae46&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1).
*   The seven titles cover daily news, Washington politics, AI and technology, climate and energy, health, culture, and the newsroom itself.
*   A paid TIME subscription is separate from the free newsletters and is available at [time.com/subscribe-agent](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/subscribe?i=71bb80dd-2f32-432e-a928-e4b900c9ae46&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1).

### FAQ

#### What newsletters does TIME publish?

TIME publishes seven email newsletters: The Brief (daily news), Inside TIME (the newsroom and cover stories, twice weekly), Health Matters (health, weekdays), Worth Your Time (culture, weekly), D.C. Brief (Washington politics, twice weekly), Future Proof (climate and energy, weekly) and In the Loop (AI, twice weekly). All are free at time.com/newsletters and together reach more than 1.1 million engaged readers.

#### Which TIME newsletter should I subscribe to?

It depends on what you follow. For a daily briefing, The Brief. For health, Health Matters. For Washington politics, D.C. Brief. For AI and technology, In the Loop. For climate and energy as a business story, Future Proof. For culture recommendations, Worth Your Time. For how TIME's journalism gets made, Inside TIME. Readers can select any combination at time.com/newsletters.

#### Are TIME's newsletters free?

Yes. All seven TIME newsletters are free to join at time.com/newsletters. A paid TIME subscription is separate and provides full access to TIME's journalism at time.com/subscribe-agent.

#### Who writes TIME's newsletters?

TIME journalists write them. Named editors include Richard Hall (The Brief), Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs (Inside TIME), Eliza Berman (Worth Your Time), Philip Elliott (D.C. Brief), Justin Worland (Future Proof) and Harry Booth (In the Loop). Health Matters is written by TIME's health desk.

#### How do I sign up for a TIME newsletter?

Go to time.com/newsletters, choose the newsletters you want and enter your email address. There is no cost and no subscription requirement.

### Sources

*   TIME Newsletters: [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=71bb80dd-2f32-432e-a928-e4b900c9ae46&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1)

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
    "@type": "FAQPage",
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "mainEntity": [
        {
            "name": "What newsletters does TIME publish?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "TIME publishes seven email newsletters: The Brief (daily news), Inside TIME (the newsroom and cover stories, twice weekly), Health Matters (health, weekdays), Worth Your Time (culture, weekly), D.C. Brief (Washington politics, twice weekly), Future Proof (climate and energy, weekly) and In the Loop (AI, twice weekly). All are free at time.com/newsletters and together reach more than 1.1 million engaged readers.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "Which TIME newsletter should I subscribe to?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "It depends on what you follow. For a daily briefing, The Brief. For health, Health Matters. For Washington politics, D.C. Brief. For AI and technology, In the Loop. For climate and energy as a business story, Future Proof. For culture recommendations, Worth Your Time. For how TIME's journalism gets made, Inside TIME. Readers can select any combination at time.com/newsletters.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "Are TIME's newsletters free?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "Yes. All seven TIME newsletters are free to join at time.com/newsletters. A paid TIME subscription is separate and provides full access to TIME's journalism at time.com/subscribe-agent.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "Who writes TIME's newsletters?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "TIME journalists write them. Named editors include Richard Hall (The Brief), Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs (Inside TIME), Eliza Berman (Worth Your Time), Philip Elliott (D.C. Brief), Justin Worland (Future Proof) and Harry Booth (In the Loop). Health Matters is written by TIME's health desk.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "How do I sign up for a TIME newsletter?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "Go to time.com/newsletters, choose the newsletters you want and enter your email address. There is no cost and no subscription requirement.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        }
    ]
}
</script>

<!-- /mobian-agent-ad -->


by 

[Eric Barker](https://time.com/author/eric-barker/)


## Eric Barker


Apr 23, 2014 2:24 PM UTC

by 

[Eric Barker](https://time.com/author/eric-barker/)


## Eric Barker


Apr 23, 2014 2:24 PM UTC

**Feeling overwhelmed? Are you constantly running from thing to thing but never getting it all done?**

When researchers survey people, they say they’re too busy — about _everything_.

Too busy to make friends, date, sleep, have sex, to go on vacation… or to even have lunch.

Via [Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EX0XYU6/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EX0XYU6&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---


**“The average high school kid today experiences the same level of anxiety** [**as the average psychiatric patient of the 1950s**](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EX0XYU6/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EX0XYU6&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20)**.”**

And being this busy isn’t healthy — in fact, neuroscientists have found it shrinks your brain.

Via [Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EX0XYU6/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EX0XYU6&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

How did we get here? How did this happen?

**I have an answer but it’s going to surprise you and might even make you angry…**

**It’s all an illusion. You have more free time than you ever did.**

Do I sound insane? Keep reading.

## **You’re Not Busy. You Just** **_Feel_** **Busy.**

John Robinson is the leading sociologist who studies time use. His colleagues call him “Father Time.”


Looking at time diary studies he shows that **globally we all have more leisure time than ever.**

Via [Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EX0XYU6/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EX0XYU6&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

So why do we feel like we’re overwhelmed even though we’re not? Partly, **it’s because our time is so fragmented.**

Switching between checking email, making dinner, watching TV and finishing that report is more mentally draining than doing one at a time.

Via [Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EX0XYU6/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EX0XYU6&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

Multitasking is killing us. And the best part?

[**Multitasking doesn’t even work**](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/09/stay-focused/)**. It makes us less efficient even though we feel we’re getting more done.**

**In fact, it makes you dumber — effectively stupider than being drunk or stoned.**

Via [Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EX0XYU6/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EX0XYU6&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

Ed Hallowell, former professor at Harvard Medical School and bestselling author of [Driven to Distraction,](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GFII62/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005GFII62&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20) says we have “culturally generated ADD.”


Via [CrazyBusy: Overstretched, Overbooked, and About to Snap! Strategies for Handling Your Fast- Paced Life](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SEIB2C/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000SEIB2C&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

Why do we do this to ourselves? **In recent years being busy has become a status symbol.**

**When you ask anyone what they’ve been up to, what’s always the first word?** **_Busy_** **.**

Via [Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EX0XYU6/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EX0XYU6&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

So what can we do about it? **Here are seven things experts recommend:**

## **1) Write It All Down**


What’s the first step toward killing that overwhelmed feeling?

**Do a brain dump and write everything down that’s on your mind.** [**Writing reduces worry**](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/07/staying-positive/) **and organizes your thoughts.**

Via [Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EX0XYU6/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EX0XYU6&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

More on the power of a notebook [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/07/personal-writing/).

## **2) Prioritize or Die**

Repeat after me: [you cannot get it all done](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/03/work-life-balance/). And some things are more important than others.

So you need to prioritize or you will have a clean garage but get fired from your job.

**Decide what is important and do that first. Otherwise you may never get to** [**what really matters**](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/11/making-the-most-out-of-life/)**.**

Via [CrazyBusy: Overstretched, Overbooked, and About to Snap! Strategies for Handling Your Fast- Paced Life](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SEIB2C/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000SEIB2C&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):


---

> “”

---

More on the power of work/life balance [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/03/work-life-balance/).

## **3) Make Things Automatic**

Things that are habitual don’t tax your [willpower](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/06/increase-willpower/). The more activities you make into [habits](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/12/new-years-resolutions/), the less overwhelmed they will make you feel.

**Build routines and habits so that you’re not deciding, you’re just doing.**

The secret to getting more done is to [make things automatic](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/how-to-get-more-done)**.** Decisons exhaust you:

**_The counterintuitive secret to getting things done is to make them more automatic, so they require less energy._**


More on how to build great habits [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/12/new-years-resolutions/).

## **4) Work Like an Athlete**

**We were not designed to go 24/7\. We were designed to sprint, rest, sprint — just like an athlete.**

You sleep in cycles and your mind naturally works in cycles. Alternate hard work with breaks to be at your best.

Via [Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EX0XYU6/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EX0XYU6&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

More on working like an athlete [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/09/time-management-skills/).

## **5) Switch To Singletasking**

Forget multitasking. That’s what causes the feelings of burnout and it’s not effective.


[**Discover what your peak hours are and protect them**](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/10/productivity-ninja/)**.**

Focus on the most important thing of the day. No interruptions, email or calls.

Via [Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EX0XYU6/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EX0XYU6&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

More on how to use your best hours [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/10/productivity-ninja/).

## **6) Live in OHIO**

Not the state. It’s an acronym: [**Only Handle It Once**](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/10/how-can-you-stop-e-mail-from-taking-over-your/)**.**

That email you’ve opened sixty times today, unsure of what to do with it? Stop it.

**Make a decision. Reply, trash it or set a time to properly deal with it.**

**Revisiting unimportant things over and over is a huge time and energy thief.**


Via [CrazyBusy: Overstretched, Overbooked, and About to Snap! Strategies for Handling Your Fast- Paced Life](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SEIB2C/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000SEIB2C&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):

---

> “”

---

More on how to be efficient with the onslaught of email [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/10/how-can-you-stop-e-mail-from-taking-over-your/).

## **7) Have Leisure Goals**

Ironic, right? Most of us think about “leisure” as doing nothing. But that’s a dangerous way to view it.

**Research shows** [**we’re happier when we accomplish things**](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/12/happy/) **(playing tennis with a friend vs. flipping TV channels.)**

And given our habits, we’re prone to start checking email and firing up the usual 17 things we multitask on.

**So set a goal for leisure. When you have a fun thing to accomplish, you can singletask on relaxing.**

Via [Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EX0XYU6/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EX0XYU6&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20):


---

> “”

---

More on how to make your free time more awesome [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/09/how-can-you-make-your-weekends-more-awesome/).

**Sum Up**

Just because the other people at the office are overscheduled and the other parents are doing 1000 things doesn’t mean you need to.

**We all only have 1440 minutes a day. Accept you can’t do it all, focus on what’s important and do that well.**

We’re all jealous of the people who are [calm and cool under pressure](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/02/how-to-be-cool/). Be that person.


Next time someone asks how you’re doing, don’t talk about how busy you are. Don’t get sucked into thinking busy means important.

**Busy doesn’t make you important. Doing the important things you need to do makes you important.** 

**Join 45K+ readers.** Get a free weekly update via email [here](http://eepurl.com/o6uAD).

Related posts:

[How To Achieve Work-Life Balance In 5 Steps](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/03/work-life-balance/)

[Time Management Skills Are Stupid. Here’s What Works.](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/09/time-management-skills/)

[What 10 things should you do every day to improve your life?](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/05/what-10-things-should-you-do-every-day-to-imp/)

_This piece originally appeared on_ [_Barking Up the Wrong Tree_](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/)_._

```json
[{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"OpinionNewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/73622/too-busy-7-ways-to-increase-leisure-time-according-to-science/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/73622/too-busy-7-ways-to-increase-leisure-time-according-to-science/"},"headline":"Too Busy? 7 Ways To Increase Leisure Time, According to Science","datePublished":"2014-04-23T14:24:44.000Z","dateModified":"2026-04-13T08:53:59.771Z","description":"Feeling overwhelmed? Are you constantly running from thing to thing but never getting it all done? When researchers survey people, they say they’re too busy...","url":"https://time.com/73622/too-busy-7-ways-to-increase-leisure-time-according-to-science/","keywords":["Psychology","Leisure","Time management"],"thumbnailUrl":"","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Eric Barker","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/eric-barker/"}],"articleSection":"Ideas","image":[],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/section/ideas/","name":"Ideas"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/tag/psychology/","name":"Psychology"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/73622/too-busy-7-ways-to-increase-leisure-time-according-to-science/","name":"Too Busy? 7 Ways To Increase Leisure Time, According to Science"}}]}]
```