Using Time Wisely
Posted: 14th July 2026
Looking after our most important real estate.
Last month, I wrote on the *“illusion” of saving time. We cannot save time, we can only use it wisely.
In her book *“My Stroke of Insight” Dr. Jill Bolte-Taylor says, “I view the garden in my mind as a sacred patch of cosmic real estate that the universe has entrusted me to tend over the years of my lifetime.”. I would go further and say that we have been entrusted with a body, mind, and soul and they are the most important real estate that we must manage. It is our responsibility to do so, not just for ourselves, but for those close to us, for our community, for our career, and for anyone or anything that is important to us.
It is becoming increasingly clear from research that our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being are all essential to living a full life, and that each has an impact on the others. If we are not in a good mental space, for example, that will have a physiological effect on our bodies, and impact our physical well-being. If our spiritual well-being is not good, because of a lack of purpose or fulfilment for example, that will impact out mental well-being. Our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being are inter-connected, and we need to manage each of them.
What should you do? I will not be prescriptive as to the detail of what you should do, other than to say that you should or must do something in each area.
Physical Well-being
You should manage your diet. This does not mean “going on a diet” but, what is probably better, is to just follow good nutrition practices which could include: eating less, eating more fruit and vegetables, eating less processed food, and eating less sweet and sugar products. In general, just having a balanced diet.
You should practice a fitness and health routine that works for you. This does not mean seven high-intensity gym sessions each week. Maybe that is for you but, for most, what can you fit into your week? Can you walk, jog, practice yoga or Pilates, play a sport or go to the gym?
Mental Well-being
There are two aspects to our mental well-being: staying alert for as long as possible in our lives, and maintaining a sense of inner peace and contentment.
In terms of staying alert, do you read, listen to music or podcasts, do any online daily word or number puzzles, do a daily crossword, have regular conversations with loved ones or friends on a range of subjects?
In terms of maintaining a sense of inner peace and contentment, do you have a *daily gratitude practice, do you *practice positive affirmations, do you have a creative hobby such as painting or writing, do you journal, do you tend to your garden – flowers, plants, or vegetables?
Spiritual Well-being
This is about finding purpose, meaning, and fulfilment in your life. Do you have a religious practice that provides this for you? How about meditation? Do you spend time in nature? Do you journal or discuss life’s purpose with someone else to clarify your own thoughts and perspectives? Do you have meaningful relationships and friendships? Do you read books or listen to podcasts on spirituality?
Conscious Breathing
This is a practice/technique that I have only heard of recently. I will write about it next month. There are a number of different techniques for example box breathing and the 4-7-8 technique. When practiced they can have a positive impact on the central nervous system which then has a positive impact on our entire body and mind, leading to a greater sense of well-being, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
The techniques can be used at fixed times during the day, for example first thing in the morning or late at night. They can also be used as a calming mechanism before a stressful meeting or event. They can be used randomly during the day also. They take little time, cost nothing, but are extremely effective.
Conclusion
Some activities can serve a number of purposes. For example, a walk in nature, can benefit our physical, mental and spiritual well beings. You could listen to a spiritual podcast while walking or exercising. Tending to a vegetable garden is beneficial on all three aspects too.
Not every practice will suit everyone. Some activities take little time, some take more, and some can replace something that you are doing today, for example, could you reduce your online screen time?
The bottom-line is that it is your responsibility to manage your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
You may ask “how can I afford the time to do so?”. The answer to that may be Yes or No. That’s up to you.
However, the question that I would ask is “can you afford not to do so?”. The answer to that is most definitely that you cannot afford not to do so. As mentioned earlier, you are depending on you to do so, your loved ones are depending on you to do so, your friends are depending on you to so, and your career, and whatever else is important to you, is dependent on you doing so.
Just do it!
You are worth it!
Note
There is nothing prescriptive in this article. There are many other practices and techniques that may work for you. However, if you have a medical condition or are in mental distress then you should seek professional advice, help, and support from a suitably qualified medical professional.
*References
Saving Time - the illusion! (article)
My Stroke of Insight - Dr Jill Bolte-Taylor (book)
When I am simply grateful ... (quotation)