Niro Feliciano’s Journey to Time Management
Years ago, Niro Feliciano found herself overwhelmed with responsibilities. As a mother of four, a psychotherapist, and a licensed clinical social worker, her schedule was packed with writing and speaking engagements. One day, after a series of sessions with adolescents, she reflected, ‘When was the last time I spent 45 minutes listening to one of my kids?’ Realizing a disconnect between her desired and actual time usage, Feliciano noted, ‘I did not see enough of a reflection of things that brought me joy and contentment.’
Reevaluating Priorities
Feliciano advises examining your daily activities if you find no time for what truly matters. She often encourages clients, especially those feeling stuck in a repetitive cycle, to scrutinize their schedules. ‘Oftentimes, the things that are most important to them don’t have much of a place in their day-to-day schedule,’ she explains.
Exercises to Regain Control of Your Time
Do a Time Audit
Start by listing people and activities that hold significance for you, such as family members, friends, and hobbies. Next, conduct a time inventory. Identify where your time is spent daily, and evaluate if it aligns with your priorities. Often, obligations and chores dominate your schedule. Adjust your routine so that it better reflects your values, fostering internal peace.
Reduce Time-Wasters
To find more time, establish boundaries. Identify activities leaving you resentful or exhausted, and limit exposure to them. Feliciano reduced her social media browsing, noticing it detracted from her priorities. Communicate breaks from certain activities with others, and their understanding will reveal their genuine support of your well-being.
Gain Time through Family Assistance
Feliciano addresses the imbalance mothers often experience, suggesting enlisting family help with tasks. Shared responsibilities benefit everyone.
Purposefully Use Your Free Time
With newfound time, engage in activities that bring you joy. Reach out to a long-lost friend or commence a project you’ve postponed. Plan beforehand how to occupy time effectively. Embrace moments of stillness, combating the urge to remain perpetually busy. Question the cycle of acquisition and accomplishment, and decide to step away from continual pursuit.
“The cycle is endless unless you consciously choose to step off.” – Niro Feliciano
This story was curated by editors Meghan Keane and CJ Riculan, with production by Margaret Cirino.
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