Edited by Julia Hanna and Jen McFarland Flint; illustrations by Rose Wong

Assistant Professor Ashley Whillans’ research is driven by a fundamental question: What makes us happy? Is it having plenty of money? Or time? Research by Whillans and others, including Professor Michael Norton, shows that wealth weakly predicts happiness. “It’s okay to be money-focused,” says Whillans. “But beyond a certain point, the amount of money you have has little bearing on happiness levels.” Finding quality time in an already hectic schedule can feel like yet another impossible task on our long list of to-dos; here, Whillans offers straightforward strategies for gaining control over that most precious asset of all.

Beware of time confetti.

Our near-constant connection to technology leads to social media and email disruptions and “time confetti,” that is, minutes spent here and there on tasks that feel productive but leave us feeling time-poor. To counteract that effect…

…do some time blocking.

“Prioritize important tasks by planning long periods of uninterrupted time,” Whillans advises.

Make a time-affluence to-do list.

Instead of scrolling through your Twitter feed, use small windfalls of time (think 5, 10, 30 minutes) to accomplish small, meaningful tasks—like going for a walk around the block or checking in with a friend.

Fund time…

Outsource tasks that you dislike, and don’t forget that you can buy together time with your partner by doing so. Whillans found that investments as small as $40 led to time savings and happiness.

…and reframe it

If you’re bothered by work tasks that seem repetitive and meaningless, reframe them in the context of helping your colleagues and your organization achieve higher-level goals. And shift your perception of leisure time away from Protestant work ethic notions of wastefulness; it’s a meaningful end in itself that can inspire greater happiness and ultimately boost productivity.

Be sure to reflect.

“Make time and space to consider what quality time means to you,” Whillans suggests. It’s going to be a little different for everyone. One person might be rejuvenated by scheduling coffee with a friend, while another may just need a solitary walk in the woods. Whatever your own version of quality time looks like, studies show it typically means feeling supported, positive, and being present.

Ashley Whillans is an assistant professor in the Negotiation, Operations, and Markets Unit. She is the author of Time Smart: How to Reclaim Your Time and Live a Happier Life.

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