Time Well Spent: Balancing What We Want and Need to Do

In this episode of Table Pancakes, Katherine and Shelbi explore the impact of time on our daily lives, including how we perceive it, protect it, and make time for what truly matters.What We Cover:Making Time for What MattersHow our brains perceive time and space, and why time sometimes feels like it moves too fast or too slow (referencing Denise John, PhD’s How to Slow Down Time and studies by cognitive neuroscientist Martin Wiener, PhD*)*Reflections on how time feels in this season of life and how to optimize daily routines to make the most of itTo strengthen connections, prioritize relationships that stimulate the mind, set intentional communication cadences (inspired by @sundaskhalidd’s Thread), and travel to see loved onesProtecting Our Greatest CommodityThe balance between protecting your time by disappearing (as discussed on Stars and Stars with Isa featuring Saeed Jones) and keeping time open for your closest peopleRelieving the pressure to always be available or always out and about in favor of focusing on what feels meaningfulThe role of discipline and rituals in moving personal goals forward versus relying on dopamine-fueled momentum that often fades quicklyWhen the Work is Not WorkingUnderstanding chronotypes to determine your body’s natural rhythm for sleep and productivity (referencing the Sleep Foundation’s overview of chronotypes).Looking back at early education and work experiences, the tension between personal work styles and institutional expectations, and knowing when to cut the cordReclaiming unstructured, present moments—whether by wandering aimlessly or casually hosting friends (inspired by Kurt Vonnegut’s 2005 PBS interview and Jancee Dunn’s The New York Times article, Why Don’t Adults Hang Out Anymore?).Question of the Week:How does your relationship with time feel right now, and what do you think needs to be further supported or shifted?Join the ConversationEmail us: [email protected] us on Instagram: @tablepancakespodConnect with us: @shelbihq | @katherinehfosterIf you enjoyed this episode, we’d love it if you rated, reviewed, and subscribed to the show. Your support helps us continue these conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.