Time is a resource.
We may think of time as a resource that allows us to give our presence to others, ourselves, and a variety of experiences. This is true. We may also think of it as a space to fill up with work, chores, and projects. Have some spare time? Ah, this is an opportunity to “get things done!” Of course, it may be that very kind of opportunity; sometimes, that may be precisely what we need. Our mental health can be bolstered by a sense of mastery and clearing away what needs to be done.
But… if this is always how we’re using excess or bonus time, or if we have a reality or a perception that tells us we must fill this with work and to-do list tasks (internalized capitalism, anyone? Or… a post-traumatic flight response, anyone?) then we may grow a sense of exhaustion, frustration, and resentment. In reality or in perception, we are experiencing time famine. We don’t have enough free time.
The opposite concept is time affluence.
Sometimes, people find themselves chasing after financial wealth, and busyness can be a sign of that pursuit. At the same time, the very systems that allow people to rise to that kind of “top,” often create oppression for others. Time famine is present for those who are on a rat-race laden, climb of the ladder. Others have time famine because there is true financial poverty, and they must do an immense amount of work to pay the bills or simply survive.
Wherever we find ourselves between these poles, how do we create more time affluence for ourselves and others?
Our mental health plummets when we feel time famine, and it is greatly improved by time affluence. Psychologists are noting that some people are choosing to prioritize opportunities for more free time, rather than making more money; time is also a resource and a value. Of course, there is a great deal of privilege in having such a choice to make. Not everyone has that same set of choices. So again, if we have time affluence, or the ability to choose more of it, how can we advocate for others to have the same? And as a bigger question, how do we build communities and structure society so that there are more willful choices and opportunities to share resources — money, time, relationships, care, and more?
Here’s an article about time affluence:
Feeling Constantly Pressed for Time Is Robbing You of Happiness—But These ‘Time Affluence’ Strategies Can Help
—Renee Roederer
Smuggling Grace 