Have you ever thought about what it would be like to manage your time without using a clock?

Are you looking for different ways to experience the passage of time throughout your daily routine?

If you think the only way to tell time is to keep a clock by your side and stare at the minute and hour hands as they sweep their way around the clock face…you’d be incorrect!

While a clock can help you determine time in relation to your immediate surroundings, you don’t have to rely on a clock in order to manage your time.

There’s plenty of other ways to effectively manage your minutes and hours.

In this blog post, you’ll find four thoughtful ways to manage your time without using a clock.

The next time you find yourself without access to a clock or if you simply want a change of pace, you’ll definitely want to check out these other time-keeping methods.

Use tasks/errands/chores as a guide. 

If want to measure time, look no further than your daily tasks, errands, and chores.

Believe it or not, these items can be useful time-telling guides.

These items are performed on a routine basis, so there’s a good chance you perform them quickly and efficiently.

You most likely have a good sense as to how long it takes you to complete a task.

Consider for a moment any of your routine tasks, errands, and chores. How many minutes does it take you to complete each action? For example, how long does it take you to sort through your postal mail?

How long does it take you to go to the bank and pharmacy? What about taking the dog for a walk around the neighborhood?

How long does it take you to make a sandwich? Empty the garbage can? Clear out your desk’s inbox tray? 

Set a production limit.

A simple way to track time is to set a production limit for your work. This way you are focused on completing the task, as opposed to staring at the clock. 

Let’s say you need to collate and address mailing catalogs. Instead of trying to complete as many catalogs as you possibly can, you set a goal to finish 25 catalogs.

You know it takes you roughly two minutes to finish one catalog. So, 25 catalogs multiplied by two minutes equals roughly 50 minutes. That gives you about an hour to complete this task.

You can repeat this same method with any other task. Set a specific production limit when it comes to writing emails, brainstorming ideas, cleaning a floor, or stocking a shelf.

Fortunately, this process is as easy as taking your eyes off the clock and focusing on the task at hand.

Pay attention to how you’re feeling.

Paying attention to your basic needs can tell you a lot about the time. Your natural instincts will give you a hint: you just need to pay attention to how you are feeling!

For instance, do you feel sleepy or tired right now? Is it close to bedtime or is bedtime far away? Are you hungry or thirsty? Is it almost mealtime or are you feeling pleasantly satiated?

Practice paying attention to your body’s cues throughout the day.  

Notice those external cues.

Did you know you can tell time by paying attention to your immediate environment? The more you pay attention to what’s going on around you, the better sense of time you’ll have.

Try being more aware and receptive to regular cues in your daily routine. What are some examples of external cues?

Your pet cat might start rubbing their head on your leg which may mean it’s getting close to kitty’s dinnertime.

You might hear more car traffic which may mean the school across the street has let out for the day.

Or you might realize it’s mid-morning when the postal mail is delivered to your desk.

How about you? Which external cues are you going to use to help you manage your time without using a clock? Join the conversation and leave a comment below!