Do you feel like there are too many things to do in a day, but not enough time to do them? If so, you’re experiencing what researchers call time poverty.

【小题1】. The standard reply to “How are you?” is often “I’m so busy!” Many people find it increasingly difficult to spare time to see friends, pursue a hobby, or take a vacation. Some people even take great pride in how busy they are because it’s become a status symbol. 【小题2】. Fortunately, here are specific steps we can take to feel more time affluent (富足的) and more socially connected.

If you want a satisfying social life, buy time for it. You might pay to have a disliked housework done by others, get a direct flight instead of a cheaper one with a stopover, or pay extra to drive the fastest route home. 【小题3】, like calling a friend or hanging out with your kids.

Another way to get more time is to give it away. In one study, researchers asked people to devote part of their Saturday morning to doing something for themselves that they weren’t already planning to do or doing something for someone else. The people who gave away their time later felt like they had more of it. 【小题4】.

If you have too many things to do and not enough time to do them, try to cut back on some things. 【小题5】. You can probably choose to slow down a little and make more time for casual chats with co-workers and unplanned get-togethers with friends.