Catching Time: How We Lose Hours Chasing Productivity

Morning: What time do I have left?

I wake up and immediately grab my phone—just to check the time. Do I still have a few minutes for coffee and news? My eyes scan headlines about wars, disasters, and the climate crisis. Great mood, right? I scroll through social feeds: perfect lives, perfect people, perfect hashtags. Time flies, and with it go my panic, envy, and guilt. My inner voice whispers, “Time for a workout.” I look at the clock again—proof of my suffering and willpower confirmed.

Midday: And the to‑do list keeps growing

The sun reaches its zenith, but my checklist blinks like a warning light—there’s still so much left to do. Productivity gurus echo in my head: “Black coffee and iron discipline, and you’re unstoppable.” Yet my stomach isn’t impressed by motivational slogans, and my brain refuses to function without a real lunch.

Evening: Where did the day go?

I’m finally home. Dinner is down, a few sentences exchanged with loved ones, and my to‑do list is shamelessly ignored again. I just want to switch off: maybe watch a film or open a thoughtful book? But first—a quick scroll through social media. Just a couple more minutes to make sure the world is still intact, that the planet hasn’t fallen apart, and that people are still posting pictures of their beautiful lives. Time check? Oh right—time for bed. The day has vanished, leaving a tired mind, stray thoughts, and a dozen unfinished tasks.