Reclaim Your Time: How to Turn ‘Time Confetti’ into Meaningful Moments
Have you ever reached the end of the day and wondered where your time went? You had pockets of free time, but they seemed to disappear into emails, scrolling, or small tasks. Instead of feeling rested or productive, you end up drained. That’s time confetti—those tiny, fragmented bits of time that seem insignificant on their own but add up to a lot of wasted potential.
The term time confetti was coined by author Brigid Schulte in her book Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time. It describes the small, scattered moments of free time you get throughout the day, but instead of being restorative, they often feel frustratingly unfulfilling.
If you’re navigating a major life transition—retirement, a career shift, or redefining your purpose—learning how to reclaim these moments can be the key to feeling more present, energized, and in control of your time.
My Struggle with Time Confetti
I’ll be the first to admit that I struggle with time confetti, too. I’ll sit down with a cup of coffee, intending to take a short break, and somehow end up scrolling through emails or checking social media instead. Or I’ll have a free hour between commitments but waste it on small, unimportant tasks instead of something truly fulfilling.
Recently, I’ve been experimenting with strategies to reclaim my time. I’ve started jumping out of bed before I look at my phone. I am setting a timer before I go online to keep my scrolling in check. I’m also making a conscious effort to pause before jumping into my next task and ask myself, What do I actually want to do with this time? Just these small changes have helped me feel more intentional about my day.
If you’re considering retirement, time confetti can be even more of a challenge. I hear from so many women who worry that without work structuring their day, they’ll end up doing nothing. The irony is that instead of enjoying the freedom they’ve earned, they feel overwhelmed by endless unstructured time. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of filling the day with busywork while never quite feeling fulfilled.
Why Time Confetti Happens
Time confetti happens for a few key reasons:
Tech Disruptions – Quick checks of your phone turn into mindless scrolling, breaking up your attention and stealing your time.
Multitasking – You’re constantly shifting between tasks, whether it’s work, family, or personal responsibilities.
Guilt Around Rest – If you’ve spent years prioritising others, it can be hard to claim time for yourself without feeling guilty.
Lack of Intention – Without a clear plan, free moments get absorbed into distractions rather than used purposefully.
When your time is fractured into small, unfulfilling bits, it becomes harder to experience deep rest, focused work, or true enjoyment.
The Impact of Time Confetti
You may find yourself in a unique position right now—perhaps stepping away from a demanding career, redefining your purpose, or adjusting to an empty nest. It should be a time of freedom and choice, yet you might still feel stretched thin, unable to fully enjoy your days.
Time confetti contributes to:
Mental fatigue – Constant interruptions prevent deep focus and make it harder to complete meaningful tasks.
Stress and frustration – Feeling like you should be using your time better but not knowing how.
A sense of lost time – Looking back and wondering where the day (or even the year) went.
Difficulty transitioning into retirement – Without structure, time feels both endless and chaotic, making it hard to establish a fulfilling routine.
But what if you could reclaim and turn those scattered moments into something that truly serves you?
How to Reclaim Time and Use It Intentionally
The good news is that time confetti isn’t a permanent problem. By making small, intentional shifts, you can transform these fragmented moments into meaningful time that nourishes your well-being and supports your next chapter. Here’s how:
1. Try Tracking Your Time
Before making changes, get curious about where your time is actually going. Spend a few days tracking how you use your time—especially those small, in-between moments. Notice patterns: Are you frequently checking your phone? Do interruptions prevent you from finishing tasks? Do your activities pass the 'worth it' test? Awareness is the first step to reclaiming your time.
2. Create Intentional Transitions
Instead of jumping from task to task, build in small rituals between activities to reset your mind. A deep breath before checking emails, a short walk between errands, or a stretch before making dinner can help you feel more present. These small shifts prevent time from slipping away unnoticed.
3. Establish a “No Scroll Zone”
Technology is one of the biggest culprits in turning free moments into wasted time. Set boundaries around phone use—whether it’s no scrolling during your morning coffee, before bed, or during meals (I have a ‘no phones at the dinner table’ rule in my house). Instead, use those moments for something restorative: a quick meditation, journaling, or even staring out the window and letting your mind wander.
4. Turn Small Pockets of Time into Micro-Retreats
Instead of treating small breaks as insignificant, view them as opportunities for mini moments of joy:
A five-minute walk in nature
Listening to a short podcast episode
Writing down a gratitude list
Reading a chapter of a book
Calling a friend just to say hello
Even brief moments of mindfulness or joy can shift your entire mindset for the day.
5. Prioritise Deep Work and Deep Rest
Instead of constantly switching between small tasks, set aside focused blocks of time for work or personal projects. Likewise, give yourself permission for proper rest. That might mean an afternoon nap, a slow morning routine, or a weekend without obligations. Deep work and deep rest go hand in hand—one fuels the other.
6. Be Intentional with Social Time
Connection is one of the most fulfilling ways to spend time, but scattered interactions through texts and social media don’t always feel satisfying. Instead of fragmented digital communication, set up in-person coffee dates, phone calls, or small gatherings where you can be fully present. I plan at least one coffee catch-up each week.
7. Redefine Productivity
For decades, productivity may have been defined by work and responsibilities. In this new chapter, ask yourself: What does a fulfilling day look like for me? Productivity can mean creativity, personal growth, or simply feeling at peace. Give yourself permission to shift the definition.
Designing Your Time with Intention
Imagine a day where your time feels spacious, intentional, and fulfilling. Instead of feeling drained by endless distractions, you move through your day with purpose. By recognizing and reclaiming time confetti, you can create that reality.
Start by making one small change this week—whether it’s setting a no-scroll boundary, planning a meaningful micro-retreat, or redefining what productivity means for you.
If you're navigating a big life transition and want support in making the most of this next stage, coaching can help. Flourish After Fifty coaching programs support women like you to design a life filled with meaning, confidence, and joy.
Want to explore what coaching could look like for you? Let’s have a conversation. Get in touch today.