Yale psychologist says feeling too busy can damage brain health, offers 3 fixes for 'time famine'

Yale University psychology professor Laurie Santos advocates celebrating free time. (Image credit: LinkedIn)

If you are feeling too busy or if you feel like you don’t have time to do what you want, it can lead to “time famine,” says Yale University psychology professor Laurie Santos.

Attending a conference at South by Southwest recently, Santos explained that time famine can lead to poorer work performance and burnout. And it is just as harmful to your mental health as being unemployed, CNBC Make It reported her as saying.

"It even makes you less productive, because it makes you less happy," Santos said. “I think we feel strapped for time because we think working ... as much as we work all the time is essential for achieving the things we want to achieve in life.”

There are, however, three simple ways to beat "time famine" and build “time affluence” and improve your brain health, Santos told CNBC Make It. We should all think “about time the way we think about money,” she added.

1.) Limit time blocking

Although it might look impressive, a jam-packed calendar may make you feel like there’s no time to eat lunch, chat with friends and colleagues or even take some time off for yourself, Santos said. Some tasks that belong on a to-do list don’t deserve to take up space in your planner, she added. "Giving yourself time, with fewer interruptions, to work on larger projects can psychologically make you feel less busy, less stressed and as a result, more productive," the Yale University psychology professor said.

2.) Celebrate your free time

Santos recommends celebrating tiny chunks of freedom. It makes you happier, she said. "Say you’re in a meeting that ends early, or you finish a task ahead of schedule. Whenever you find a couple of unexpected free minutes, celebrate it. You could go for a walk, meditate even exchange pet photos with a colleague."

3.) If required, spend money to get time back

"If you have to work late one day, don’t feel guilty eating leftovers or ordering takeout that night," Santos said, adding that working hard is draining and it is okay to use money to rest, recover and reward yourself. "If you need a couple of extra minutes to get ready for an event, and public transit or parking is unpredictable, consider splurging on an Uber."