Time-Saving Habits That Are Stealing Your Health and Productivity

“When you rely on shortcuts that compromise your health, you’re not saving time—you’re borrowing against it.”

Over the years, I’ve been asked to share my thoughts on time management. First, I have now realized that we can’t manage time. It is static. It manages us. But what we can do is manage tasks. So, for the sake of feeling agency and control over “time,” let’s work to control our “tasks.”

While I don’t claim to be an expert in task management, I’ve developed habits that help me "fit it all in." My approach is simple: I focus on managing my tasks effectively rather than trying to “save time” through shortcuts or wishing for more of it. Time is constant—it’s how we use it that matters.

However, many so-called "time savers" people rely on can be harmful, even life-threatening. These habits are often bragged about, but they simply allow people to shove more into an already hectic schedule rather than addressing the real issue: prioritization. So, let’s talk about some popular time-saving habits that could be doing more harm than good.

Sleeping Less

We’ve all heard someone brag about pulling an all-nighter or getting by on just a few hours of sleep. Entrepreneurs, especially, are guilty of this—we tend to let our minds run at all hours, firing off emails late at night or early in the morning. I get it. I’ve been tempted to cut back on sleep for more productive hours too.

But here’s the reality: sleep deprivation doesn’t just hurt your health—it hurts your productivity. Studies consistently show that getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night is crucial for cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall health. Inadequate sleep reduces brain capacity, slows decision-making, and diminishes your ability to manage stress.

Instead of sacrificing sleep, embrace it as part of your productivity strategy. Even short, 20-minute naps can reboot your mind and body, helping you focus and achieve more during your waking hours.

The Lesson: Stop seeing sleep as wasted time. Prioritize it instead.

Texting or Emailing While Driving

It’s illegal, it’s dangerous, and it’s still happening. Texting and driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle collisions and deaths. Yet, many continue to risk everything to save a few seconds by responding to an email or text while on the road.

Think about what’s really at stake. A split-second distraction can lead to vehicle damage and repairs, injuries, lawsuits, or worse—someone’s life. Beyond the immediate consequences, consider the ripple effects: costs that can be minor and annoying or significant and life-changing, lost work time to get your car repaired or to recover from injury, career setbacks from disabilities, and the emotional toll of knowing you caused harm.

If the temptation to multitask while driving is too great, use a hands-free device for phone calls, use talk-to-text, or leave texting and responding to emails for when you’re safely parked. Your life—and the lives of others—are worth more than any perceived "saved time."

The Lesson: The only task worth doing while driving is driving.

Eating Fast Food

As someone who grew up in the fast-food industry, I understand its appeal. It’s convenient, tastes good, and promises to “save time.” But the reality? Fast food has little upside.

Chronic consumption of fast food contributes to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues. Beyond the health risks, think about the time wasted waiting in drive-through lines or walking into a crowded restaurant. I once realized that my daily Tim Horton’s stop was costing me 25-50 minutes per week—time I could use far more productively.

Now, I make more effort to make my tea at home, and I prepare snacks and meals ahead of time to grab on the go. The time, money, and health benefits have been well worth the switch.

The Lesson: Fast food might save you a few minutes today, but it costs you time, health, and energy in the long run.

Not Finding Time to Exercise

This one drives me crazy. People often say they "don’t have time" to exercise, yet exercise is one of the most important predictors of health and productivity.

The truth is, we all have the same 24 hours in a day. If exercise isn’t happening, it’s not a lack of time—it’s a lack of prioritization. Exercise reduces stress, improves mood, boosts energy levels, and sharpens focus. It’s not just an investment in your health; it’s an investment in your productivity.

Personally, I carve out 1-2 hours daily for exercise. It’s just a mandatory part of my routine. While my goals and outcomes for exercise have changed over the years, my engagement now is a contribution to my 80-year-old self. The time spent exercising pays for itself in how I feel and perform throughout the day.

The Lesson: Stop using time as an excuse. Prioritize exercise, and the benefits will ripple into every area of your life.

The Bottom Line

When you rely on shortcuts that compromise your health, you’re not saving time—you’re borrowing against it. Sleep deprivation, distracted driving, poor eating habits, and skipping exercise may seem like quick fixes, but they lead to long-term consequences that steal far more time than they save.

Take a moment to reflect: What “time savers” are you leaning on, and what is the real cost? Instead of trying to find more time, focus on managing the TASKS you want and need to do in ways that align with your priorities and values. Your health and productivity depend on it.

Want more tips on managing your time and staying productive? Let’s connect. Reach out to learn how you can take control of your time and build a healthier, more productive life.