If your days feel like a race from sunrise to sunset—with barely any room to breathe—this guide is for you. Margin isn’t just empty space; it’s the breathing room your soul, body, and spirit need to live well. Finding more margin is about creating space to think clearly, hear from God, rest deeply, and show up fully for what matters most. Let’s walk through some practical steps to help you reset your schedule and restore your peace.
1. Identify What’s Taking Up Space (and Energy)
Start by writing out all the things you do in a typical week. Include everything—from errands and work to scrolling on your phone. Then ask yourself:
What energizes me?
What drains me?
What feels essential vs. what feels excessive?
Tip: Highlight or circle 3 things you could pause, delete, or delegate.
2. Prioritize What Matters Most in This Season
Life moves in seasons, and not everything needs to happen right now. Ask:
What are my top 3 priorities in this season?
What’s God calling me to focus on?
What can wait?
Margin increases when we stop trying to do it all and instead focus on doing what matters most.
3. Time Block with Breathing Room
When planning your week, don’t pack it tight. Add in white space on purpose. This includes:
A 15–30 min buffer between tasks
A day with no meetings or major commitments
A scheduled rest window every day (yes—rest goes on the calendar too!)
Sample Margin-Friendly Time Block Example:
6:30 AM – Devotion & Quiet Time
7:00 AM – Family Prep / Breakfast
9:00 AM – Focus Work
11:00 AM – Walk / Stretch / Margin Time
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Admin / Calls
3:00 PM – School Pick-up / Family
5:00 PM – Dinner & Wind Down
7:00 PM – Personal / Margin Time
4. Create Boundaries that Protect Your Margin
Margin won’t create itself—you have to protect it.
That means:
Saying “no” to what’s not aligned
Logging off social or work after a certain hour
Keeping one day a week slow on purpose
Every “no” creates space for a better “yes.”
5. Let Margin Be a Ministry to Your Soul
God never called us to a pace that pulls us away from peace. Jesus often withdrew to quiet places—and so should we. Margin isn’t laziness; it’s leadership over your life. Let your margin become a space where you can breathe, pray, think, dream, and be—not just do.
Ready for more?
Download my 10 Questions to Ask Yourself When Making Decisions —a powerful tool to help you filter your calendar with clarity and purpose.
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