The Scarcity of Time

You Have Less Than You Think

We often live as if time is endless, but crunching the numbers on an average human lifespan paints a sobering picture. Research suggests that after accounting for necessities and obligations, the discretionary time we control is far more limited than most realize, prompting a reevaluation of priorities. This perspective, popularized in discussions by authors like Mark Manson, highlights how quickly years slip away.

Taking the United States as a starting point, where life expectancy hovers around 80 years, a significant portion is already spoken for. Evidence suggests an average of about 26-27 years spent sleeping, based on typical daily sleep of around 7-8 hours. Work claims roughly 10-13 years, depending on career length and hours. Screen time, a modern staple, adds up to 11-22 years, reflecting daily averages of 6-7 hours. Household chores consume about 4-6 years, eating and drinking around 4-5 years, and commuting over 1.5 years.

These estimates vary by country due to cultural, economic, and lifestyle differences, but the core message holds: free time is scarce. This breakdown serves as a reminder to focus on what matters, though individual experiences can differ based on factors like gender and socioeconomic status.

Global and Country Variations in Lifespan

Life expectancy differs widely, influenced by healthcare, diet, and environment. Here’s a snapshot from recent projections:

Source: United Nations projections for 2025

Globally, average life expectancy is around 73.5 years, with higher figures in developed nations.

Daily Time Allocation Across Activities

Time use surveys reveal how days are divided. Below is average daily time (hours) for key activities in selected countries, drawn from OECD and national survey data. Note that gender gaps exist, with women often spending more time on unpaid work.

Sources: OECD Time Use Database, national statistical offices

Lifetime Years Spent on Activities

Converting daily averages to lifetime equivalents (assuming consistent rates throughout life, which is a simplification):

Calculations: (Daily hours ÷ 24) × Lifespan. Free time estimates subtract activity totals from lifespan, accounting for overlaps.

This breakdown reveals cultural differences—longer eating times in France reflect leisurely meals, while higher work hours in China tie to economic factors. In developing nations like India, unpaid work often claims significantly more time, reducing available leisure.

Reflections on Free Time

After these deductions, the remaining “free” time—often just 6-10 years depending on the country—serves as a call to mindfulness. The fleeting nature of discretionary time encourages intentional choices about how we spend our days. Whether prioritizing family, pursuing hobbies, or simply resting, understanding time’s scarcity can help us make more deliberate decisions about what truly matters.

The data reminds us that while we cannot control the passage of time, we can be more conscious of how we use the precious years we have for ourselves.