I Don't Have Time For My Friends. What Can I Do?

<div><img src="https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/68ed0577150000adc226a0ac.jpg?ops=scalefit_630_noupscale" alt="Woman exhausted" data-caption="Woman exhausted" data-credit-link-back="" data-credit="Zohre Nemati via Unsplash" />Woman exhausted</div><div class="content-list-component text"><p>I don’t know if “hypocrite” is exactly the right word, but I’m definitely proof that <em>knowing</em> better does not always mean <em>doing</em> better.</p><p>For instance, I know how bad it is to <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/clock-blocking-benefits-sleep_uk_6705116be4b0cea985e08802">check your clock</a> and <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/ideal-screen-time-per-day_uk_68303a6de4b0e1fe96d6948a">doom-scroll</a> after <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/waking-up-3am-meaning_uk_687e365ae4b0502d85e58cf7">waking up at 3am</a>. And yet I still do it: my <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/insomnia-cure-tips-review_uk_67d3f942e4b034e451a57935">insomnia</a> persists.</p><p>I’m also well aware that close, healthy relationships with other people are key to <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/how-often-to-see-friends_uk_669e25c9e4b03375f56e5440">living a longer and healthier life</a>. Having great mates can even <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/social-life-dementia-risk_uk_67a37261e4b073cc3ce8e906">lower your risk of dementia</a>.</p><p>So why do I have 14 unread texts at the moment, and how come the idea of dragging my weary bones to an after-work event has made me sob in the past?</p><p>I love my friends, but if I’m honest, I am too exhausted by life and its endless admin to make plans as much as I’d like to.</