If you don’t have the time to get it all done, you’re not alone.
It seems with technology and apps that are designed for us to do more, it still seems there’s never enough time to do everything.
What if you could essentially add another hour or two to your day? How would you use that time?
We know that we can’t actually add time, you can free up additional time with these techniques:
1. Eliminate needless tasks.
Maybe you just have too many things on your task list. Take a detailed look to determine if there are any tasks that you’re doing that are simply eating up your valuable time. There are bound to be a few things you can eliminate from your life without suffering any negative impact.
2. Delete time-killing social media accounts
I know that may sound difficult, but social media platforms can be beneficial to your work and family life, but they are also great time wasters. There seems to be a lot of evidence that social media use can be harmful to your mental health. Choose wisely and set up an hour to review your social media and move on.
Have you ever considered deleting your social media accounts and picking up the phone once in a while to check-in? It’s amazing how people appreciate hearing your voice once in a while.
3. Disable notifications.
You know those bells, and chimes you have going off? Do you really need to be notified of every app, text, and email? Turn them off and save your sanity. If and when you need to be alerted or notified, choose a time to check your email, texts, and apps to determine you’re really missing out. Chances are, you’re not.
4. Try to avoid perfection.
Some tasks require complete attention and focus. Others do not. Ask yourself, “Do I really need this to be perfect”? If it is a demanding task, Break it down into smaller tasks. That way, you can check more off your list and motivate yourself to keep going.
5. Is there a faster, more efficient way to get more done?
Yes! Outsource the tasks you loathe to do. There are scores of people who will clean, organize, dog walk, shop, paint and even build a deck for you.
Maybe you have a co-worker or a neighbor who will help you lessen your workload.
6. Schedule your day or week. A good plan is much better than NO plan at all. There are so many tools to help. Here are a few I use
- Google Calendar
If you have a Gmail account, you already have access.
Simply click on the calendar app here. - To-Do App
I love this easy-to-use app. It’s free and simple. When I am on the go, I just add tasks to the list and I’m done. - Notebook
You’re probably using some type of list to keep up. It sounds elementary, but get yourself a book where you can jot down tasks, ideas and keep them all in one place.
As long as you stick to a list, you’re bound to get more done in less time each day.
7. Have you ever tracked your time?
Where does the time go?
Find out where you’re wasting it. You may be surprised where your time goes if you’ve never taken a look at it. This tool, called Toggle (it’s free) is an amazing tool.
8. Disconnect
Spend time logging out of your email. At first, it may be difficult, but you’ll be amazed at how much you can get done by not letting distractions get the best of you.
9. Consider Meal Prep
Eating eats up more time than people realize. For the time you spend shopping, cooking, eating, and cleaning up, try planning ahead.
Consider shopping for food that is easy to prepare and clean up.
Consolidate your trips to the store.
Find a delivery app, such as instacart, delivery dudes, postmates, make ordering any meal an easy task.
We only have 24 hours each day to live life. Whether your 24-hour day is easy, busy, or completely out of control, it’s helpful to find ways to free up time for a less stressful day.
No, you can’t make a day last longer, but you create additional hours by being more efficient, effective, and productive by lessening time wasters and enjoy your life.
