Feeling like there’s just not enough hours in the day is a common problem for most people. Finding the time to get everything done can be tough, so here are 5 easy practices that you can start today to make your time feel a little bit better used.
- Have 2 To Do Lists. Make a running list of things you want to get done in the near future (next couple weeks). Then, make a “Today To Do List” each day from that master list. I find that my list having too many items on it can feel overwhelming when I try to tackle it (even if they’re not all meant for one day). This way, I can put an obtainable amount of items on my today list while not forgetting the other things that I want to get done that week. If I have any tasks left over that weren’t completed, I can leave them on for the next day or add them back on my master list.
- Block Out Time. This doesn’t have to be scary. I know blocking out time and making somewhat of a schedule seems like a big commitment. But I think it’s really helpful, especially when trying to decide what you have time to get done in a day. By scheduling out blocks of time assigned to certain tasks, you can better gage what you realistically have time for. For example, if I block out working out from 3-4pm, writing blog posts from 4-5pm, then starting dinner and having family time then I know I don’t have time to run those errands today. On another note, taking a time audit can be incredibly helpful. You may think you’re spending your time one way, when in reality it looks a lot different. This can be a real eye opener on how much time is spent doing things that you really don’t need/want to be doing!
- Be Present in Whatever You’re Doing. Have you ever spent an hour doing something and asking yourself “what did I even get done?” My biggest downfall is when I’m trying to get work done and also engage with my son. Separating those two things are CRUCIAL for me. If I try to do them both at the same time, I fail at both. If you decide that you’re working out from 3-4pm, then workout. Don’t check Instagram. Don’t pause to brainstorm new blog posts (this is me). Don’t start answering those texts you’ve forgotten about. Cross tasking (yes I did just make that up) accounts for a lot of my lost time and I can’t be the only one. I’m not saying that you need to live your life to a crazy strict schedule and only have fun when it’s scheduled. BUT, I also think it’s very important to stay focused on what you’re doing especially if it’s just for 30 minutes-an hour because then you can feel productive and still have time to do other things.
- Group Similar Tasks. This can sound like multitasking but it’s not. This is simply going through and grouping all of your yard work tasks into one block. This way, if you’re doing yard work from 12-2pm, it’s okay if you’re cutting the grass and stop to pull some weeds. Although you’re technically multitasking, you’re still in the same space getting all the things done that are on your list. I do this a lot while cleaning the house. If I need to run upstairs for something, I’ll do some upstairs cleaning while up there so I’m not running up and down the stairs multiple times.
- Take Care of Yourself & Rest. While being productive and managing your time well is important, so is taking care of yourself. Your list of things to do should be nonexistent the last few hours of your day so you can unwind, relax, and recharge for the next day. Being so productive during the day calls for some serious down time in the evening!
Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be so daunting! Don’t forget to subscribe for more self-care tips.
