7 Quick and Easy Tips to be More Productive

Happy Fall! I used to hate this season because the next season is winter and I really dislike (actually, despise) winter. But now I have decided to not blame the Fall for my issues with Winter. Grabbing a blanket to escape the morning chill is awesome to me! The color orange is everywhere. Ok, I'm still grasping for reasons to like the fall. But the best thing about this season is... 

Fall = Back to School!!!

Being back to a structured routine is essential for our home to run well and for me to get things done. But it also means frantic mornings, after-school practices and appointments, which can be frustrating and seem like there's not enough time in the day to get everything done.

There are some surprisingly easy ways to make the most of the time you have (exception is #2 - that may not be so "easy"). Here are 7 quick and easy tips to try...

1. Use a timer
If you’ve talked to me or follow me on social media, you’ve probably heard me go on and on about timers. I LOVE THEM! They are especially helpful for starting tasks you avoid. Set a timer for a short amount of time, like 15 minutes, and just start!
2. Delete social media apps
What the what?!?! Yep, I said it. Take them off your phone. You will save an unbelieveable amount of time. Don’t believe me or don’t want to believe me? If you have an iPhone try this eye-opener…

• Go to Settings, then Battery.
• Scroll down and the apps you use will show you a percentage of time used. To the right is a small clock icon. Click on the clock and it will show you the number of minutes, or let’s be honest, hours you spent on each app in the last 24 hours. Click on “Last 7 days” if you really want to see how much time you are wasting on your phone.

3. Write it down
Studies are proving that you are more likely to remember something if you physically write it down versus if you type it. Plus, once you’ve written it down, you free up the mental space in your brain and can better focus. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with everything you need to accomplish, do a brain dump and get it all on paper. Instant relief! Then go back and decide on the priorities.
4. Plan down-time
To be more productive, you need to allow your brain to stop working. Exercise, read, meditate, lay down for 10 minutes...Give your brain a rest periodically and it will work better for you.
5. Manage to-dos
Be realistic and set yourself up for success. List all the things you have to do, but then find the most pressing or important 1-2 things and write them down. If you can accomplish more, that’s a bonus.
6. Time blocking
Look at your to-do list and group things that are similar. List all the calls that you need to make. List purchases you need to make. Do the same for items or topics to research. Then do those like things during one block of time. When you make 6 phone calls without wandering off to check an email or read an article the time will be spent much more efficiently. The days of multi-tasking are over.
7. Night time routine
Use a couple minutes at night to prepare for the next day. Look over your schedule, make tomorrow’s lunch, lay out your clothes, etc. It will make your morning much smoother.

I hope you can find some success in using one or more of these tips!