“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” – William Penn
William Penn is so right! Who couldn’t use a few more minutes or hours in their day?
Of course, finding those precious minutes can seem difficult – especially if you’re leading an extremely hectic life with kids, work, volunteering, recreation, and whatever else may be filling your schedule.
But don’t worry – it is possible! Use these tips to help you find some additional time in your day!
Figure Out When You’re Productive
Have you ever been asked, “Are you a morning person?” That’s because someone was probably trying to figure out when you are most productive. So, why not ask yourself this question? If you’re an early riser and feel energized when the sun is coming up, aim to get important tasks done then. If the evening is when you feel like you can conquer the world, then do some things then. Working when you’re most productive means you’ll probably do things quicker and more efficiently.
Being Organized is Key
Yes, organization is key to finding more time in your day. When you are organized, you can accomplish so much more. It can be as simple as planning your meals for the week and then grocery shopping accordingly or planning what outfits you’ll wear to work all week and moving them to the front of your closet.
Create To-Do Lists
If you love to create a to-do list and then get after it, it’s serving you well. Research has found that when people create lists, they experience a sense of satisfaction by checking off completed tasks – and they feel extra accomplished when the to-do list is totally done! Create a list of tasks you need to finish – and then check them off one-by-one.
Create Schedules
Schedules are an excellent way to keep you on task. When you designate portions of your day for certain activities, you will find it easier to accomplish things. Additionally, schedules help show where you have “wasted” time.
Delegate
You don’t have to do it all. Delegate what you can. Can the kids help take out the trash and put their clothes away? Then let them. Can your spouse pick up the dry cleaning on the way home? Ask them to do that. Learning to delegate is a skill in itself – but can be so helpful once you’ve mastered it.
Outsource Tasks You Dread
Everyone has tasks that they just don’t like to do. Grocery shopping. House cleaning. Fixing dinner. Luckily, there are ways to take these things off of your plate. You can outsource these tasks. When you don’t have to worry about these chores (and others), you will find that you gain precious time for other things.
Learn to Say No
Do you find that you often say, “Yes,” to things that you really wish you hadn’t? Then it’s time to practice saying, “No.” Pick and choose the things that are important to you and your family – and say “Yes,” to those things. But don’t be afraid to decline invitations or other commitments that take up your time.
Take Tech Breaks
Do you often find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media only to look at your watch and see that several minutes (or even an hour) has passed by? It happens. Technology can be a big distraction. Put your phone away (in a drawer or in another room) when you need to get something done. And don’t pick it back up until you’ve finished. You may be surprised by how much time you get back when you take a tech break.
If the one thing you want more of is time – then it’s time to get it. These simple tips and tricks can have you spending more time with family and friends doing the things you love – which is what everyone wants!
Let Mini Maid take cleaning your house off your to-do list – and give that time back to you right away. Use our online quote form to get started or call us to see how we can help.
