We’re all busy trying to pack as much into our days as we can. While it would be able to create more time in your day, what we all really need to do is to learn to make better use of the time we are given. Each day has 24-hours. What makes us more successful than others, is managing those hours well.
These easy ways to create more time in your day will help you feel like you’ve added another hour or two, without sacrificing anything.
1| Tomorrow Starts Today
I thrive on routine and organization. As I think about a daily routine that works for me, I know that Monday through Friday I need to accomplish the same things so we get out the door by 7:20am. If I deviate from my routine slightly, it throws everything off.
For me, creating a daily routine starts the night before. I put away The Boy’s lunchbox and containers each night so I don’t waste time looking for them in the morning. I check to ensure we have turkey bacon in the refrigerator, because every good day starts with a slice or two. A quick look at the weather tells me what type of coat and footwear we’ll need the next day.
2| Say NO!
When looking for ways to create more time in your day, take a look at the last few weeks of your calendar. Have you been putting too much on your plate? Don’t be a YES! person, say NO! more often and shorten that list. Saying no doesn’t mean you stop helping a friend who is in a jam, but it also doesn’t mean you sacrifice what’s important to you do help someone else. If saying yes is causing you to have less time for what matters most, you aren’t being of service to yourself.
What are your priorities? Once you figure that out, saying NO! will come easier.
3| Shorten Your To-Do List
I am a list maker. I’ve been known to write things on my list that I’ve already completed simply for the purpose of crossing them off. And because I’m obsessed with these Sharpie Pens. Silly, I know. But you do it, too. Thats why you’re looking for ways to create more time in your day. Goal: Quit writing stuff down just to cross it off.
When I look at what I need to accomplish, I block of time for the things I don’t like to do first. Once I complete those items, I can move on to the fun stuff.
4| Create a Morning Routine
There are many benefits to be had if you create a morning routine that works for you. My most successful days start with walking our puppy, making coffee with my French Press {new obsession!}, then putting The Boy’s lunch together for school. I drink my coffee, and enjoy a few minutes before the craziness that is called life gets under way. This morning routine works great for me – and helps ensure I’m set up for a successful day.
5| Don’t Waste Time
This might seem like an easy suggestion, but many people waste more time than they realize. If you’re driving to work, you aren’t going to be checking your email, but you can listen to your favorite books on tape or podcasts. Try Audible and get two free audiobooks While sitting in the school pick up line, use that time to check and answer email or engage on Instagram.
By making good use of gaps in time where we don’t realize time is being wasted, it creates more time for you to accomplish your tasks and to treat yourself after a busy week.