Five simple hacks to add more hours to your day
When you're trying to do everything, there is never quite enough time to be great. You wake up early, stay up late, just to squeeze in an extra hour or two. As a society, we find ourselves burning the candle at both ends, pushing for achievement only to put our health at risk.
No matter what industry you're in, from start-up to fortune 500, there are layers to each job. There's keeping track of budgets, designing marketing campaigns, and making sure people are doing their jobs. The to-do list is never-ending. So, what can you do to maximize your day without sacrificing your health?
Utilize Technology
According to Tim Ferriss, the author of The 4-Hour-Workweek, there away several ways to maintain and increase weekly output by utilizing technology. Let virtual assistants schedule meetings, use time-tracking software to determine where your time goes, and break down larger projects with project planning tools.
Online programs like Timely and Toggl can assist with keeping track of every second of the day, while Trello or Monday can help you block out precisely what you are working on throughout the week. If social media seems to be a distraction, there are apps for your desktop that block those temptations, which alone may save you several hours of mindless scrolling.
Streamline Simple Tasks
Can you find a way to automate deliveries or your ordering systems? What about stocking the snack fridge? Amazon can send you rotating orders for lots of goods, and with Doordash delivering everything now, there is no need for you to spend endless hours surfing the isles. Think of a few small ways to shave off ten minutes here and there, and you'll regain an hour or two of your life.
Stop checking email
Okay, we know that you can't stop checking email altogether, but if you are one of those people who is continuously digging around in your inbox, set a time in the morning and afternoon to read and respond to your messages. Without boundaries, you'll never catch up. Set up push notifications to review small segments of emails when they come in. Ask yourself, is this urgent, or can it wait until my next email check-in?
If you're still worried about missing important information, install Slack and answer questions in real-time.
Develop a morning routine
A vigorous morning routine can help prepare you for the day ahead. It can ease you into what you have coming up and make sure you are in the right mindset. If you find yourself running out the door, always late, you won't arrive at the office in the right frame of mind.
Try by going to bed early enough to allow for a little extra time in the mornings, even if it's only an extra half hour. Your morning routine starts the night before, so when you get enough rest, you can be more productive.
A quick walk around the block can help get your energy up after breakfast and help provide the power you need to stay focused through the rest of the day.
No matter what it looks like, find a routine and stick to you. The increased productivity you see will make up for the early start.
Don’t be afraid to take a break
Taking a break is not a sign of weakness but more of an indication of strength. Some scientists feel taking a break can positively impact your work output. So, while everyone loves a dedicated employee, try to encourage your employees and yourself to get up from your desk and completely disengage from work. Find somewhere quiet and plug into a meditation app for a few minutes. Chat with a colleague about something outside of work. Whatever it is, a few minutes here or there can make you more efficient and productive.
