We have been gradually putting together a list of some ways to save time in our everyday lives. Not all will suit everyone but you may find one or two that can make a difference.
- Don’t procrastinate when it comes to tasks that can be done in under 5 minutes, just get up and do it. Putting it off can more than double the time spent.
- Make important decisions early in the day when you are fresh rather than trying to do this at the end of the day. Things take a lot longer when you are tired.
- Play an up tempo playlist to get you moving and up the pace when you are doing physical activities like showering, changing, brushing your teeth, cleaning the house or ironing. It can reduce boredom and add some fun.
- Keep distractions at bay – if you need to focus on a task turn off your sound notifications and put your phone out of sight. You will be a lot more efficient.
- Don't be available all the time. Check emails at intervals and attend to several, at a time, rather than responding to every message that pops up.
- Use an app that blocks your access to time-wasting websites. These maybe online shopping sites, travel sites, you tube or linked in. There are apps you can download that will temporarily block the sites that you know waste your time.
- Say no to invitations you don't actually want. Think about what you really want to do with your free time – don’t be rude but don’t say yes just to keep the peace.
- Always have a 'to-do' list. Prioritise the most important and dedicate time to focus on these tasks first. Tasks can be rated in terms of whether they save or make money, whether they have a deadline or whether they are critical to other things happening.
- Automate as many of your daily tasks as possible so you can focus on bigger things. Online grocery shopping can be time consuming until you have your regular lists set up. Save time and money as you are less likely to be tempted by impulse buys. Meal delivery services are free to join and can be suspended for lengthy periods. They aren’t cheap but may help you get through a particularly busy few weeks. Check out what bills and payments you can automate safely. Make sure you still reconcile at the end of a set period so you keep on top of expenses.
- Consume your audio while you do activities that don't require a lot of concentration, like cooking or cleaning. Podcasts, ebooks, even making some phone calls where you know you will be on hold for a period of time.
- Avoid sitting at the computer without a plan for what you are going to do there. Your free time can disappear very quickly. Try to put a time limit on how long you are going to spend on Facebook or researching a car, holiday, phone plan etc.
Let us know what works for you by emailing info@accesseap.com.au. We will share tips in upcoming newsletters.