Simple Time Management: Make the Most of Your Day

Everyone could use an extra hour in the day, right? But we're all stuck with just 24 of them. Maybe the next best thing is to learn to get more done in the time that you have. By learning to better manage your time and become more efficient with your daily tasks, you may find that 24 hours is a lot longer than you thought it was. By following these easy steps, you will be on your way to a more productive you.

Step 1 - Keep a Log. Is it hard to even figure out where your time is going? You swear you are constantly busy, and yet things still don't get done? The first step is to realize what you are doing with your time. Keep a log of your daily activities and don't forget all the little things. Much of the time we lose is spent on small interruptions that we might not even think about. 5 minutes checking your email? 10 minutes talking to a friend? Write it down. Once you realize which activities are competing for your time, you can decide which ones are the most important to you, and which ones you can give up.

Step 2 - Prioritize. Once you decide which tasks and activities are most important to you, make them a priority! Make a list of things that are most important to you each day and then don't let distractions get in your way. It may be tempting to just do the easy tasks first, but focus on what is really important to you.

Step 3 - Coordinate Activities. You will accomplish a lot more with your time when you learn to group similar activities together. The key is to plan ahead. If you have several errands in the same part of town, plan a time where you can do them all in one trip. By consolidating your errands, you will save travel time, and avoid driving back to the same places each day for one more thing.

Step 4 - Get Organized. Organization is essential to time-management. How much time do you waste looking for your keys or sorting through a pile of papers to find the one you need? If your living space is neat and clean, you will spend less time searching for things. You can also organize by making lists. How much faster is a trip to the grocery store when you know exactly what you need?

Step 5 - Time Limits. Set limits for your non-essential activities. Whether it's watching TV, talking on the phone, playing video games-set a time limit for yourself so that these things don't take up more of your time than you want them to.

Step 6 - Sleep! Many people think they can save time by sleeping less, but it just doesn't work in the long run. When you're tired you are much less efficient and it takes you longer to get things done. Sleep deprivation causes higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression. So make sleep a priority. Your mind will be clear and refreshed and you'll accomplish things more quickly.

Step 7 - Goals and Rewards. If you never have fun, you'll just get too burned out. When you finish the work you have to do, go out and enjoy yourself! Then when it's time to work again, you'll be refreshed and focused, and ready to tackle whatever comes next.