Time Management: 10 Ways to Buy More Time Everyday

While working conditions have improved, the average American works 8.8 hours each day, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite this, studies show that the average worker is only productive for fewer than three hours every day.

Our workdays are filled with distractions, from checking social media to messaging family and friends to surfing the internet, all of which affect our ability to focus and use our time effectively and efficiently.

According to Statista.com, 41-49% of adults of adults are stressed about not having enough time to complete the things they want to do, based on more than fifteen years of published study. The cliche that you can’t buy more time is a bit of a false narrative, given how inefficient most of us are with our time. Here are a few options.

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1. Make a daily to-do list and keep track of it.

Check, update, and prioritize your work list at the start of each day. As the day progresses, update the list with your accomplishments. Prepare your to-do list for the next day at the conclusion of the day. Keeping a list can help you stay on track. You don’t have to waste time figuring out what to do next or feeling stressed because you have a day plan. The simple act of marking stuff off as you finish them is very motivational and habit forming.

2. Make a work schedule.

It might be difficult to get actual work done between work meetings, phone calls, answering emails, and so many other daily distractions. Set aside time each day to complete the tasks on your to-do list.

3. Make use of tools.

There are numerous tools available to help streamline communication and daily duties, ranging from free meeting scheduling applications to project tracking software. Consider the tasks you perform on a daily basis at work and the tools you might use to make them more efficient.

4. Make an investment in your own success.

Invest in yourself, whether it’s through a qualified high-performance coach, a personal trainer, or some other type of external support to improve your personal or professional life. The more mentally and physically fit you are, the better at your job you will be.

5. Give yourself a pat on the back for your achievements.

Work may be isolated, and minor accomplishments often go unnoticed or unappreciated. Have a tiny incentive ready to give yourself when you finish a job on your daily to-do list. Perhaps a small sweet treat, a brief game of Solitaire, or a few minutes of browsing your favorite website. These mini-rewards will serve as a helpful reminder that completing duties is important.

Related: 10 Keys to a Healthier Lifestyle in 2022

6. Take breaks, both mentally and physically.

Sitting at your desk or in front of your computer for long amounts of time is unhealthy. Schedule a few mental and physical breaks for yourself during the day, in addition to meals or snacks. Take a five-minute walk outside to get some fresh air. Talk about something other than work with someone. Take a catnap for 20 minutes. Even 10 minutes of silent meditation is sufficient. Anything that gives you a mental or physical break from work will help you recharge so you can be more productive at work.

7. Collaborate with others.

Working in the same room or location as others can be tremendously inspiring, even if your task list does not allow for direct engagement. Knowing and feeling that others are working on their chores might motivate you to keep on track.

8. Consume nutritious foods.

Replace your second or third cup of coffee with a protein shake or a glass of water throughout the day. Bring fresh fruit or vegetables to nibble on during the day instead of sugary meals. The fuel you put into your body will have an effect on it.

9. Take steps to ensure that you stay on track.

It’s all too easy to become distracted by external factors and be lured away from the task at hand. Allowing yourself the time to finish the task you’re working on before being diverted might be as simple as leaving calls on voicemail or not checking your email for the time being. Remember that if the item is on your list, it is a priority to you, and you have the authority to handle it as such.

10. Say no.

We frequently say yes for the incorrect reasons. We overcommit to work requests in order to avoid disappointing our bosses and to feel indispensable. However, if we take on too much, it will be difficult to complete tasks in a timely or satisfactory manner. Even if we succeed, it will be at the expense of our mental and physical well-being. To summarize, when you take on too much, something suffers. Saying no shows a responsible sense of accountability to avoid overpromising and underdelivering. It can also act as a gentle reminder to the requester of how much you already have on your plate.