How to save 30 minutes a day

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The time-saving rules are simple. The only difficulty is to finally start applying them day in and day out.

1. Do the hard work in the morning

You don't have to get up at five in the morning and jump on tasks without drinking your morning cup of coffee. Scientists at the University of Michigan found that an adult is most mentally active between 9 and 11 a.m., and then activity decreases. So at nine, take on those things that require the most impact. And leave the check of mail and trifles for the afternoon.

2. Group similar tasks

Your brain has to rewire itself when you take on another task. This takes about 20 minutes. Group similar tasks so you don't waste time switching. For example, if you need to answer a letter, answer a few more at once, this will be faster.

3. Keep your mail under control

Better not even look into it until lunchtime. But if you know that something important should come to you in the morning regarding the tasks that you have planned for the morning, then spend a little time checking your mail in the morning, then at lunchtime and in the evening. Just don't read or reply to emails that don't require your immediate response.

4. Make a plan

We've written about this a million times already. And among my acquaintances there are still so few of those who make at least some kind of plan for the day … Do you plan goals and objectives?

It is best to make a plan for the next day in the evening, then in the morning you can immediately get into work without wasting time.

5. Get rid of distractions

Of course, you cannot ignore the office cycle and personal distractions all day, but at least for half an hour turn off your phone, close unnecessary tabs in the browser and, if possible, retire to a separate room by closing the door.

Does it happen that you come to the office on weekends to work productively in silence for at least half an hour? You can save this half an hour for relaxation if you find the opportunity to retire during working hours.

6. Clean up and organize your work area

Your desk may be perfectly clean, but it won't improve your productivity. Working cleanliness lies in the fact that nothing on the table prevents you from working and at the same time all the necessary things are always at hand: gadgets, a notebook, a pen, chargers. The same applies to work programs and folders on the computer. Everything should be in place, work correctly, and open quickly. And you should find any document, picture or folder you need instantly.

7. Don't waste your time

While traveling in public transport, stand in a traffic jam or queue, do not stick to social networks. Check your mail, make a plan for the next day, read a book that has been shelved for a long time. If you think you will have free time in the evening to check your mail, do not do it in the office - there you can finish more important things.

8. Eliminate unnecessary tasks

Think about how many things you do just because you seem to have to or could not say "no" in time. You go on Sunday morning to help a colleague buy a wardrobe, go to a cupcake making workshop, help a friend choose wallpaper, agree to organize a Friday party at the office. If the job does not bring you pleasure, think about whether you should definitely do it? Or the world won't change if you refuse?

9. Don't cook every day

If you cook every night, you are taking away more than an hour or a couple of hours that you spend directly on cooking. During the day, you keep your mind busy with thoughts of what to cook. And sometimes you run into the store to buy more groceries.

On weekends, you can cook food for almost a week and freeze it. Even healthy breakfasts can be prepared five working days in advance, and your morning preparations for work will be calmer.

10. Make time for sports

The fact that you don't have time for sports is an excuse. There is never an extra hour, if you do not specifically allocate it. Take some time to at least walk five or six kilometers a day. It will only take an hour, and you will start to think much better. If you can stretch out your lunch break, take a walk or go to the gym during this time to get rid of your afternoon sleepiness.

11. Do all your traveling chores in one go

It is better to do all the traveling tasks planned for the week at one time. Let's say you need to buy groceries, go to the service to check the car, and visit your grandmother. Set aside a day off when you do all this. In total, you will spend less time than if you split these cases over several days.

12. Don't Fall For The Myths About Multitasking

It seems so great to do several things at the same time. And you are so impetuous and do everything in time. No. Our brains can only focus on one task. Do one quickly and move on to the next. This is much more effective than trying to concentrate on four tasks at the same time.

13. Love automation

Automatic payments for the Internet, telephone, utilities will unload your brain. You simply will not be disturbed by these moments. Correctly set up your mail filters so that you receive as little spam as possible that distracts you. A lot can be automated and energy can be left for important things.

14. Get ready in the evening

This is a wonderful habit that many of us have tried to instill in school. What a pity that over time, many have forgotten about her. But if you put your bag to the gym the day before, iron your clothes the next day, cook lunch and put it in the refrigerator in a container, then in the morning there will be much less fuss. By the way, you will also insure yourself against all sorts of troubles. For example, you will not find 15 minutes before leaving the house that there is a stain on your shirt, but you do not have a fresh one.

15. Turn off screens

The light of the TV screen, smartphone, laptop interferes with the production of melatonin. So it's a very bad idea to read or watch something at night from your phone or fall asleep with your TV on. Sleep quality will deteriorate, and you will wake up feeling shattered in the morning, have difficulty thinking, and spend more time on simple tasks. Put your gadgets aside and meditate overnight.