QUICK TIPS FOR TIME MANAGEMENT
Time Management Hacks to Boost Your Day
⏰ Prioritize with the 1-3-5 Rule: Start your day by listing tasks in this order: 1 big task, 3 medium tasks, and 5 small tasks. Focus on completing these first before tackling anything else. It keeps you on track and helps you tackle a variety of things without feeling overwhelmed.
⏰ Time Blocking: Break your day into chunks of time and assign specific tasks to each block. Think of it as making a reservation on your calendar—each block is reserved for a particular task, and no double-booking! This helps you stay focused and reduces that urge to multitask.
⏰ The 2 Minute Rule: If a task takes less than 2 minutes to complete, do it immediately. This rule is a game-changer for minimizing procrastination and clearing out small, lingering tasks. You’ll be amazed at how many little things you can get done in just a few minutes. I go so far as to put a post-it on my computer that says “DO IT NOW” 😅
⏰ Use a Timer for Social Media: Let’s face it, we’ve all fallen into the social media rabbit hole. Set a timer when you need a break but don’t want to waste hours scrolling. Ten minutes of Insta, then back to the real world!
September Reset - Your Pre-Holiday Hack
✔️ Batch Your Errands: Don’t waste time running to the store every other day. Batch your errands to one or two days a week, and stick to the list! You'll save time, energy, and probably a bit of money when you're not grabbing random things on every trip.
✔️ Weekly Reset Day: Choose one day a week to reset your space. Clear out clutter, reorganize your work area, and check your calendar for upcoming events. This small weekly routine prevents mess from building up and gives you a fresh start for the week ahead. Bonus points if you turn it into a family event!
✔️ Create a Command Center: Whether it’s a corner of your kitchen or a small nook by the front door, designate a spot where important things live—like mail, keys, chargers, and to-do lists. It keeps everything in one place, so you’re not running around like a maniac looking for your stuff when you’re already late.
✔️ 5-Minute Declutter Sessions: Don’t have time for a full-on organizing spree? No worries! Set a timer for five minutes and tackle one area—whether it’s the junk drawer, your desk, or the kitchen counter. These little bursts of decluttering will add up and keep things under control without the stress.
Mastering the To-Do List
📝 Keep It Realistic: We’ve all been there—jotting down everything under the sun only to feel overwhelmed by the sheer length of our to-do list. Instead, focus on what you can realistically accomplish in a day. Break down larger tasks into smaller, bite-sized steps so each item feels more manageable. For example, instead of writing "clean the entire house," break it down into "vacuum the living room," "wipe down the kitchen counters," and "fold laundry." That way, you can actually see your progress and feel the momentum build as you check things off. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing more satisfying than checking off those boxes! BTW, if you're looking for an easy way to streamline your cleaning routine, you should definitely check out my Ultimate Cleaning Planner Bundle!
📝 Prioritize Like a Pro: Not all tasks are created equal. Start by identifying your top three priorities for the day—those non-negotiables that must get done. Place them at the top of your list and tackle them first. If you’re not sure what should take priority, ask yourself: Which tasks will have the biggest impact or consequences if they don’t get done today? By focusing on these first, you ensure that the most important things are handled, even if you don’t get to everything else. And a pro tip? Leave a little room for unexpected tasks that might pop up throughout the day—because they always do.
📝 Batch Similar Tasks: Save time and mental energy by grouping similar tasks together. It’s called "batching," and it works wonders. For example, set aside a specific time in the morning and afternoon to handle all your emails or phone calls in one go, so you can stay in the zone and power through them without interruption. The key is to minimize context-switching, which can really slow you down. So if you have several errands to run, do them all at once instead of spreading them throughout the day. Your productivity will skyrocket, and you’ll avoid that scattered feeling that comes from jumping between too many different types of tasks.
📝 Review and Adjust: Life happens, and sometimes your priorities shift. Take a moment to review and adjust your list throughout the day. If something can wait or be delegated, move it to another day or pass it along. This is where a little flexibility goes a long way. If you notice that you’re consistently not getting certain tasks done, it might be time to re-evaluate if they really need to be on your list or if they can be handled differently.
Mastering Your Nighttime Wind-Down
✨ Set a Digital Curfew: Let’s face it, the endless scrolling before bed isn't doing us any favors. Turn off your screens at least an hour before you hit the hay. This helps cut down on that pesky blue light exposure, which can mess with your circadian rhythm and make it tougher to nod off. Instead, grab that book you’ve been meaning to read or put on some chill tunes. Your brain will thank you.
✨ Create a Cozy Environment: Turn your bedroom into the ultimate relaxation zone. Dim the lights and embrace the cozy vibes with soft lighting, comfy pillows, and calming scents like lavender or chamomile. Guess what doesn't create a relaxing retreat? CLUTTER! If you have piles of paper or unfinished projects laying around, or all of your surfaces are cluttered with “stuff”, you aren't going to create the space that promotes relaxation. It’s all about signaling to your brain that it’s time to unwind. Imagine walking into a spa-like retreat every night – who wouldn’t want that?
✨ Establish a Consistent Schedule: Being a night owl might sound fun, but your body loves consistency. Try to hit the sack at the same time each night. This helps regulate your internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep faster and get that delicious deep sleep. Plus, waking up feeling rested and refreshed is totally worth it. Set a timer on your phone to go off at the same time each night, signaling it's time to make your way to bed.
Make Your Mornings Not Suck
✅ Streamline Your Coffee/Tea Routine: Organize coffee pods or tea bags in a neat container, keep mugs and stirrers within easy reach, and pre-program your coffee maker the night before for a stress-free start. The goal is to have everything in arms reach…because less is more before that first cup, am I right?
✅ Prep the Night Before: Lay out your clothes, pack lunches, and set out any items you'll need for the next day. This will save you precious time and reduce morning decision fatigue. Whatever you can do to put your AM brain on auto-pilot will help you reserve your brain power for more important things later in the day.
✅ Create a Gentle Wake-Up Routine: Use a gentle alarm or a sunrise clock to wake up gradually (here's one I love). Stretch or do some light exercises to get your body moving and your blood flowing. Why not take your cup of coffee outside and soak up some sun to get your circadian rhythm in check.
✅ Set a Positive Tone: Start your day with something you enjoy, whether it’s a few minutes of reading, listening to your favorite music, or practicing mindfulness. A positive start can set the mood for the entire day.
✅ Keep Breakfast Simple: Plan quick and healthy breakfast options like overnight oats, protein smoothies, or a quick avocado toast with eggs.
Election Day Efficiency—Time-Saving Tips for Busy Days
🚗 Pre-plan your errands
Take five minutes in the morning to map out your route for the day. Group errands by location, starting with the furthest one, and work your way back home. It’s a quick way to shave off travel time and avoid unnecessary backtracking.
📱 Declutter your digital life on the go
Waiting in a long line line to cast your vote? Perfect time to do a quick digital sweep. Delete old emails, clear out your photo gallery, or unsubscribe from those “holiday sale” emails. These small wins add up and keep your phone (and mind) feeling lighter.
⏰ Time blocking and task batching for the win!
Instead of jumping from one task to the next, try batching similar activities together. Group small, repetitive tasks—like returning calls or handling paperwork—into a single time block, so you stay focused and finish them faster.
📆 Set your future-self up for success
As your day wraps up, take 10 minutes to organize for tomorrow. Choose your outfit, set up breakfast, and make a to-do list. These little steps make tomorrow morning easier, helping you start the day strong and ready to go.
Ending the Year on a High Note
🤔 Reflect on Your Wins
Before the clock strikes midnight, take a few minutes to jot down your 2024 highlights. Big or small, these wins deserve to be celebrated. Did you tackle a project, form a new habit, or survive a tough season? Own it—you made it happen!
🗓️ Set One Small Goal for January
Instead of overwhelming yourself with resolutions, pick one manageable goal to kickstart the year. Maybe it’s drinking more water, decluttering one drawer a day, or finally starting that morning routine. Focus on consistency over perfection. Come over to Instagram to see my Huge Habit Tracker from earlier this year!
🏠 Clear Your Space for a Fresh Start
If you've been in my end of the internet for a while, you know how I feel about clutter directly affecting your entire life (I realize that sounds dramatic, but it's 100% true). Nothing feels better than waking up on January 1st to an organized home. But if that's not your reality, that's ok (I'm right there with you!) We are going to make 2025 the year we finally get our sh*t together, and get our ENTIRE home decluttered and organized. Don't worry, I'm here to help 😉 In the meantime, take 10 minutes tonight to tidy your space—clear your desk, fluff the pillows, and light a candle. A clean environment creates room for new energy.
🤩 Visualize Your Ideal 2025
Take a quiet moment to close your eyes and imagine your best self next year. What does life look like? How do you feel? If you've never been into the whole vision board thing…let me be the 100th person to tell you, that shit works! I've manifested so many amazing things in my life. I'm going to be working on mine today. Let me know if you want any tips for creating one that works! Remember: dreaming big is the first step toward making it real.
🥳 Celebrate YOU!
Whether you’re partying with friends or enjoying a cozy night in 🙋🏻♀️, take a moment to toast to yourself. You’ve navigated another year of life’s ups and downs, and that’s no small feat. You deserve to be celebrated.