We have all been there, in the middle of a busy day where it feels like no end is in sight. And while a busy day may feel like we are really turning our gears endlessly, there are ways to make them better. Take a look below at 10 ways to simplify a busy day, and instead enjoy a day that feels more calm and organized. Here is how you can get started!
10 Ways to Simplify a Busy Day
1. Wake up 30 minutes earlier.
By doing so, you are adding 30 more minutes onto your day and getting 30 more minutes to accomplish the tasks on your list. One of my favorite books on Time Management talks about doing the thing you least want to do first so that you have accomplished it while you’re fresh and then everything else will seem easy in the day. Personally this is one of my favorite tips, Get Up Early and get a Jump Start on your To Do List and you’ll be surprised how much you accomplish in a day.
2. Make your day top heavy.
When planning your day, make it top heavy. That means, try to accomplish the most during the first half of the day so you can taper off as the day goes on instead of turning up the gears.
3. Make a checklist.
Keep a simple checklist to consult during the day and keep you on task. Having a visual such as this is a great way to stay focused and get jobs done.
I like to start my checklist the night before so as I think of things that need to be done I just write them down, then I don’t have to wake up and think about what needs to be done I just start working my way through my list.
4. Avoid time traps.
Avoid black holes that suck you in and cause you to waste time. This might be social media, television shows, or other tasks that have no positive effects on your daily goals. If you typically have the TV on during the day try turning it off and putting on the radio, I get so much more done when I’m listening to the Radio vs. the TV. Another tip is to put your phone away, maybe put it in a No-Touch Basket where you can hear it in emergencies, but texts and social media can typically wait a few hours while you accomplish something.
5. Set mid day reminders.
Set your phone to give you mid day reminders. This is a great way to remember tasks you may forget or just to alert you that the day is half over.
6. Prioritize.
Before hurrying to complete any task, ask yourself how important it is. By being able to prioritize, you can finish the jobs that matter and forget the ones that don’t.
If you have a long to do list try using a Post It Note and write down the 4-5 most important items on the post it note, by keeping your list smaller you’re forcing yourself to prioritze the long list of tasks into more manageable goals for the day and you’ll get the most important things done first.
7. Fuel yourself.
Start the day with a great breakfast, eat high protein snacks, and drink plenty of water. This will help you tackle your daily goals with energy instead of feeling stressed and sluggish. Also, while it sounds counter-intuitive I typically have more energy when I get up and work out for a little while and get dressed. There’s something about getting your body moving and being dressed and ready for your day that helps me stay motivated.
8. Ask for help.
Sometimes we need help, so don’t be afraid to ask. If there is a job that a spouse or friend can help with, just ask. A good friend once told me “Do what only you can do” That means if you need to make a decision and you can’t do everything, do the things that are important in life like being with your kids, or taking care of a sick child, there are often tasks that others can help you with so be willing to ask for help and focus on doing the things that no one else can do for you.
9. Don’t try to control everything.
Let go of things you can’t control. Don’t waste time each day trying to control or fix anything that is beyond you. It is a waste of energy and can keep you from more important tasks.
Oh, how I wish you knew I was preaching to myself on this one. I am the worlds worst at trying to stay on top of everything and it just about kills me some days. Remembering that we aren’t trying to impress anyone and that we don’t have to do it all or control it all is very freeing and honestly I get more done when I’m not stressed about everything I have to do :)
10. Regroup each night.
Spend a few minutes each night to jot down tasks and goals for the next day. This will not only help you sleep better, but help you wake up with a plan and ready to go.
Simplifying your day can be easy when you give these ways to simplify a busy day a try! Test them out and see how they work for you.
