Add An Hour To Your Day in 3 Steps

As I sit on my patio and enjoy the sun on my face and the perfect 70 degree air, I fully recognize I’m avoiding my indoor chore list, but perfect days are rare in the Midwest; I’m determined not to waste even one. Luckily, this week’s blog is all about time- specifically how to add a MUCH NEEDED hour to any day!

 

Time is our most precious resource. You will never have this moment again. You can’t put it on a shelf, freeze it, or save it for later in your files… all we have is now.

 

Time is the one thing we wish we had more of, strive to make the most of, and place above most other priorities (hopefully!)

 

How many times have you uttered something like: “If only I had more time”? Or longingly discussed the advantages that could be achieved with a time machine?

 

While we can’t offer those kinds of perks, we do have a few simple suggestions to help you add more time to your day and ensure you’re making the most of every moment.

 

Until scientists develop a time machine (waiting impatiently… I have places to explore!),  there are still a number of changes you can make to your daily routine that will help you enjoy more time, which equals one of my most treasured values: freedom.

 

These include the following:

Adjust Your Schedule

One of the easiest ways to find more time in your day is to adjust your schedule. Even a small change can make a significant difference here. Try waking up an hour earlier every morning (or two…. See last week’s blog!)

 

If you’re not naturally a morning person, you can build up to the full hour by setting your alarm for five minutes earlier each morning. This is a small change, but will soon result in you rising an hour earlier.

 

It’s still important to ensure you’re getting seven to  eight hours of sleep each night, so you may need to go to bed an hour earlier to compensate for the early start. However, you will still find yourself with extra time thanks to an early rising.

Reduce Your Social Media Usage

There’s no denying that social media has significant benefits. It can help you stay in touch with friends and family and allows you to share news and life events with those you love.

 

Social media also can bring communities together through groups and pages, used to share information, and even inspire you to try new things.

Despite the benefits, there is one major downside to social media: it can be a huge time suck.

 

With the rise of screen time tracking apps, we are forced to come face to face with the amount of time we spend on social media. When those minutes are added up, the results can be shocking.

 

Reducing your social media use is one of the most significant ways to grab an extra hour in your day. In many cases, you will gain even more time than this.

Learn To Manage Your Time

Ultimately, good time management is the easiest way to gain time every day. Use a planner which breaks your day down into hourly slots, and record everything you do for a week, including meals, social media, and browsing the internet. This makes it easy to see where time is slipping away.

 

Once you have an idea of where you are wasting time, you can rearrange your schedule to manage your time better. Incorporate all your daily commitments, and then schedule in time for yourself. This can be something like a gym session, an hour to read, visiting a friend, or anything else you enjoy.

 

There is no way to add an hour to your day in the literal sense. However, there are a number of things you can do to make more efficient use of your time and get more done in a day. Here are a few tips:

• Plan your day the night before. Take a few minutes before you go to bed to write down a list of everything you need to accomplish the next day. This will help you stay focused and avoid wasting time trying to figure out what to do next.
• Set priorities. Not all tasks are created equal. Some are more important than others. When you're planning your day, focus on the most important tasks first. This will help you make the most of your time and get the most important things done.
• Break down large tasks into smaller ones. Large tasks can be daunting and overwhelming. If you have a big project to work on, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make it seem less daunting and help you stay on track.
• Eliminate distractions. When you're working on a task, try to eliminate as many distractions as possible. This means turning off your phone, closing your email, and finding a quiet place to work.
• Take breaks. It may seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks can actually help you be more productive. When you work for long periods of time without taking a break, your productivity starts to decline. Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes to avoid getting burned out.
• Delegate tasks. If you have the ability to delegate tasks, do it! This will free up your time so you can focus on the most important things.
• Say no. It's okay to say no to requests that will take up too much of your time. If you're already feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to turn down new commitments.
• Take care of yourself. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly will help you have more energy and focus. When you take care of yourself, you'll be better able to manage your time and get more done.

Following these tips can help you make more efficient use of your time and get more done in a day. Remember, it's not about adding an hour to your day, it's about making the most of the time you have.

 

Final Thoughts

Managing your time can be tricky, but with a little organization, personal commitment, and extra effort, you can unlock extra time.

 

How will you save an hour today? Let us know!

 

In service,Becca