What would YOU do with an extra hour each day?

Literally gaining an extra hour per day, beyond the 24 we are all allocated, is not really an option (unless you happen to have a time machine). Since it is out of our control to ADD time, we must instead eliminate WASTED time. Here are 3 realistic tips you can use to reduce wasted time, which will ultimately increase productive time and give you far more than just an extra hour a day!

Clear Clutter. That’s right. The average American (according to a study conducted by a Boston Marketing firm) loses 55 minutes a day looking for things. So, if you find yourself having to move multiple things around in your search for something, clutter is part of the problem. Solution: Set a time every day to clear an area – just do 20-30 minutes a day and you will be amazed at how fast you can de-cluttered.

Plan Ahead. Planning ahead by preparing for the following day and writing your task list with top priorities first has many benefits. Firstly, you will have less stress because if something is missing, needs to be confirmed, written, etc. you have time to do it before the event occurs. Secondly, when you plan in advance, you can schedule tasks in a logical order, thereby increasing your efficiency, shaving minutes from the time taken to deal with items randomly. Thirdly, you will sleep more soundly. Stress is the leading culprit robbing American’s of sleep according to the Better Sleep Council, and by planning ahead your stress level is reduced and thereby you can sleep better. Better sleep = more ability to concentrate the following day, and less wasted time.

Reduce computer/tech time. If you spend hours online surfing, checking out YouTube and chatting for hours on end on Facebook, you are wasting time. Most people don’t even realize the inordinate amount of time they are spending on these activities. Instead of swearing off checking out your favorite videos entirely, set a time limit and be practical. Solution: Set a timer for a realistic amount of time and walk away from your computer when the timer goes off. Sharing what you had for dinner last night on your FaceBook wall is a waste of your time posting it and your friend’s time reading it.

Contributed by Juli Shulem (jshulem@gmail.com/805-964-2389), Efficiency/ ADHD Coach. www.julishulem.com, Efficiency Expert since 1984, and author of the eBook, Order! A Logical Approach to an Organized Way of Life, www.getordernow.com

How to Add an Hour to Each Day by Juli Shulem

P: Prioritize & Plan
 Having a plan in advance greatly reduces stress. Planning your day the night prior is even better! Knowing ahead of time what needs to be accomplished, as well as having a reasonable time frame allocated for everything results in feeling calm and confident.

E: Eliminate tasks
Simply eliminate some items from your to-do list. The art of saying “no” is an essential skill and boundary to master. By taking on too much one can end up quickly overwhelmed. Only take on what you are certain you can complete without adding stress to your life.

A: Anatomy
Mind your body! Take care of your health by getting adequate sleep, eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly. If you don’t take care of your body, you won’t have sufficient energy or strength to get anything done at all! First and foremost, keep your foundation of health strong!

C: Complete
Leaving multiple tasks partially done is stressful, so complete what you begin and don’t start anything else until you do so. Juggling too much simultaneously makes it difficult to decide what needs to be done first. The pressure of wanting to “just get them all done right now” can become so strong, it becomes paralyzing.

E: Efficient
When you have a lot to do, it can be difficult to narrow focus to only what you are doing now. When your mind begins to wander to all the other items left to do, it produces anxiety which leads to stress and overwhelm. Focus on your current task and what is imminent. Avoid thinking of what you need to do tomorrow while today is still in progress.  Bottom line, be present.

Contributed by Juli Shulem (jshulem@gmail.com/805-964-2389), Efficiency/ ADHD Coach. www.julishulem.com. Author of the eBook, Order! A Logical Approach to an Organized Way of Life, www.getordernow.com.

From Overwhelm to PEACE by Juli Shulem