Life is busier than ever. We have to continuously switch our focus between work, family, and social obligations. As a result, there is a high potential for overwhelm. But you can overcome it with thoughtful effort and the right tools. Let’s take a look at some of the best tips and tools that you can use to manage everything in your life.
Get Organized
The first step to managing a busy life is getting organized. Clutter and disorganization lead to wasted time searching for things and added stress. Make organization a daily habit with these tips:
Use a paper or digital calendar to track all appointments, deadlines, and social events in one place
Keep a running to-do list so you don't forget important tasks
Sort through paperwork and files at least once a week to maintain order
Create systems to deal with mail, school papers, and other paperwork
Regularly declutter your physical spaces and computer desktop
Workspace Organization
Your workspace, whether at home or the office, impacts your productivity. Keep it neat and organized with:
Desktop organizers for pens, pads, and essential accessories within reach
Drawer organizers for towels, office supplies, and more
A label maker to label storage boxes, folders, binders, and shelves
Clear storage bins for visibility of contents
A docking station to reduce desktop cords and cables
Digital Tools
Smartphones, tablets, and computers provide many apps and programs to help you efficiently track everything. Useful digital tools include:
Calendar apps to sync events and reminders across devices
Cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox to access files anywhere
Task manager apps like Todoist or Microsoft To-Do
Note-taking apps like Evernote or OneNote to capture ideas, notes, and more in one place
Password manager apps like LastPass or 1Password
Automation app like IFTTT to streamline social media, email, and more
Email Management
Email can quickly get out of control. Get a handle on your inbox with these email management tips:
Check email at designated times only, not constantly
Use filters to sort emails into specific folders automatically
Unsubscribe from newsletters and subscriptions you never read
Use email templates for common responses when possible
Schedule emails to send at certain times if they are not urgent
Financial Tools
Managing finances is often a source of stress. While a professional advisor can provide guidance, you can also utilize tools like:
Budgeting apps such as You Need a Budget or Mint
Bill pay services like bank bill pay or PayPal to automate payments
Accounting software like QuickBooks to track business finances
Personal finance apps like NerdWallet or Credit Karma to monitor credit scores and more
Coupon websites and apps to save money on shopping
Time Management Techniques
Hectic schedules lead to feeling constantly rushed and overwhelmed. Use these time management techniques:
Identify your peak productivity hours and protect them from distractions
Batch similar tasks to preserve focus, such as returning calls in one block
Schedule daily and weekly plans with set time frames for each activity or task
Build buffers and transition times between meetings and appointments
Set alarms to keep yourself on track and aware of the time
Learn to estimate how much time tasks will take and give yourself more time than you think
Say no to non-essential activities and commitments if you feel overbooked
Lifestyle Choices for Less Stress
Your choices related to health, self-care, and home environment also impact your ability to manage everything life throws your way. Support less stress with:
Adequate sleep every night
Regular exercise like walking, yoga, or going to the gym
Healthy, nutritious meals which may involve meal planning and prepping
Time set aside for hobbies, creative outlets, and fun
Meditation, deep breathing, or just quiet time to decompress
Comfortable, clutter-free home environment
Childcare or home cleaning assistance if needed
By implementing even just a few of these practical tips and tools, you can take control of your schedule. Say goodbye to feeling frenzied and disorganized even on your busiest days. Instead, move towards managing everything in your life efficiently.
The key is identifying those time management techniques, apps, services, and habits that work best for your lifestyle. Start small by organizing your workspace, syncing digital calendars, or trying a new app. Before long, you will find the right solution that provides some much-needed order and eases your busy life.
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