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How to Manage Everything: Tips and Tools for Managing a Busy Life


Young professionals using electronic devices
Photo: Fauxels


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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