Plan your day the night before
Whether it’s work, shopping or socialising, have a plan. This allows you to focus on one thing at a time and is much more efficient, timewise.
Put your phone down!
Australians spend an average of 5.5 hours a day on their phones each day.
Use ‘down’ time
Use travel time on public transport (or if you are a passenger in a car) to get things done – check emails, reply to messages etc.
Cooking and shopping
- When cooking meals, double the quantity and freeze for a later date.
- Meal plan – you probably spend more than 15 minutes a day trying to figure out what to cook for dinner (or wandering aimlessly around the supermarket).
- Write a shopping list and do it in one shop rather than having to return to pick up items you have forgotten.
- Even better, take advantage of online shopping and have it delivered, saving even more time (and you’re less likely to buy things you don’t need).
- If you have to go to the shops, go out of peak hours and avoid the queues at the checkout.
Get ready for the next day the night before
- Pack your gym bag, your lunch and your work gear and you’ll be ready to get out the door that much faster in the morning.
- Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier (and don’t press the snooze button!).
Get organised
- Clean as you go. This takes minutes and will save lots of time, especially on the weekends.
- Have a designated place to keep your keys, purse/wallet, and phone. Getting these organised is a simple and effective way to save yourself time trying to find them every day.
- Try to get in the habit of putting everything away (in the right place) after every use. Then you won’t waste time hunting for things.
- Follow the 2-minute rule to avoid stuff building up. If it will take 2 minutes to complete a task or put something away – do it now.