10 Simple Tips to Get More Done in Your Day

Looking for a few tools to help you cross more items off your “to do” list every day? Consider incorporating these tips into your daily work day.

You probably use a “to do” list to stay organized at your work or office. You may even have two separate lists – one for your work and one for your personal life. In order to prioritize tasks, we mark an “A” next to those items we have to get done today, a “B” for those that are less urgent, but still important, and a “C” for those that can wait until tomorrow.

What if you had a few tools that could help you more efficiently complete your “A” tasks and cross more of those “B’s” and “C’s” off each day? Consider incorporating the following 10 tools to improve your energy levels, mental clarity, and organization. You can even add a few to your “to do” list so you remember to do them!

1. Eat breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It sets the pace for your entire day. When you take the time to eat a nourishing meal to break your nightly fast, you are giving your body important tools that will help you achieve the goals you set for yourself. Taking an extra 10-15 minutes in the morning will serve you well to boost your metabolism and sustain your energy for the day.

2. Stay organized
Keep a “to do” list and consider trying the “ABC” method to prioritize your task list for the day (if you do not already do this). Keep your working space clean and organized. Have a “home” for your folders and important paperwork; clearly label files and folders. Have a system to keep ingoing and outgoing mail and paperwork organized.

3. Consciously breathe
When we are under stress our breath tends to become shallow. When the breath becomes shallow, our circulation is compromised and our cells do not get the oxygen they require. Practicing focused breathing (especially in times of stress) will make a significant difference in helping to clear your mind and feel more focused. Take a few slow deep breaths the next time you are feeling overwhelmed or need to improve your mental clarity.

4. Drink water
Most of us do not drink enough water each day. Between the quality of water and the amount of coffee and sugary beverages we consume, it is no wonder that we are dehydrated. Every time I ask a client how much water they drink, I almost always hear, "Not enough". Generally, the target amount to drink daily is half your body weight in ounces of water. So if you weigh 180 pounds, seek to drink around 90 ounces a day. Being hydrated can help you feel more alert and focused.

5. Move
If you sit most of your day, you are probably not moving your body enough. Moving your body through walking, running, movement exercises, going to the gym, doing yoga, etc. improves your circulation which supplies oxygen and nutrition to your cells. These activities generally can enhance your mood and mental clarity, which can help you to cross more of those items off your “to do” list.

6. Meditate
Stress, in its many forms, can do a lot of damage to the body. Meditation is a way to clear your mind of negative or overactive thinking. Many people are intimidated by the word “meditation”. When I teach classes and work with clients, I like to keep things as uncomplicated as I can. Meditation can be as simple as focusing on your breathing or doing “count breathing”. Try this: inhale through your nose as you count to 8, then exhale through your nose as you count to 8, and continue. Doing this just a minute a day can make a profound difference for you.

7. Stretch
Stretching and lengthening your body helps to prevent tightening of muscles that can become compromised from stress or sitting for long periods of time. I think most of us have noticed how stress manifests itself as pain in the neck and upper back. When we experience discomfort, we become distracted and are not as productive and focused on the task at hand. Take time each workday to stretch your body, especially areas where you tend to notice discomfort or pain the most.

8. Snack healthfully
Snacking on nutritious foods between meals will help you sustain your energy levels throughout your day and assist in maintaining your mental focus. To prevent being tempted by the vending machine, the office candy jar, or latte cart, prepare healthy snacks at home to take with you to the office. If you work from home, prepare your snacks before your workday begins so you do not find yourself munching on the typical unhealthy snack foods.

9. Get enough sleep
When you sleep your body is repairing and healing itself. It is important to allow yourself enough time to regenerate during the night. After a good night’s sleep you will wake up with plenty of energy to complete the tasks on your “to do” list. Soon you will have extra energy for additional activities you have wanted to try, like a new class or activity.

10. Have fun
When you have fun and do things you enjoy, your thoughts and general well-being improve. With improved thoughts and experiences, your energy naturally improves. When you have more energy, you can get more things done during the day.