Tired of the hands of time controlling you? For many, being the puppet under the strings of our day is already stressful enough. What may be worse is the fact that those strings can also be attached to our daily tasks, further entangling us in ever-increasing web of things to keep track of. This leads to burnout or even complete draining of physical + mental energies, paving the way for issues like dementia or arthritis.

As a life consigliere, I assist others with the wisdom gained over my years. My knowledge ranges from health to wellness to finance to just life in general. Thus, the information contained in the BDK Stream is experience-based, giving a personal touch to professional advice.

In this article, I have compiled a small list of the best ways, tips, or life hacks (whatever you feel like calling it) that best handle time, relative to being productive. These help people do more in a 24 hours than most can accomplish in two weeks. What each tip focuses on is utilizing both the time AND the task contained, better making the body's resources more efficient. Think of it as this: no matter how strong or fast or smart a person is, their metabolism is what makes their bodies effective to breaking down nutrients & absorbing vitamins. How well a person can process things, much like an engine, truly decides how well it performs.

Follow these & flip the script on the way time can control us.

1. Time Blocking:

• Divide and Conquer: Break your day into time blocks dedicated to specific tasks.
• Prioritize Tasks: Identify your most important tasks and schedule them for peak productivity hours.

1. The Pomodoro Technique:

• Work in Sprints: Work in focused 25-minute intervals, followed by a 5-minute break.
• Maximize Focus: This technique helps maintain concentration and prevents burnout.

1. Minimize Distractions:

• Digital Detox: Turn off notifications on your phone and computer.
• Create a Focused Workspace: Designate a quiet, clutter-free space for work.

1. Batch Similar Tasks:

• Efficiency Boost: Group similar tasks together and tackle them in one go.
• Reduced Context Switching: This minimizes the mental energy spent switching between tasks.

1. Learn to Say No:

• Protect Your Time: Politely decline additional commitments that don't align with your priorities.
• Focus on What Matters: Prioritize your core tasks and avoid spreading yourself too thin.

1. Leverage Technology:

• Automate Tasks: Use tools like Zapier or IFTTT to automate repetitive tasks.
• Smart Tools: Explore productivity apps like Trello, Asana, or Notion to organize your work.

1. Take Regular Breaks:

• Recharge Your Mind: Short, frequent breaks can boost focus and creativity.
• Mindful Breaks: Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

1. Prioritize Sleep:

• Fuel Your Productivity: Adequate sleep is essential for optimal cognitive function.
• Consistent Sleep Schedule: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.

1. Delegate When Possible:

• Share the Load: Outsource tasks that others can handle effectively.
• Focus on High-Impact Work: Delegate routine tasks to free up time for more strategic work.

1. Celebrate Your Wins:

• Positive Reinforcement: Reward yourself for achieving milestones, no matter how small.
• Maintain Motivation: Positive reinforcement keeps you motivated and energized.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you'll be amazed at how much you can accomplish. Remember, small, consistent steps lead to significant results.