10 tips to help you save time
Focusing on mindfulness and wellbeing is all well and good, if you’ve got the time. But when your week is brimming with tasks, time can be hard to find. However, it’s not out of reach! Here are 10 timesaving tips to help you save time, so you can gain time.
Prepare for today, yesterday
Have a big meeting today, but you can’t find your lucky top? Instead of spending an important 30 minutes finding said top, ironing it and locating those matching pants, save yourself the morning hassle by preparing for today, yesterday. It’s as simple as choosing your outfit before you go to bed. While you’re at it, why not prep your breakfast and lunch too?
Plan your day – and then your week
It doesn’t have to take long – ten minutes will do – but planning your day before it’s begun can help you save heaps of time. Start by identifying the tasks you need to complete, then block out how long you think you’ll need to complete each one. Slot in those hard-to-do tasks during times of the day you’re most productive, and allocate the rest of your tasks around that. You’ll find that when you’ve got a clear plan, you’ll waste less time figuring out what to do and when.
Prioritise
Do the hard tasks first. You know the ones. They seem impossible, too hard or utterly draining but, once done, the rest of your day will be less overwhelming.
Don’t overload
Don’t forget that there are only 24 hours in a day. You can only do as much as you can in that time, so don’t overload. If you do, you’re more likely to burn out. Instead, pick the tasks you know need getting done, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Disconnect from distractions
Need to focus? Nothing is quite as disruptive than a buzzing phone. Ditch the interruptions by turning off your phone and closing your email. You’ll find you’ll be less distracted and much more productive.
Make a meal plan
Wonder how the chefs at your favourite restaurant (*cough* The Lake House Denmark *cough*) manage to whip up tantalising dishes in a blink of an eye, while it takes you two hours to figure out what you’re even going to cook? It all comes down to preparation. Preparing a weekly meal plan will help you not only in the kitchen, but when it comes to shopping too. Extra tip: follow our chefs’ lead and prepare the elements of the dishes you want to cook in advance. Think washing and chopping veggies or making soup stock on the weekend.
Cook smarter
Who says you need make everything from scratch, in order for it to taste good? Do as we do and opt for local products like Vinofood’s range of speciality food that can significantly cut down your cooking time. Having good quality products on hand can leave you with happy taste buds and more time at the end of the day to relax. Making spaghetti? Try a readymade pasta sauce. Friends stopped by for an impromptu visit? Putting together a cheese platter is easy with Vinofood’s kalamata olives and your favourite cold cuts.
Share the feasting
Everyone’s got to eat, right? So why not invite friends or family over for a shared feast each week. Not only will you get to share in the cooking, you’ll also get to spend quality time with the people you love. That’s a win-win in our book.
Dedicate 15-30 minutes to you, every day
All this extra time is great, but don’t waste it. Dedicating half an hour to yourself isn’t hard to do. Maybe it’s readying that book you’ve never been able to finish. Kicking back and binge watching Goggle Box. Or how about enjoying real conversations with real friends? And a bottle of Lake House wine wouldn’t go astray, either.
Get enough sleep
Busy schedules can certainly take a toll on your mind, body and soul. Stay rejuvenated and ready to tackle each day by ensuring you clock in some serious snooze time. We suggest going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. A good sleep routine equals a better night’s rest and a better outlook each day.
