Reclaim Those "Gap" Hours

"Gap" hours are those hours in the day that are spent doing something, but that could be spent doing something more useful. Commuting to work, for example, waiting in line at the store, sitting on the sofa during the ad breaks of commercials, waiting for the kettle to boil. Although you might not think that you can achieve much during those gap hours, the truth is that you most definitely can. Whether you choose to do something useful with that time is up to you. Yes, you could answer emails. You could do a bit of work. You could get to your correspondence. Or, you could read a book. Listen to music. Listen to an audiobook. Catch up on the news with a news app. Alternatively, if you're out and about, use that time to engage. Speak to people around you, say hello, and have chats with people you've never met before. You'll really expand your horizons - all while waiting for the bus.

Do the Right Things

This might sound a bit odd, but it's really important that you do the right things. You might think that you're being productive by spending hours emailing clients or by crafting carefully written letters to follow up with customers, but you could be spending that time doing other things.

Think about what is most important out of those tasks - your email, your writing, your coding. Whatever is most important should go at the top of your list. Whatever is least important, but that still needs to be done, should go at the bottom. You could do things like set up auto-responders on your emails or craft replies to questions that you often receive so that you can speed through HR/customer service enquiries.

Bin the Baggage

We've all got that one friend or family member - or just a relationship with someone - that weighs us down. That makes us feel exhausted, tired and just downright depressed once we've seen them or had a conversation with them. These people take, take and take a bit more but are often reluctant to give anything back. Save time, energy and effort - and make yourself a lot happier in the process - by getting rid of these people from your life.

See Also: How To Avoid People Who Steal Time

Get Organized

If the things on your desk are organized, or your clothes or your kitchen cupboards, your mind is far more likely to be organized too.

Banish clutter from your home office if you have one or from your desk at work. Know your schedule, know what you have to accomplish this week or next week or just what you want to get done and you'll soon get there.