Life, for all of us, is busier now than it has ever been before. Time is precious, but so are we, and in the hustle and bustle of it all, we can’t forget to leave time for number one.

Outside of work and the additional projects we all work on, it’s critical, for our health if nothing else, to make time for the other things in life that bring us happiness; be it someone you love, family, pets, that place that makes you smile, fitness or wellbeing.

My parents brought me up to believe every day is here to be used and lived from the crack of dawn until we shut our eyes at night. We can wish and dream and talk about all the things we’d love to do and have for days, months, years; but only some of us will get up and make them happen and, I suppose I want to be one of those people - a “doer” not a “talker”!

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I couldn’t manage all I do without planning and starting each week with goals - and not stopping until I tick them all off and know I’ve achieved something, be it big or small.

I live out of a notebook. It’s my bible, my life planner, and my way of keeping track of every little idea and “to-do” I have. For anyone wanting to do more with their week and get organised, let this be your first step: buy a notebook; write a list; start ticking it off.

I’m not an expert on productivity or time management, but I do have years of experience in biting off more than I can chew and I think I may just have created a way of managing it all. Here are some tips to help you fit it all in, and still manage to salvage some time for yourself.

1. Develop a routine

If exercise is embedded in your daily routine, you will never skip it. If you decide to never stay up later than 11pm, you won’t miss out on your eight hours a night. Our bodies are programmed to run off a routine and clock, and we have the power to manipulate this and create a much more productive routine that helps us make the most of every minute. 

2. Write a list

Go to Paperchase and treat yourself to a beautiful notebook that you use each day to track your progress through the week.

3. Plan meals in advance

This is so important in running a home. Not only does meal planning prevent impulse buying or making unhealthy choices, it’s also the most effective way of saving money and preventing food waste. Before you do your weekly shop, write a list of meals and plan it around that. Prepare these in bulk and freeze to save even more time at the end of each day.

4. Plan outfits ahead of your week

This one is for the ladies! Because I go to the gym every morning before heading into the office, I have to pack clothes for work and it’s become habitual to do this each evening. Not only does it save time, but it forces you to look your best instead of going for the comfy, warm fleece (that one is there for when I get home in the evening!).

5. Make the most of “wasted time”

Commuting to work, waiting in queues, watching telly; use this time to check emails, write more lists, make appointments etc.

6. Don’t let housework fall behind

 These are the tasks that accumulate and ultimately take days from you.  By dedicating an hour of your day to these little jobs and errands, you’ll not only have a beautiful ‘spic-and-span’ home to be proud of, but you will save yourself time in the long run.

7. Sleep!

This may sound like an incredibly obvious one but sleep is so important. Schedule it in. Aim to be in bed by a certain time each night so that you are guaranteed your eight hours before your alarm goes off and a new day starts. Rest is the key to being productive, refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

8. Make time for you and yours

Life is busy and stressful, people don’t have the luxury of time anymore.  But it is so, so important to continue doing what you love, making time for your hobby or passion and having the luxury of being able to leave work behind. 

We work to live, we don’t live to work.