Amy's Favorite Time and Stress Savers

These are proven time and stress savers. I do them all. Some might take some getting used to - but overall if you adopt these techniques, I am sure you will see yourself saving time and reducing stress.

1. Use technology. There is so much technology out there - why not use it. Did you know that there are online calendars that will send a txt msg to your phone for upcoming appointments? Small digital cameras can be kept in a bag or purse and used often to capture fun moments or inspiring subjects to be reviewed later. Scanners make great tools; from scanning documents to special scanners that will automatically input contact information or track expenses from receipts.

2. Allow calls to go to voicemail. I read in the magazine Real Simple a couple months ago that one of the things happy people do is - not answer every call. Phone calls can be very distracting and be a cause of lost concentration. There is nothing wrong with allowing a caller to leave a message and then promptly returning it later. (This can be applied to IM'ing too).

3. Use an accordion file for monthly files. This can be applied to either personal or business settings. Instead of dealing with a large stack of paid bills and invoices that need to be filed in individual folders every month, put all your files into an accordion file. At the end of the year, pick the whole accordion file up and place it away for storage. Use file folders and cabinets for information pertinent to each company or client then set a time each week or month to attack that pile so it doesn't get out of control too.

4. Don't read everything. I get so many periodicals from my insurance companies, retails stores, college alumni associations, and more. And while the information in each carries its own merit, not all of it is related to my professional or personal life. Give yourself permission to either skim through articles or skip them all together.

5. Limit multi-tasking. I know you have heard this before. But studies have shown that multi-tasking makes a person less efficient and less effective in their work - both professionally or personally. If you must multi-task - try this....sit on a large exercise ball while working. Then you are toning your core while getting work done. Now that is an effective way to multi-task!

I would love to hear about your time saving tips. Feel free to add a comment to this blog post or send me an email and I'll compile a list and share it soon.

Thanks for reading. Until next time.

Amy =)
www.amymunns.com