Everyone is looking for ways to save time. Busy schedules, long to-do lists, and endless notifications make managing time difficult.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone juggling multiple roles, better time management can mean less stress and more balance in life. Small habits can lead to big changes if practiced regularly.
In this guide, we’ll discuss four one-minute habits that can save you over 20 hours each week. Try these to reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters.
1. Treat Work Sessions Like You’re Going to the Cinema 🎬
Imagine how you prepare to watch a movie at the cinema. You get comfortable, grab a snack, and put your phone away. You focus completely on the screen.
Applying this approach to work can boost productivity and reduce distractions.
- Prepare for Your “Work Show”
Before you start a work session, get your space ready.- Use the restroom, stretch, and keep water and snacks nearby.
- Silence your phone, close unnecessary tabs, and set your workstation comfortably.
This simple preparation reduces the need to get up and get things mid-task.
- Immerse Yourself in Focus Mode
Try background music or sounds to keep focus. There are tools like Endel that create soundscapes to help you concentrate.
When you make work feel like a focused “movie session,” distractions feel out of place. This small shift can save several minutes each hour. For example, minimizing interruptions can prevent the “task-switching” delay, which can add up to hours per week.
2. Batch by Project and Task 📂
Switching between tasks too often can waste time and drain your focus. Instead, try “batching” tasks together based on type or project.
- Batch by Project
When you’re working on a specific project, gather all related documents, emails, and tools before you start. This way, you don’t have to waste time searching for things later. According to Trello, project batching can help reduce the energy used in constant task-switching, making your brain feel less tired by the end of the day. - Batch by Task
Rather than handling emails every time one pops up, set a specific time for checking and responding to all emails. This method reduces distraction and helps you stay focused.
Another way to batch is with chores. For example, do all your cleaning in one go instead of spreading it out. Similarly, cook meals in bulk to save time during the week.
Batching prevents “context switching,” which is when your brain has to adjust from one task to another. This adjustment period may seem small, but it adds up over the day.
3. Avoid Work Before Doing the Work 🚫💼
It may sound strange, but jumping straight into tasks can sometimes be counterproductive. Instead, take a moment to plan. This simple habit can help you work smarter, not harder.
This idea, inspired by Grace Beverly’s book, Working Hard, Hardly Working, suggests that being strategic can reduce stress and save time in the long run.
- Delegate When Possible
Ask yourself: does this task need my personal attention? Or can someone else help? Delegating is a powerful time-saver. For example, if you’re working with a team, distribute tasks based on each member’s strengths. As explained by Harvard Business Review, delegating can free up your time to focus on high-priority tasks. - Find Tools to Simplify Tasks
Often, there’s an app or tool that can make your work easier. Before you start a task, take a moment to search for shortcuts or digital tools that can help. For instance:This habit of “checking for shortcuts” may seem small, but it’s incredibly effective. By preparing and organizing before diving into a task, you can avoid unnecessary obstacles and finish your work faster. This quick planning step can save you hours over the week by minimizing friction in your workflow.
4. Multitask with Caution 🔄
While multitasking is often discouraged, there are ways to combine tasks without reducing quality. The trick is to mix mental and physical tasks, not two mental tasks at the same time.
- Combine Movement with Learning
Physical activity can improve focus and energize you. Consider walking or doing light chores while listening to educational podcasts, audiobooks, or recorded lectures. Research from Harvard Health shows that physical movement can improve brain function, so pairing it with light mental activities can actually boost productivity. For example, you could listen to an industry-related podcast during a walk or do household chores while playing an audiobook. - Incorporate Desk-Friendly Movements
If you’re sitting all day, try small movements at your desk to stay active. Use a stability ball as a chair, do simple stretches, or try a standing desk. Some people even use a treadmill desk to stay active while taking phone calls. Staying active without leaving your desk can give you more energy and help you focus better. These small desk habits keep your body moving without pulling you away from work.
Using these mindful multitasking habits can save you hours each week. You’ll be more productive, avoid fatigue, and complete two types of tasks at once.
Conclusion: Small Habits, Big Time Savings ⏰
By making small changes to your routine, you can save over 20 hours a week. These simple, one-minute habits can free up time for what matters most, whether it’s pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing. Let’s quickly recap the four habits:
- Treat Work Sessions Like a Cinema Trip
Setting up your space and removing distractions helps you stay focused and productive. With each distraction-free session, you gain more control over your time. - Batch by Project and Task
Grouping similar tasks together reduces the mental effort of constantly switching tasks. This approach not only saves time but also helps you work with more clarity and energy. - Avoid Work Before Doing the Work
Taking a minute to think about a task before diving in can reveal easier ways to accomplish it. By planning ahead and delegating when possible, you reduce stress and gain efficiency. - Multitask with Caution
While mental multitasking can slow you down, physical and mental multitasking can be a powerful combo. Moving while learning or doing small desk exercises can help you achieve more without feeling overwhelmed.
Tips to Maintain Your New Habits 💡
Making these habits stick can be challenging, but a few strategies can help:
- Set Reminders
Use your phone or calendar to set reminders for these habits until they become part of your daily routine. - Reward Yourself
Rewarding yourself for sticking with these habits can motivate you to continue. For example, if you manage to batch tasks effectively for a week, treat yourself to a break or something you enjoy. - Track Your Progress
Use a journal or digital tracker to note how much time you’re saving each day. Seeing the hours add up can be a powerful incentive to keep going.
Ready to take control of your time? Try these one-minute habits and watch how quickly they add up to extra hours each week.
Got any time-saving tips that work for you? Share them in the comments below. Let’s help each other unlock more time and make the most of every day!