In previous days, I shared some highlights about my life in last year. Today, I would like to share what helped me to do those activities.
1. Time management matrix for weekly planning
On Sunday evening or Monday morning I attach sticky pocket-size paper on my desk and draw two lines that are perpendicular to each other. Then, try to extract all the tasks that I have to do for the following week. After listing them, I start to think about each task’s importance and urgency and then I place them into the matrix.
It is normal that sometimes you can’t place some of your tasks into the matrix. Just leave them outside the matrix. No need to apply any rule. In time, you will customize your tasks in better way… 🙂
- Important -Urgent
- Important -Not Urgent
- Not Important -Urgent
- Not Important -Not Urgent
It is called Stephans Covey time management matrix.
2. Pocket Notebook for quick notes with pencil
The easiest way to access to take notes I have found so far. I would suggest a thin and small one and write keywords to remind you later on the main idea.
It is the one of the most efficient way that I discovered for myself when I was in high school and still continues successfully…
3. Workout at Home
These days, due to the COVID-19 lockdown many people are interested in home exercise equipment and the prices skyrocketed. Luckily, I stopped to go to the gym one year ago. Since I moved to Spain, I decided to apply for my exercise program at home. Well, I have a private roof so it has provided the better experience to do in open air although had limited equipment. Recently, I have discovered the resistance bands and BFR bands to catch the gym performance. Also, compared to my gym days I started to do more cardio outside for example running, HIIT, and Tabata exercises. These are not continuous but for sure I pay more attention than before.
Depending on my feeling doing exercise in the morning breakfast or evening or before the lunch max 1h
4. Pomodoro technique with 50mins-10mins
This is another well known time management technique for working. Normally, it is implemented as 25 mins task, 5 mins rest. Since the types of work that I am doing always need more than 25 mins, I modified it as 50 mins task- 10 mins rest. Also, if you write what you did in which time period, it will help you to overview your all tasks at the end of the day.
5. Using Instagram web
It helps a lot to reduce mobile phone addiction. In my case, I reduced the numbers of unlocking the phone and usage time dramatically.
6. Kindle e-book reader
Somehow I read books more than before since I started to use Kindle. However, what is more important for me is the way of taking notes and highlight the important points. I use Clippings for it.
7. No Netflix&Spotify
I don’t know it is good or not but one year ago, I stopped to watch movies longer than 1 hour. In the first month quarantine, I tried Netflix for a month but it didn’t continue. Also, I feel that listening various podcasts increased my life quality.
8. Sudoku Short distance trip (<30 mins), Kindle for long distance trip (>30 mins) in the city
Luckily, the distance between my home and my workplace is 15 minutes by walking and the path is very nice in 4 seasons.
However, if I have trip with a public transportation, depending on the duration, I try to be productive and stop myself listening music and looking far away… 😀 Sudoku or Kindle is good choices… 🙂
9. 23.30 alarm
Sleeping before midnight is an important parameter for the next day energy level. Therefore, at 23.30 pm, I start to preparation to go to the bed.
If you have more recommendations in addition to these 9 points, let’s share with me in the comment section 🙂
