5 Tips to Add Hours to Your Day

​If I told you there's a way you can add time to your day, boost your energy, get better sleep, reduce stress, lose weight, combat depression, and lower your risk of heart attack — would you be interested?

Yes? 

Well, there is a way — ​​

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​it's called organization. Or time management. Or priority setting. All those ugly terms we try to embrace but don't always (or rarely) achieve in day to day living!

If the proven health benefits above didn't convince me to try harder to be organized and manage my time, a quick look into God's Word tells me it really is important to master the concept:

Colossians 4:5, Behave wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of your time.
Psalm 90:12, Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Proverbs 21:5, The plans of the diligent lead only to plenty, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

So here are 5 tips to get you started on your time management skills:

1. Focus on what is important

For believers, time with God should be first and foremost. (Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.)

Providing for family, training our children, serving others in our community, and taking time to recharge ourselves are also important Scriptural admonitions.

Be sure to evaluate what you'll try to accomplish each day by considering how important it truly is.

2. Write it down

Make lists, put it on the family calendar, keep notes — put it in writing! Not only will you remember it that way, you'll also be forced to appraise an item's importance when your "to do" list gets out of hand.

3. Take advantage of technology

Unless you hate computers and iPhones, chances are you already use technology to some degree. Then why not take advantage of the plethora of apps and tools available to you, too?

Increase your productivity with family calendar apps (like your Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, or Cozi), organizational tools (like Evernote), meal planning (like PlantoEat), and even cleaning apps (like ChoreMonster or ChorePad). 

4. Give yourself a break

Use a few "time outs" for yourself and your kids by setting a timer and doing something different for a short while. 

Go for a walk, play a game, visit a friend, read a book... unwind, refresh, and then resume your duties.

5. Ask for help

When life overwhelms or things don't go as planned, reach out and ask someone for help. It's not a sign of weakness if you do!

In fact, it gives a friend or neighbor the opportunity to be a blessing. (Genesis 33:11 Please, take my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.)

We'd love to hear some of the ways you help manage your time and get organized! Comment below and let us know.