It's easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment, whether that moment is a Netflix marathon, catching up with old friends, or even a really good book. Those times make it easy to say "I'll just go to class tomorrow". Suddenly, it's been a month since you've touched a pole, silk, or hoop, and you're missing it. There are several apps and tricks that can help you manage your time wisely to make room for the important things in your life. All you need to do is utilize them! Here are a few to get you started.
IFTTT: Have you ever wished that you could save a little time, just by automating something? "If This Then That" makes it easy to do that. IF you post a photo on instagram, THEN post it separately on Facebook, as a stand alone picture. IF you're going to the grocery store, THEN text your roommate/significant other to see if they need anything. Stop wasting precious minutes of your day when there's an app that can help simplify things for you. Get it for Android devices here and Apple devices here. (Free)
Habit Tracker: Is coming to class twice a week something you've been wanting to do but you can't seem to make it a priority. Habit tracker apps help build (or break) habits in your daily life so you can achieve the things you want. Make it a habit to come to class twice a week, or leave work on time to be able to get more done. Good habits help simplify and organize your life. Habit-Tracker for Android and Habit-Bull for iPhone. (Free)
Moodnotes: If you find yourself fighting a mental battle that keeps replaying over and over in your head, and time keeps slipping away as you analyze the what-ifs, take a minute each day to jot down your mood. For those who just need to get the feeling out, it can be the release needed to alleviate any negative thoughts and allow you to move on with your day. Then, come to class and get the feel good endorphins rolling. Android beta here and Apple devices here. ($3.99)
Wunderlist: Roomate? Significant other? Is it hard trying to plan trips to the grocery store for shared items? Here's where Wunderlist comes in. You can collaborate on lists for anything; chores, groceries, who works when...whatever you can think of. This will save you time from waiting on a text response or waiting for them to pick up a phone call. Android devices can find it here and Apple devices can click here. (Free + In App purchases)
Cut back on TV: Prerecord your favorite shows and skip commercials. If you have Hulu, upgrade to the commercial-free version for a few dollars more a month. You'll save 10-20 minutes just by doing this one thing. Cut back to one/two shows a week. Stop binging your shows and savor them. Allow yourself one to two shows a week, or if that's too much, one a day.
Cleaning: Binge cleaning might be good for the soul, but regular maintenance cleaning is even better. Take 5-10 minutes each day to check off a room or area that needs to be cleaned up and save yourself hours in the long run.
Prep meals: Not only is meal prepping a healthier option, it saves time in the long run. Double your dinner recipe and divide the leftovers for work lunches. Or plan a day to prep freezer bags for the crock pot, and plan what you'll be having for weeks to come. Choose a day to grocery shop and prep all at once so you can utilize your time wisely.
To save yourself EVEN MORE time, Blue Apron and Hello Fresh can even deliver ingredients to your door for an easy meal so you don't have to even make a grocery list!
Learn to say 'no': Don't feel obligated to go out for after-work drinks. Let that friend know that you aren't wanting to go out tonight. Not only is saying 'no' sometimes, healthy, it also helps free your day for things you want to do without feeling the need to stay just a little longer or have 'one more drink'.
Subscriptions: Do you find yourself running out of a certain item around the same time frame each month and don't want to make a trip to the store just for that? Amazon and Sam's Club offer subscriptions for items that YOU need on a regular basis. Items are shipped to your door, on your schedule, so you don't have to think about how you need to get another. Amazon bonus: Scheduling delivery of 5+ items? You'll get 15% off and Prime members save an additional 5% on certain items!
Set time limits: If you go shopping at your favorite store - the one you could spend hours roaming around, or decide to watch an extra episode of that addictive drama, set an alarm on your phone before you get carried away.
As you can see, there are a variety of ways to make sure you cut down on the less important parts of life, in order to make room for what means more to you.