Do you feel like you have a never-ending ‘to-do’ list? When we finish work for the day, we are often swapping one set of tasks for another once home. So how can we be more effective at home (and work) to increase our productivity and have more time to do the things we love? Here are my top tips.

1. Set goals

It’s much easier to stay motivated when you have a vision of what you want to achieve. Whether it’s creating an outdoor dining space or an area for the kids to play, break down your goals into smaller, more manageable tasks.

2. Declutter

Every item in your home takes up your time and energy, so this is one of the best things you can do to increase your productivity at home and work. Start small, it all adds up. Set a timer for a 15-minute burst every day. Your desk is a great place to start if you work from home. Alternatively, tackle your bedside table, as this will help with your sleep, another way to boost your productivity.

3. Ask for help

If you are struggling with too much on your plate, don’t be afraid to ask for help. This will stop you from feeling overwhelmed and remove the stress. It could be friends or family, or outsourcing is also a great option.

4. Meal plan

When you know what you’re eating for the week…

• You only buy what you need, saving you money.
• You don’t have that dreaded feeling every night trying to think up another meal everyone will eat!
• You make healthier choices when you have planned your meals. This increases your energy levels, also helping with your productivity.

5. Use a smart assistant

Smart assistants like Google Assistant can help you stay organised on the go. You might use one already, but do you use it to its maximum potential? I use mine to set reminders, write and reply to messages and add items to my Tesco order (my personal favourite!), all while I’m cooking the evening meal. It’s such a timesaver.