6 Ways My Timer Saves My Sanity (and a FREE Printable)

Owning a business is synonymous with long to-do lists. How do you stay focused and get all those tasks done? There’s one basic productivity tool that helps me get more done at work and at home: my timer! I love my timer, and want to share my “timer” time management tips with you along with a free printable! Don’t miss all of the ways a timer can help you hack your task list and get those to-do’s done!

6 Ways My Timer Saves My Sanity

My timer helps me manage my time and helps my day go more smoothly. It helps me to remember appointments, stay focused, complete the items on my long to-do list, get through dreaded tasks, and tackle those overwhelming projects.

Let me count the 6 Ways My Timer Saves My Sanity! #ShakespeareAnyone

#6 Appointment Reminder 

Yea, yea, I know, there are apps for that.

But, when I’m pushing to finish something, I tune out the sweet little tweet that my phone makes and keep on working.

When I finally finish a project (or a kid, Hubs, or a dog interrupts me), it never ceases to amaze me that there are so many notifications aglow at the top of my screen. I swear I didn’t hear any of them! And by then, I’m late for [insert appointment here].

I need a loud, annoying sound that I’m not so desensitized to, which makes a buzzing timer an invaluable tool.

#5 No More Getting Lost in the Process (When I Don’t Have Time To Get Lost in the Process)

There are times when I’m working on an enjoyable project, and  I get into the zone.

I love the zone! It’s one of the few places where my brain finally shuts up, and I can get lost in the process.

I’m not rushing or thinking about the laundry or the mess or the millions of other to-do’s that I should be doing. I’m lost in and enjoying the process.

It’s an incredibly relaxing place for me, but alas, there is laundry to be run and messes to clean up and millions of other to-do’s to be done. So, during those times I set the timer to remind me that today I can’t get lost.

I’m not resentful, though. At least, not most of the time. Because it makes the next time I can get lost in the process that much sweeter! 🙂

#4 Huge Projects

We all have them. Those huge projects that have moved from one day’s to-do list to the next day’s to the next, and on and on, because they are so huge and overwhelming.

But eventually, they have to get done….

Unless you can dump it, and then I say, “Dump it with gusto, friend!”

In the case that the huge project must be done, I set my timer—usually for 15 to 20 minutes—and I dive in.

When the timer beeps at me, I’m finished for the day or the week or whatever time frame I’ve set for myself comes around again.

Then, the process starts all over, until one glorious day, that huge project is complete! Then, it’s on to the next one with my trusty timer in hand.

#3 Looooong To-Do Lists

Some days there’s just more to be done. On those days, I grab my to-do list and my timer and I get to work.

Fifteen minutes per task usually does it, but if there are leftover, unfinished to-do’s after I’ve gone through the list, I just start over again.

It’s a good way to get a tough workout in, too. Running up and down the basement stairs to finally put away the Christmas boxes (it’s April), is a killer workout!

#2 Dreaded Chores

We all have these, too. Those dreaded chores that have moved from one day’s to-do list to the next day’s to the next, and on and on, because, well, they just plain stink.

Cleaning the kids’ bathroom, decluttering the basement (it’s cold, dark, and dusty down there, and there are spiders…ewww), filing taxes, poop scooping, (add your dreaded chore here).

Yet again, my timer comes to the rescue. It’s basically the same process as with the huge project: I set it for 15 or 20 minutes and work until the timer goes off, then I’m done for the day, the week, or until the time frame I’ve chosen comes around again.

#1 Kids

What don’t I use my timer for when it comes to my kids?!

I use it for:

• Bedtime
• Time out
• Chores
• Homework
• Writing thank you letters
• Walking the dogs
• Time until they have to walk the dogs
• Cleaning up their toys
• Decluttering
• Time until they can knock on my office door
• Time until they can ask me (again) if they can go to the movie with so-and-so
• Cleaning bedrooms
• Time until they can ask, “Are we there yet?” AGAIN!

Needless to say, using my timer helps me to avoid some of the regularly occurring parenting conflicts and cuts down on the arguing in our house.

Things To Do Printable

Make sure to snag your FREE printable!

I call this printable my Master To-Do list (I also have an app for that, but I love my handwritten lists).

Any time I think of something that needs done, I jot it down on this list along with its corresponding deadline. It stays safe and secure on my clipboard, so I never have to root for a sticky note, napkin, envelope, etc.

Grab your Things To-Do Printable HERE!

If you’d rather have a Things To Do Printable in brighter, more vibrant colors, click  HERE!

Using a timer can help you better manage that long to-do list and to increase your productivity, which will leave you more time for passion projects, fun, and family. My timer truly is one of the most valuable tools in my home office (and around the house). I hope you find ways to save your sanity with a handy dandy timer!

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Related Posts

If you found today’s post helpful, you might also enjoy these related posts!

• How to Prioritize Your To-Do List by Asking 5 Simple Questions
• How to Write a Better To-Do List and Actually Get Your To-Do’s Done
• Organize Your Home Business with FREE Printables

What tools save your sanity and help you stay on track with your to-do’s?

Thank you so much for stopping by today!