Tips for saving time

• Learn to say no. Don't overcommit yourself. If you take on too much, you are creating stress. Decide ahead of time that you will say "no" to the nonessential demands on your time.
• Focus. Do one thing at a time. When you try to do too many things at once, each usually takes more time than it would if you focused on it alone. In some situations, you can do two things at once, but when you see a decrease in productivity or an increase in stress symptoms, go back to doing one thing at a time.
• Concentrate. Minimize distractions and interruptions. Ask others to give you a specific block of time when you are not disturbed.
• Delegate. Ask someone else to take on a task. It is not always important to have all the control.
• Schedule time for fun. If you spend every second of your day getting things done, you may resent never having time for yourself. This resentment can make your work time less efficient and productive.

Author:	Jeannette Curtis	Last Updated: April 25, 2007
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Paul J. Rosch, MD
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