Thanks so much to the people at WordPress.com for choosing my previous post on this topic for Freshly Pressed! And a huge thanks to everyone who visited and left comments. I found a lot of great tips in there, and since I’m not sure whether everyone went through and read the comments, I wanted to share some here.

1. Listen to music or  nature sounds

This is an excellent suggestion, and one I often do! Having some kind of background music or white noise on headphones can help drown out distraction in your environment. Either load your background music onto your computer, and listen with headphones, or just use your iPod. Different people have different preferences: if songs you’re familiar with distract you, try listening to nature sounds, music without lyrics, or music in another language that you don’t understand.

Michael suggests Naturespace sounds. Check out their website. They look amazing. These or any other nature sounds are excellent distraction busters. And Rtcrita uses background music to reduce stress while working. When it’s time for a break, she’ll turn it up to add a little exercise and dance into her schedule. That’s another great stress reducer! It’s important to get moving during breaks.

2. Tickler file

This is a big one from Getting Things Done. Michael reminded me of it, in addition to providing a link to his blog, where he discusses the tickler file or 43 Folders System. A tickler file, or 43 folders, can help you organise and reduce the paper clutter. Check it out, and see if it works for you.

3. Sticky notes

Keep a couple of sticky notes in strategic places around your work area with reminders of the time management tips that you most need to improve on. I have three of them on my printer, which is located just behind my computer, so I can see them clearly. I recommend using just 2-3 notes, otherwise they’ll add to the clutter and their message won’t reach you. Jim says he can get anything done with sticky notes and a pencil. Wisetrout has a sticky note that reads “Do it NOW, do it WELL, get it FINISHED.” How about that for anti-procrastination motivation?

4. Resist being a pack rat

Sandra recommends keeping your workspace clean and organising  drawers, files, and cubbyholes on a regular basis. This is sound advice! If your workspace is cluttered, it can add to your list of distractions.

5. Watch what you breathe

Steven reminded us of the importance of air quality. As someone who just invested in a Sharp air purifier to reduce allergens at home, I agree. Air quality is important. Is there enough fresh air in your workspace? If not, would opening a window help? If opening a window to encourage air circulation is not a good solution for you, consider getting a ceiling fan or any kind of electric fan to at least get the air moving in your workspace. Be sure to head outside during at least part of your lunch time or on some of your mini breaks to get some fresh air.

6. Use alternative transportation

If you don’t drive to and from work, then you have two slots of free time each day that you can take advantage of. Jean recommends combining transportation and exercise by either cycling or walking to work. This is also a great way to reduce stress. And if you use public transportation, you can use the time to get in some reading or responding to personal emails or tweets. Reading on your way to and from work can be relaxing.

7. Awareness

It’s all about awareness. In my previous post, I mentioned being aware of energy levels, to programme tasks accordingly. Sparksinshadow uses a less structured, more flowing work model for her days. Are you one of those people who prefers to work in this way? If it works for you, then that’s the important thing. Be aware of which working style is best for you.

8. Prioritise

I know, I said this before, but really…if you don’t know what’s important to you, then you don’t know where to start. It’s best to start with the biggest priorities and then work down from there. That way, you don’t get caught up in the “easy” tasks and then stress out because you didn’t finish the most important things.

9. Don’t beat yourself up

This should be obvious to all of us, but I know it’s not. If you didn’t get everything done each day or each week, relax. Really. Sit down for a moment and think about what happened. What stopped you from completing your goal of getting everything done?

Did you jump right in and forget to plan? Did you get distracted by something or someone? Were you burnt out each day and unable to concentrate? Figure out exactly what challenges you met with, and how you can plan tomorrow or next week to overcome them. What options do you have to jump over these hurdles? What else can you do?

10. Congratulate yourself

Don’t forget to make note of what you did well each day or each week. Did you set priorities and work on the highest ones first? Did you set clear and reasonable deadlines that you were able to meet? Did you take regular mini breaks throughout the day to keep energy levels high? Acknowledge what went right today or this week, and make note of what worked well for you.

Let me know if you try these new tips, and how they work for you. Please be sure to comment if you have any additional suggestions.

If you’re still struggling with time management, and feel like you’re resisting getting organised, personal or professional coaching services may be of help to you.