You know those endless to-do lists and days that fly by before you know it. It can sometimes feel like we’re constantly playing catch-up, don’t you think? But guess what? Getting more out of your day doesn’t mean you have to rush yourself or be “on” 24/7. On the contrary! Adopting a few smart habits can not only make you more productive, but also bring more peace into your life. I’m sharing 9 practical ways that have worked for me – and can help you too – get more out of your day without stressing out.
1 - Start your day with an intention
Instead of immediately checking your phone or diving into your inbox, take a few minutes to consciously reflect on your day. What do you want to achieve today? How do you want to feel? Write it down or say it out loud to yourself. This will help you start with a focused, positive mindset.
2 - Work with the 3-3-3 rule
Avoid overwhelm by focusing on three major tasks, three minor tasks, and three quick fixes . This way, you’ll make achievable progress and avoid getting stuck in endless to-do lists.
3 - Take conscious breaks
It may sound counterintuitive, but taking more breaks will ultimately make you more productive. The Pomodoro Technique is an effective method: work focused for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. This helps you stay sharp and prevents exhaustion.
4 - Minimize distractions
A few small adjustments can make a big difference:
🔕 Turn off notifications on your phone and computer
📵 Keep your phone out of reach while you work
🎧 Listen to soothing music or white noise to stay focused
By consciously optimizing your environment, you can get more done in less time and with less stress.
💡 Tip: Check out Happlify's free Less is More 10-Day Challenge
5 - Start with the most difficult task
Do you have a task that you are dreading? Do it first. This is also known as the “eat the frog” method. If you complete the most difficult task in the morning, you will feel relieved and motivated to stay productive the rest of the day.
6 - Make routine your best friend
Less stress and more peace? That starts with structure. Create fixed morning and evening routines that support you. For example:
☀️ Start your day with a cup of tea and a short meditation
📝 At the end of the day, write down three things you are grateful for
📖 Read a few pages of an inspiring book before going to bed
By building habits, you don't have to think as much about what to do and you save energy.
7 - Stop multitasking
It seems efficient, but multitasking actually causes more stress and less focus . Focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention. You will notice that you work faster and more effectively and that you will have more peace of mind.
💡 Tip: Check out Happlify's free Make it Slow 10-Day Challenge
8 - Move during the day
Regular exercise not only helps you physically, but also mentally. Even taking a short walk, doing some stretching exercises or taking a few deep breaths can do wonders for your productivity and mood.
9 - End the day consciously
Take a few minutes at the end of the day to reflect on what went well and what you want to do differently the next day. Make a plan for tomorrow so you can end the day feeling relaxed and not still in bed working through your to-do list.
More rest and more done? It’s possible!
Getting more out of your day without stress is mainly a matter of consciously dealing with your time and energy. By developing the right habits, you can work more efficiently and enjoy more.
Interesting? Share with someone:
The best herbal teas for a good night's sleep