Stop wasting time: 5 easy ways to take back your day

We’ve all been there—ending a long day and wondering, “Where did all my time go?” Between juggling emails, running errands, and dealing with endless distractions, it’s easy to feel like your day slips away before you’ve had a chance to focus on what matters. But with a few simple strategies, you can take control and reclaim your time.

Here are five practical ways to take back your day and make every minute count.

1. Set daily priorities

Not everything on your to-do list is equally important, but it’s easy to get stuck in the trap of treating it that way. Start your day by picking your top three must-dos—the things that will make you feel accomplished when the day is over. This helps you focus on what really matters instead of getting caught up in the less important stuff.

Pro tip: Write these priorities down in a planner or app, and check them off as you go. There’s something so satisfying about seeing progress throughout the day.

2. Ditch multitasking

If you think multitasking makes you more productive, it’s time to rethink that approach. Switching between tasks forces your brain to constantly refocus, which slows you down and often leads to mistakes. Instead, try single-tasking.

Focus on one task at a time and give it your full concentration. For example, spend 20 minutes responding to emails without hopping back and forth between other tasks. You’ll get through it faster and with fewer errors—a win-win.

3. Tackle distractions head-on

Distractions are sneaky. They pull you in before you even realize how much time you’ve lost. Whether it’s endless scrolling on your phone or an overflowing inbox, it’s worth figuring out what derails you most and putting up some boundaries.

Try setting your phone to “Do Not Disturb,” tidying up your workspace, or blocking distracting websites during focused work sessions. Even small changes, like wearing headphones to minimize noise, can make a huge difference in staying on track.

4. Build breaks into your day

It might sound counterproductive, but taking regular breaks can actually help you get more done. Your brain needs time to recharge to keep working at its best. Skipping breaks might seem like you’re powering through, but it usually leads to burnout.

Give the Pomodoro Method a try: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. These short rests can help you stay refreshed and focused, so you’re not dragging by the end of the day.

5. Use tools that work for you

Technology can either help or hinder your productivity, depending on how you use it. With so many apps and tools out there, the trick is finding the ones that actually make life easier.

For instance, task management tools keep you organized, while apps like Elevate can help you build focus and time management skills through brain games designed by experts. Spending just a few minutes a day sharpening your mental skills can pay off big when it comes to staying efficient.

It’s easy to feel like time is slipping through your fingers, but small changes can make a big impact. By setting clear priorities, managing distractions, and using tools like Elevate, you can reclaim your day and make the most of your time.

Want to regain control of your schedule? Download the Elevate app today and start building better focus and productivity skills—all while having fun.