Today’s busy professionals are many things. They’re leaders, multitaskers, business owners, fixers and mompreneurs, to name a few. But regardless of your role, if its one thing we all have in common, it’s the need for tips to simplify our work and personal lives.
If you’re looking for ways to successfully blend what you do professionally and personally forget “work-life” balance and embrace the new norm: “work life integration.†With a majority of the workforce working 9 hours or more a day, finding ways to fit exercise into your hectic schedule, attend work meetings, plan family activities and respond to a never-ending email chain is indeed a challenge. And, thanks to the Internet, the expectation is that we’re available 24/7. Of course this doesn’t mean it’s not okay for you to take a mental health day every now and then. It simply means it’s up to you to find and use the tools available to make time work to your advantage.
Here are some expert tips from busy professionals and entrepreneurs who have mastered the art of managing work and life while on the go:
On juggling mommyhood and entrepreneurship:
Style blogger, social media specialist and digital media maven Christina S. Brown:
The greatest tools I’ve utilized for juggling mommyhood and entrepreneurships are apps. I used an app while I was in my last trimester of pregnancy to time my contractions and even after my daughter was born I used an app to time her feedings and poopy diapers! My favorite app of the moment is Teux Deux. With so much going on it’s really hard to remember everything. Teux Deux is exactly what it sounds like – it’s a to do list. It’s virtual so it lives on all my mobile devices as well as my desktop and it helps me keep track of everything from Cadence’s grocery list to social media posts I need to schedule. It’s really great!
On running a business and responding to client demands:
Founder of Imperfect Concepts, Tasha S Robinson
The best tips I can give the busy professional are:
Designate days off. Last year, I put this rule into effect when I launched ICB Consults. For example I don’t do meetings on Monday. This gives me the day to get a clear overview of the week ahead for both companies. I utilize this day to do money management for the company & forecasting. Â It’s also important to spend 2 hours minimum a week making sure finances are in order.
Always having 30-minute breaks in between sessions helps me have breathing room & time to snack if necessary.
Canned emails, or those already written to our most frequently asked questions, let my staff and I respond to people in a timely matter. So, either a team member or I can shoot a response in less than 2 minutes with the answers they need.
Go Daddy Bookkeeping, Waveapp & Mint are how I manage my business & personal finances.
On exercising & working on the fly
Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Caribbean travel expert:
As a travel journalist I’m on the road in the Caribbean two to three times a month. My most productive travel/work days start with a morning run in my destination to get my mind right (and to get the lay of the land). I always have my iPhone with me and would be lost without the voice recorder for interviewing subjects and the Notes app for note taking. I’ve also started to use the camera function for “visual note-taking.” it’s a lot quicker to snap a photo than to write down 75 words about something!
On Saving Time, Saving Money & Eating Healthy
Fitness Guru and Founder of Fitmen Cook, Kevin Curry:
The challenge I task myself with is taking popular heavier meals and making them over, using healthier ingredients and providing suggested portion sizes. Most people respond recipes that can be cooked quickly and in bulk at the beginning of the week. These recipes are designed to help people save time cooking throughout the week, as well as help them better control what they eat so that they can accomplish fitness goals.
Here are 3 healthy recipes to save you money and time while on the go:
- $75 Meal Prep — 5 Meals a Day for 5 Days for $75 – Five meals per day for an entire workweek–using as many fresh ingredients as possible while spending only $75.
- Turkey Wrapped Breakfast Egg Muffins -Â This simple recipe is perfect for busy people, those with large families, students who need to eat on the go and people who need a new breakfast idea.
- Sweet Potato Slider Melts -These sweet potato sliders can be prepped so you can enjoy throughout the week, are family & kid friendly and will not break the bank.
What are your favorite tips or advice for juggling professional and personal life while on the go?