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Spring might be known for cleaning, but fall is ripe for revitalization and renewal. Shaving a few seconds off your day might not sound like much, but those seconds will add up to minutes, those minutes will bleed into hours, and then those hours will turn into that distantly familiar, glorious thing called free time.
Here are my top tricks, shortcuts, and life hacks that I use to increase my productivity and make time for the things I want to do.
- Daily Digest. I love Google Reader, an RSS aggregator that streamlines the way I consume the daily news. Instead of visiting hundreds of sites each day, Google Reader pulls new updates from my favorite blogs and websites into a single window. The content conveniently comes to me, rather than the other way around, enabling me to scan through more than 1000 articles and blog posts each day. When I’m on the go, I’ll use Reeder to quickly skim through content on my iPhone and iPad. I supplement with Instapaper, a bookmarking tool that allows me to save web pages in a mobile format so that I can read them later, even without an Internet connection.
- Exit Strategy. Like any good New Yorker, I’ve got my commute down to a T. I know that I have to be at the back of the F train if I’m headed to the Etsy Labs in Brooklyn, and that I should be in the fourth car of the 7 train when I am heading home. But what about the subway stations that are less familiar? Exit Strategy NYC is a mobile app that compiles all the know-how and shortcuts of an experienced New Yorker and places it in the palm of my hand. It tells me which subway car I need to get on so that I am positioned to the closest exit, staircase, or transfer. I literally shave minutes off my daily commute and I never miss a transfer. It also puts an interactive MTA subway map, street map, and bus map into my pocket so that I rarely get lost. (I say rarely because I have a terrible internal compass. I get lost even when I have voice-navigated GPS instructions!)
- To the Cloud! Do you have an inspiration board? I have an inspiration folder! Whenever I spy something creative online, I like to take a screenshot. Most of the time, I’ll want to share the image, but it’s a nuisance to upload the photo first or compose a whole email in order to send it to friends. Cloud is a Mac app that streamlines the process by automatically uploading screenshots I take to the web. It then copies the direct image URL to my clipboard, making sharing images and links as easy as cut and paste.
- Sleepcycle. This is pretty nerdy, but I optimize my sleep! Sleepcycle is an app that analyzes my sleep patterns based on how much I move. It then wakes me up in my lightest sleep cycle so that I get up feeling rested and relaxed, not grumpy and tired like when my normal alarm clock abruptly drags me out of a deep sleep. My favorite feature of Sleepcycle is that it records your past sleep history, letting you track when and how long you sleep. It also generates Sleep Graphs so that you can see the trends in how often you shift from a deep slumber to a shallow sleep.
- Post-it Notes. Digital is cool, but sometimes analog is best. Sometimes there’s nothing more effective at getting things done than a neon square of paper tacked on the side of your computer monitor. As much as I’d hate to part with my smartphone, pen and paper still play a huge role in the way I get things done!
What tools, systems, and hacks do you use to increase productivity?
143 comments
Sign in to add your ownRareDesign says:
With these tips and a clone, I might just get caught up one of these days! ;-)
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Thanks Laura! I could always use another hour or two in my day, maybe a few of these will guide me in right direction..
1 year ago
Colettesboutique says:
Love the sleepcycle App idea! Sounds like a great idea.
1 year ago
petitor says:
Post-it notes! They do their job so well. Cannot live without them!
1 year ago
scandivintage says:
Slow down and so make it last. :)
1 year ago
MootiDesigns says:
Ah, time management. There's a challenge. Thanks for the tips. Great post!
1 year ago
lindablumel says:
LOVE the Sleepcycle app idea!!! Can't wait to check it out. Thanks Laura!!
1 year ago
mamif says:
So many things that need to get done!
1 year ago
laurastark says:
I've got to try that Sleepcycle app. There really is an app for everything!
1 year ago
blueskyclouds says:
I love a good old-fashioned list that I make out. Then I follow it, getting one thing at a time done and crossed off. It's especially good when you are overwhelmed with lots of things...helps you focus and break down what seems like an enormity of tasks...
1 year ago
elleestpetite says:
The sleepcycle app sounds amazingly unreal!
1 year ago
IndyspireArt says:
I'm with you on Google Reader...love it.
1 year ago
jammerjewelry says:
Interesting and delightful article, Thanks
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
google reader and post-its are a must. i'd suggest: 1) an e-mail aggregator like mozilla thunderbird or forward all your gmail accounts into one and set up different filters; 2) also, check out mind mapping software/freeware (google it) to help you flesh out some of your ideas and brainstorms. i'll have to check out sleepcycle - sounds interesting.
1 year ago
teatimeandroses says:
I love post-it-notes! Thanks so much for the tips♥
1 year ago
SpottedFish says:
that sleepcycle app sounds really interesting - will definitely check that out!
1 year ago
TillyBloom says:
Sleepcycle sounds wonderful, will give it a try!
1 year ago
DeepBlueNotion says:
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
aostudio9 says:
Great tips, thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
BloomAndBarnacle says:
So I just installed sleep cycle, soooo excited to try it! If I can squeeze even 45 more minutes into my day and not be any more tired, that's amazing!Thanks for the tips.:)
1 year ago
Jalycme says:
Great tips! Thank you for sharing. :)
1 year ago
BloomAndBarnacle says:
Just installed Sleep Cycle, can't wait to try it out! Thanks for the tip! Squeezing 45 more minutes out of my day and not feeling any more tired, amazing!
1 year ago
aostudio9 says:
Working on that inspiration board, thanks for the tips!
1 year ago
SailThouForth says:
Although I am very much a pen-and-paper girl, I love the idea of the Sleepcycle app, especially since I am rarely ready for the day when my alarm goes off! I agree with blueskyclouds about making lists. I loooove crossing things off; it helps me feel that I’ve accomplished something.
1 year ago
sparrowgrey says:
Great tips, thanks!
1 year ago
hoopdaloop says:
very great tips! I also have a little journal that I carry around and jot ideas down and stick my post it notes in.... every little bit of organization helps!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
ah free time! I don't have much of that, must say as much as I like computers there's something satisfying about checking things off a list...
1 year ago
destroymodernart says:
As unorganised as I am I dont like the idea of my life being centred around a digital device...especially one that could stop working when you're depending on it. Much prefer paper noteboooks and pens. you can drop them and they dont die.
1 year ago
LoveAtFirstBlush says:
I really enjoyed the video. Those are amazing tips! I definitely need to make more use of Google Reader instead of individually visiting blogs.
1 year ago
Lisarachel says:
If I find anything that inspires me I send it to my flir. so that I always can get back to the site and it double duties for people to see what I currently am making and back to my shop;)
1 year ago
BeatificBijoux says:
I'm so out of the loop. Google Reader seems tailor-made for me. Although then I'll have less of an excuse to sit on my rear in front of the computer instead of being productive...
1 year ago
tanyabond says:
Totally agree about post-its...
1 year ago
dollfacecollectables says:
Yay Laura! Love the video. I'm really into Google Reader too & I use Evernote in the same way you use Cloud... for my inspiration folder.
1 year ago
GangGreeneCo says:
I've always been worried that I'll waste all of my time on Google Reader! I think it's time that I try and make more time. Thanks for these tips!
1 year ago
artoftam says:
yeah! thanks a lot! i'm also using post its, i like to strike things when i'm done!
1 year ago
squarepaisleydesign says:
Nice tips. Thanks!
1 year ago
kabe001 says:
instead of the copy and paste. Use pinterest.com for your inspiration board. Makes it soooo much simpler to collect and categorize your items.
1 year ago
volson1 says:
I've gone back to some analog writing, seems if its front of me, it gets done quicker...
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
What a great post!!! Really needed this right now =) Thanks!
1 year ago
lauraprentice says:
so cute, now if only I had a smart phone... sticking to post-its here.
1 year ago
vintagewhatthefunk says:
Thanks for the tips... I do love checking off things I've accomplished! Laura is maybe the most adoreable etsy staffer! Love your Bear Rug looking blankie!
1 year ago
CabinCastle says:
thanks for some great inspiration!
1 year ago
beliz82 says:
Great tips !! Thank you for sharing :)
1 year ago
lorwich says:
Thanks all! Glad you enjoyed the vid. FACT: The bear -rug-blanket-hat-cape is actually a fellow Etsy Admin's leftover Halloween costume! It lives in one of our conference rooms :-)
1 year ago
barefootSurfboutique says:
Super inspiring, and just what I needed! Thanks for the tips... now I'm off to go find my post-it notes! :D
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
thank you so much for this article. the number one problem i face from running my own business is time management. i truly will benefit from this!!!
1 year ago
ancagray says:
one of the best time-saving tips i've ever gotten: do it tomorrow. not as in procrastinating, but actually doing it tomorrow. for example, instead of checking my email 100 times a day and getting overwhelmed with trying to answer all new messages, i set an hour in the morning when i check and respond to all of yesterday's mail. it's amazing how well this works !
1 year ago
ImSoVintage says:
I still get a great deal of satisfaction from checking things off my list.
1 year ago
ajsoftail says:
I definitely do the post it note on the computer screen. My screen actually looks like a lion with a colored mane at the moment.... I have so many in so many colors!!!
1 year ago
TheZestyDesk says:
That sleepcycle app sounds cool...off to check it out. Thanks!
1 year ago
NannyMadeandfound says:
Isn't it weird that we live in a time-saving world...so many gadgets and gizmos that make our life simple, yet we struggle to find enough hours in a day! I work a full time job, have vendor booths, a house, husband, grandchildren, aging parents, am trying my hardest to manage a small etsy store....the list goes on and i'm usually exhausted and overwhelmed. having a few new tips to apply is a blessing. THANKS!
1 year ago
TwoChicklets says:
Sounds like all of us in our home could benefit from sleepcycle! It sounds amazing. I need the reminder notes too! Thanks
1 year ago
TheBerryPress says:
Thanks for all the great tips!
1 year ago
PoleStar says:
Great tips! I used sleep cycle for a while too but I am kind of scared about not waking up in time, I think I also used it when I was pregnant which is not a good time to use that app! The Cloud is a great app thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
ElisaGomez says:
Laura! What awesome apps! Thanks so much for the tips :)
1 year ago
sandboxcastle says:
Interesting- i am going to have to check out that sleep app! and i completely agree- post it notes - the REAL ones - are the best reminders!
1 year ago
benjamineheath says:
Completely off topic: I lOVE the mobile version of your site. Great job on consistently turning out chic aesthetics.
1 year ago
madefromstash says:
LISTS!! I'm a fiend for a wee jotter and a to-do list that I can cross off.
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Exit Strategy is neat. We need that in Chicago - quick.
1 year ago
pukkacrew says:
this is exactly what i needed. trying to get started on etsy, and make it big, and starting college at the same time......not an easy task. time to manage time and get from 2 sales, to 2,000; after i finish my calculus that is.
1 year ago
bobbsytwins says:
mmmm not too sure about the sleepcycle ap. I do worry about radiation from mobile phones and it has been advised not to have one even on your bed side table due to the potential cancer risks. I'm just saying ...
1 year ago
stealthfox says:
After reading this I got google reader.. oh my god! Such a time saver!
1 year ago
adoreneko says:
A calendar is good too. The kinds that hang on the wall. Great tips!
1 year ago
FauxFurPetBakery says:
Love these insightful tips and how you mix new and old school methods. Great job!
1 year ago
acraftywitch says:
Thanks for the tips. I'll have to try the Sleepcycle App. I never seem to get enough crafting done after work because I'm so tired.
1 year ago
KristyLynnJewelry says:
Great tips, thanks for sharing! Need to check out the sleepcycle!
1 year ago
TandJsoaps says:
Going to check out that Sleepcycle App. I love Post it notes too. Wouldn't be able to function without them.
1 year ago
CassidysCottage says:
A few great tips here! Thank you!
1 year ago
withlovemandy says:
Wow, sold on sleepcycle!
1 year ago
MadeinMogotes says:
Thanks Laura! Love the tips and the video. Some great advice.
1 year ago
domesticdebbie says:
sleepcycle seems amazing. I found something similar for android that I am going to try out. And I still use post-it-notes like computers don't exist. They are so handy even in this digital age! Great tips all around.
1 year ago
mirthmarket says:
I have been using Sleepcycle for about a month now - it's fantastic! It's definitely helping me understand my sleep patterns more.
1 year ago
ChakarrJewelry says:
I also need some tips for procrastination :)
1 year ago
katrinaalana says:
Great tips!
1 year ago
kawaiikatiie says:
I don't have a smart phone, So all i got from this was to use sticky notes... That wont save me much time at all! D': How am i supposed to manage my time?!
1 year ago
ClothandINK says:
Great thanks, I've just downloaded the 'cloud'
1 year ago
AKrzyArtworks says:
Sweet!
1 year ago
ArtisEverything says:
Great ideas ! Thank you so much for sharing...
1 year ago
Exit7treasures says:
Great tips!!! THanks.
1 year ago
quiltytherapy says:
I have to leave my house by a certain time or else I hit every light on my way to the grown up job. Leaves me less time to play on forums before I start work.
1 year ago
QualityStitchez says:
Thank you Laura, I also keep a Journey of ways I shave TIME 2 add 2 my life, but it is always a great idea 2 read and add 2 the list we all learn from each other! Thank u! Never heard of Sleepcycle, good reading! And thumbs up on the good ole fashion way of paper and pen! Katee
1 year ago
Womensgirl says:
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
CARUSSDESIGNZ says:
ChakarrJewelry the only thing I know about 'procrastination solutions' is called, Do-It-Now! Sometimes we have 2 get a bit angry and jump up and do it now!. It feels SO GOOD 2 get things done. Katee
1 year ago
pinkpurr says:
ooh! Was cynical when I saw the title of this one... how much more efficient can we make our lives, really? You realize how much of your time is wasted in the stage before panic, the stage when you are so overwhelmed by the day's work that needs to be accomplished - you suddenly find yourself unable to move or think. The need to stop, be human, go for a run and most importantly... gotta love that sleep cycle! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
Nostalgia says:
I love your tips =) I never knew we can save and send pictures like that. thanks so much for sharing
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Great tips!
1 year ago
Tokibow says:
great!
1 year ago
PetitBijouxBoutique says:
Sleepcycle!! Thanks, I'm definitely going to try that :)
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
brittanylaurendesign says:
Great advice… thanks for taking the time so we can have more time heheh. I'm always jotting things down on a big clip board of paper. It feels so good to put a big checkmark next to something done :)
1 year ago
RoundRobinVintage says:
Post it addict here
1 year ago
pasin says:
thanks for some great inspiration!
1 year ago
upgradegr says:
Excellent ideas! I do the same thing with the commute and post it! Sleepcycle also sounds fantastic!
1 year ago
flowersbythevase says:
time flys when your having fun
1 year ago
stephanierichter says:
www.pinterest.com !!! forget screenshots and cloud. Only thing is the rest of the site - seeing other peoples pins - can be a serious time-suck. But if you only use to to 'pin' inspiration to you 'board/s' (and don't hunt around!) it is amazing and saves so much time by keeping your original link. I <3 Pinterest! xoxoxo
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
Thanks for the tips! Not only in the article but the posts too!!
1 year ago
ShoeClipsOnly says:
Love post-it-notes, the only trouble with them is if they fall off the fridge, get underneath, then during saturday cleaning you find it and go "oh yea"... Love your ideas, thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
ParisianDreams says:
Lot of great ideas! I'll have to check out the google reader.
1 year ago
FiorellaJewelry says:
each morning I make a mental list- of things I have to do, things I should do, and things I'd like to do. I think about this while still lying in bed, that state of mind seems to be most flexible for me, and as I lay there kind of brain storming or strategizing I often come up with all sorts of new ideas.
1 year ago
meluseena says:
Instead of taking screenshots, you can use Pinterest instead of 'cloud'. It's also an easier way to share with people who arent on macs. :)
1 year ago
TheSewingGin says:
Great tips. I'll have to investigate the google reader.
1 year ago
greenappleworks says:
These are all good ideas, I keep a notebook and just write down my to do list everyday. I need an upgrade!
1 year ago
good4you says:
awesome! i am totally getting the cloud app. geez, watching this makes me want to get an iphone! oh well, living in the countryside is a little different. but i would totally create a plant identification app to save time! peace.
1 year ago
oldworldprimitives says:
I like the Sleep Cycle idea - I need to try that!
1 year ago
BootsNGus says:
For the past 20 years I was busy all the time in a corporate job. I left that world in March of this year and I vowed to slow down my life. I will never be so busy that I need time saving tips, thankfully! But I love your ideas and I will pass them along to my family and friends who are always busy busy busy. :)
1 year ago
katecreativesalvage says:
I love the Sleep Cycle idea, the post it notes, and the cloud app. great tips I use sometimes when is something I HAVE TO DO, ASAP, a huge note on my bedroom lamp shade, I write with a marker a schedule for the next day also, the day before on my calendar "To do" list. thank you
1 year ago
pillowfactory says:
very useful, can never get enough tips!
1 year ago
TheScarfTree says:
Some good tips! Thank you!
1 year ago
Hepstyles says:
Wow! I've read a lot of articles about organizing and getting things done because I need so much help in those areas, but this is great! You squeezed so many great tips into a short article! Thank you so much!
1 year ago
Hepstyles says:
Oh, yeah. I am a huge Pinterest fan also!
1 year ago
PiggieKisses says:
Thank you so very much! XO
1 year ago
skybluemaine says:
Wow, what do you eat on a regular basis? I want your energy! Seriously want to know! Annie
1 year ago
goodbeads says:
I often feel no much time to get things done,have to get a better arrangment ,thank for the tips!
1 year ago
DigiPixStudio says:
I'm getting the sleep cycle!!!! Thanks.
1 year ago
KKSimpleRegalJewelry says:
Great tips. But I think I could use a bit more non tec with my time savers. Not everyone has access to those... but great ideas! ~KK~
1 year ago
KKSimpleRegalJewelry says:
Very interesting! I think we could use some less tec things but interesting no less! Thanks, ~KK~
1 year ago
dekoprojects says:
You really have to live fast in NY. In my town there's no alternative to the buses. When winter comes they're usually 20 or more minutes late :|
1 year ago
CosmicRebirth says:
I learned a great way to audit your time in art school. For a week keep a written log of start and stop times of everything you do from morning till night. No matter how short the task, 1-2 minutes, log it! It can be a little daunting at first, but it gives you a minute to minute breakdown of how you use your time everyday. Then its easy to edit how you use your time, what to focus on more and what to cut out. You'll be a time management expert in no time!
1 year ago
MyVintageStudio says:
I'm getting the post it's out to stick on the fridge!
1 year ago
KateElin says:
I have a PC. Any cloudapp-like things for me?
1 year ago
sassyalice says:
You should be able to get cloud for PC. If not, windows will knock it off pretty soon. :D
1 year ago
Cinzia74 says:
Love the Exit Strategy app: itcould really make the difference between being late or getting there just in time when you exit from the tube first. Wonder if there' s an equivalent for Italian lines...
1 year ago
QuiltSewCover says:
I learned a lot! Do this again - in your new found free time! Seriously - this was great.
1 year ago
virtuallori says:
I have to give Google Reader another try. My problem with RSS readers is that part of my enjoyment is the design and atmosphere that blogs create, and that is lost with readers. Still, for a pile of stuff to get through, they definitely save time. For to-do lists, I haven't found anything better than Things (http://culturedcode.com/things/). It's robust enough to deal with my multiple projects, but super easy to use. No affiliation; just a delighted user.
1 year ago
BarkingDogBlanket says:
thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
thisthatotherthings says:
I'm a fan of post it notes that I can pull down and crinkle up in my hand when the task is complete and List, I love Lists that I can cross the tasks off when done. You've go lots of great tips Thanks so much for sharing them.
1 year ago
TheAdornedArticle says:
Interesting post but a little heavy on the phone and computer apps (for those of us who don't have a mac or an iphone)...I'd love to read about a more 'handmade' approach to time saving.
1 year ago
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy says:
Fantastic post -- thank you for the tips and tricks!
1 year ago
ScrappyTudeStudios says:
Guess my latest blog series: Time Management for Creatives, is timely!
1 year ago
RefugeHeart says:
Great tips. I've heard great things about the cloud app!
1 year ago
prettypleasecrafts says:
I use post its all the time :) Thanks for the tips!
1 year ago
TreasuresandBeyond says:
Thanks for the tips. Sleepcycle app, great idea!
1 year ago
frogtoprince says:
A very interesting article, I enjoyed it.
1 year ago
melissapowers says:
too bad for those of us without an iphone. :(
1 year ago
BlueMoonLights says:
Thank you for the post!
1 year ago
AlphabetCityStudio says:
Oooh.. the sleepcycle app looks interesting.. too bad I don't have an iPhone. <=T
1 year ago
sarus says:
thanks for this video,great tips!! can i ask where could i find so beautiful case/sleeve/... for laptop?i just love it! thanks
1 year ago
modeandabode says:
I am also SUPER keen on your laptop cover...where can I buy one/find a pattern to crochet one/bribe you with cookies sent from Korea to sell me yours?! Thanks a bunch <3 -m
1 year ago
atelierdricka says:
Wow! Am So glad I live in the mountains of Arizona and not in New York! I too, like many postings, am a pen and pencil and paper girl. A journaler, a one on one , personal connection gal - takes me 10 minutes at most to get around this beautiful town. Good fresh mountain air! - I sure don't need a sleep app. nor an iphone, nor a mobile phone with camera... a computer, a dig cam, a pre-paid cell (no bills!). simplify simplify simplify and you won't need any thing else! Relax and smell the roses!
1 year ago
NapPage says:
Great :))
1 year ago
theroyal says:
very cool. thanks for making that video
1 year ago
mia lopez says:
http://www.thestudentbiz.com - StudentBiz is your one stop resource for buying, selling, or exchanging textbooks and other goods directly on your own campus. Regardless of your year, faculty, or program we you're able to find someone from your own University to make an exchange with.
1 year ago
Hristo Hvoynev from Exidrawings says:
So nice video! Laura is amazing infront of the cameras! :)
33 days ago