It comes down to one simple fact: if you want to find extra time for yourself, you will have to become more organized throughout the day. You will also have to make an honest assessment about where your time is going. Once you take the time to evaluate your free time and organize your schedule, you may be surprised at how easy it is to find 15 extra minutes for yourself each day.

Where Does the Time Go?

It’s hard to organize your day when you aren’t sure where your time is going. Before you try to create a daily schedule, start by observing what you are already doing. Use a smartphone app, a day planner or even a simple piece of paper to start jotting down your actions during the day. Keep an eye on the time and make a brief note whenever you start a new task. By the end of a few days, you are likely to see some places where your time might be better spent.

Prioritize Your Day

There are things you need to do during the day, things you feel obligated to do, and things you actually want to do. But there are also little time-wasters that can sneak in and suck up more of your time than you realize. Web surfing, social networking and other forms of procrastination can quickly extend your workday and leave you little satisfaction in the process. By prioritizing the tasks you need to do, you can work more efficiently and easily find an extra 15 minutes for yourself before the end of the day.

Use Time Management Tools

Checklists, calendars and day planners are all effective time management tools. With the advent of the smartphone, it’s easier than ever to find an organizational app to help you manage your time. The only drawback to these tools is that they can only help if you make yourself use them.

Some people like to schedule what they will be doing throughout the day, and others prefer to have a simple list of tasks that they can check off as they go. Whichever method you choose, you can schedule an extra 15 minutes of time for yourself during the day or arrange your tasks in a way that will leave you more free time after your work is completed.

When it comes to time management, the best method is whatever works for you. The goal is to find organizational tools that will keep you on track. By taking the time to organize your day, you will be surprised to see how easy it is to find an extra 15 minutes for yourself.