Now that the holidays are officially over and done with, I’m trying to go back and find a balance between relaxing and working. Actually, it’s more like working > relaxing right now since I relaxed some what over break.
Without further ado, I’m sharing the apps and blogs I use and read on a daily basis that help me stay on task.
1. Any.do and Google Keep
Both are Android apps ( available for iPhones/iPods as well) and they’re both really great. Any.do and Google Keep are task list apps, both with the ability to remind the user something at a specific time and date. I use both, Google Keep for more note heavy things, since Google Keep has the ability to take notes and well as task lists, and Any.do for more short tasks. The great thing about Any.do is that it reminds you at the beginning of the day to plan your day. Also, it’s great because you can sort your tasks into three categories: today, tomorrow and someday.
2. Google Calendar/iCalendar
I love Google and Apple but for me, my phone needs to run on Android and my computer on Mac. Needless to say, it creates some problems for my calendar apps but I’ve synced my iCal to my Google Calendar.
Calendar apps are great for keeping track of what classes, deadlines and test days you have ahead. At the end of the day, I like to view what things I have planned for the day after and the entire week so I can work my schedule around it. I do not use this to plan my day, though. I only use it to keep track of appointments, deadlines and tests I have.
3. Asian Efficiency
I read their newsletters, which has great tips to increase your productivity and efficiency, decluttering your life. It really doesn’t have anything to do with being Asian, trust me. One of the best tips it ever gave me at a great moment in my life was to let it go. If there’s emotional baggage weighing you down, talk to someone about it, write it down, and let it go. You’ve done enough thinking about it. Easier said than done sometimes but it really does help.
4. Study Hacks
It’s blog with a lot more than studying hacks. It’s a productivity and efficiency blog and the tips are quality. Seriously. Hands down one of my favorite blogs ever. I always find new things to learn and the tips that Cal Newport (also author of a bunch of really great books) gives are simple and usable.
5. Planner
Before there were phones and computers, there were planners. Great things to have and easy to use. Plus, you don’t need to charge it.
Honestly, a pen and piece of paper works fine, too. Just don’t lose it by the end of the day. Jot down whatever things need to get done and do it.
Also, don’t forget to give yourself a break!
How do you plan your day? How do you organize your life? Honestly, do I try too hard and am I making my life too complicated?
For more blogging tips, check out the tip archive here.
