9 Productivity Hacks to Save Time and Be More Efficient

Planning: man organizing ideas on a whiteboard with sticky notes

Time is our most valuable resource, but also the most limited. You’ve probably experienced it: you finish the day feeling like you haven’t made enough progress, even though you’ve been busy all day. The key? Not working more, but working smarter.

The internet is full of productivity tricks, but not all of them are practical. That’s why we’ve compiled 9 proven and effective hacks to help you save time and be more productive without sacrificing well-being.

1. The “Time Blocking” technique: take control of your schedule before it controls you

If you’ve ever ended the day wondering, “What did I even do today?” then Time Blocking can change your life. Business leaders like Elon Musk and Bill Gates use this method to structure their day by allocating specific time slots for each task.

How to apply it?

  • Instead of a to-do list, block specific time slots in your calendar for each activity.
  • Group similar tasks to avoid distraction (e.g., checking emails only at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM).
  • Schedule breaks: your mind needs pauses to perform better.
Time management: person organizing their schedule with a digital calendar and a notebook

2. The 2-Minute Rule: say goodbye to small accumulated tasks

If something takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. Responding to a quick message or filing a document may seem insignificant, but postponing these tasks turns them into an overwhelming backlog. 

  Challenge: Apply the 2-minute rule for a day and notice the difference.

3. Automation and productivity: save time with technology

Your time is valuable, so why waste it on repetitive tasks? Tools like Zapier, IFTTT o Microsoft Power Automate Zapier, IFTTT, or Microsoft Power Automate can handle:

  • Automated email responses for frequent inquiries.
  • Scheduled invoicing.
  • Automated social media posts.

Fewer mechanical tasks = more focus on what really matters.

4. The Pareto Principle: prioritize the 20% of tasks that matter most

Not all tasks are equally important. 80% of results come from 20% of actions.

How to apply the Pareto Principle?

  • Identify which tasks have the greatest impact.
  • Eliminate or delegate what doesn’t add value.
  • Strategically prioritize in your planning.

5. Sleep well to boost productivity: keys to optimal rest

Poor sleep affects memory, concentration, and performance. More coffee? No. Better sleep.

Rest is key to productivity and is a fundamental pillar of biohacking. Learn more about how biohacking can help you optimize your energy and performance here.

  Tip: Avoid screens 30 minutes before bed and maintain a stable sleep routine.

6. Manage your time with the Eisenhower Matrix

How to apply the Eisenhower Matrix:

  • If it’s urgent and important → Do it now.
  • If it’s important but not urgent → Schedule it.
  • If it’s urgent but not important → Delegate it.
  • If it’s neither urgent nor important → Eliminate it.
Productivity: person planning tasks on a laptop with a digital calendar

7. Group similar tasks with the Batching Technique

Every time you switch tasks, your brain expends energy adjusting. Batching minimizes this fatigue by grouping similar activities into dedicated time blocks.

Example: Check emails only at specific times, schedule all meetings on the same day.

  Challenge: Try batching for a week and compare your focus levels.

8. Reduce Decision Fatigue with Predefined Habits

Making decisions consumes mental energy. Leaders like Steve Jobs minimized this drain by establishing predefined routines.

How to apply it?

  • Plan your outfit the night before.
  • Design a weekly meal plan to avoid thinking about what to eat.
  • Pre-planning your meals not only saves time but also reduces food waste. Opting for ready-to-eat options or those with a longer shelf life helps avoid unnecessary purchases and optimizes resources. A perfect choice is Satislent, which saves you time without compromising nutrition.

Biohacking suggests minimizing daily decisions to conserve mental energy and improve efficiency. Learn more about biohacking strategies in our article aquí.

9. Design a morning routine to kickstart your day

Mornings shouldn’t be chaotic. An effective routine sets the tone for a smooth and productive day.

Key elements of a productive morning:

  • Wake up at the same time every day.
  • Hydrate and move to wake up your body and mind.
  • Avoid your phone for the first hour to start with mental clarity.
  • Eat a quick and nutritious breakfast, like a Satislent shake.

Satislent: a practical solution to save time without sacrificing nutrition

If you want to optimize your time, food shouldn’t be a problem. Satislent allows you to eat well in minutes, without cooking or meal planning.

More time, more energy, better performance. Try it and feel the difference.

FAQs

  • How can I better organize my time?

The Time Blocking technique helps you structure your day by assigning specific time slots for each task, reducing distractions, and maximizing productivity.

  • What is the best way to eliminate small tasks?

The 2-minute rule states that if a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately to prevent tasks from piling up.

  • How can I reduce the number of daily decisions?

To minimize decision fatigue, establish predefined habits: plan your outfit the night before, create a weekly meal plan, and use quick options like Satislent to optimize your nutrition.

  • What is the most effective method for prioritizing tasks?

The Eisenhower Matrix helps prioritize tasks by categorizing them into four groups: urgent and important (do them now), important but not urgent (schedule them), urgent but not important (delegate them), and neither urgent nor important (eliminate them).