Everybody is busy, but why is it that some people seem to just get so much more done, pack so much into one day?

Some people are just better at basic time management. Simply taking control of your time and managing it well can result in you getting much more done each day and having more time to enjoy the finer things in life (other than work!).

People working from home face unique challenges, ones that are not relevant in your typical cubicle.

In an office setting, there are no children to watch, fewer personal calls, fewer errands, no loads of laundry to change, no couch to relax on. Tackling these tasks while also maintaining work productivity is no small chore.

Once you get into a good groove, however, working from home offers so many benefits that you’ll never want to return to a regular office job.

Several time management secrets that can help you stay focused on the tasks you need to finish for work:

1. Make daily and weekly “to-do” lists.

Surveys have shown that the average person can conquer seven major tasks in a day. Start each work day by making a list of the seven most important things you need to finish that day.

Keep a separate running list of bigger tasks, or less important “fillers” that you can work in over the course of a week as you clear time. Each day, focus on what “must” be done, then work on the next most important things, and so on.

2. Make time management a habit.

Stick to your lists. Try to work regular hours, whatever those hours might be that work for you.

Nobody says you have to work ‘9-to-5,’ but keeping a regular routine will keep you on task for a higher percentage of the time.

3. Plan accordingly.

Schedule your biggest tasks (or the ones that demand the most attention) for times when you know you are at your best. Save smaller and easier tasks for times that you know you might be dragging a bit. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, use your energy resources wisely.

4. Avoid the email trap.

Plan on checking your email only 3-4 times per day.

Avoid checking it every 5 minutes, this is a huge time-waster.

When you do check, address things immediately whenever possible. Using an electronic filing system for your email allows you to keep a separate file of “Attention” items and helps you keep your inbox empty. (Remember to save a few forwarded jokes to read when you have a little down time.)

5. Don’t drown in paper.

The best time managers vow to “touch each paper only once.”

Either file it away if it’s important, or toss it immediately. Addressing things as they arrive helps keep you from becoming overwhelmed, which can happen very quickly!

Above all, set realistic goals for yourself and be flexible.

Time is very valuable.

It’s important to plan some time for yourself and really allow yourself to relax for at least part of every day. You’ll get more done in the long run when you clear your mind and rest your body!