Woman at the computer

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Handle things once (saves 15 to 20 minutes). When it comes to e-mail, voice mail, or paperwork, take instant action—i.e., read, answer, delete, file—so you don't have to come back to it. The accumulated time saved can add up to ten hours a month, says Jana Kemp, a Boise, Idaho, "time architect" and the author of No! How One Simple Word Can Transform Your Life.
Mother with children in the morning

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Don't listen to the news first thing in the morning (30 minutes). Depressing reports can distract you from efficiently accomplishing your a.m. routine—getting ready for work, feeding the kids, mentally preparing for a good day, says Los Angeles lifestyle coach Ruth Klein. If you really want to watch Good Morning America, TiVo it.
Woman waiting at the airport

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Make good use of waiting time (30 minutes). Don't go to the doctor without taking something to do—work papers to read, stamped notecards to catch up on correspondence—advises Laura Stack, author of Find More Time. Bring a book or magazine to the bank; pay bills while on hold with a credit card company.
Watering plants

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Think "half-time" (30 minutes). Arrange a carpool for your child's ballet class or soccer practice, Stack suggests (that way, you'll cut driving time by at least half). Wear a wireless headset so you can water plants or pick up toys as you talk on the phone. And, whether you're cooking chili or baking cookies, make a double batch, freezing what you don't use.
Woman comparison shopping online

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Be decisive and move on (up to 60 minutes). Every minute spent waffling can slow down your ability to take action, says Kemp. For example, rather than spending six hours researching the best round-trip airfare deal—only to save $25 in the end—give yourself 45 minutes to comparison price shop, then make a decision.
Woman cleaning

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Lighten up on your cleaning standards (30 to 45 minutes). Aiming for "dirt removal" versus "perfectly spotless" can free up a lot of time. "In my house, I wipe down the stall after showering instead of doing a big thorough scrub every week," says Stack. "Consider washable throw rugs rather than carpets that need constant steam-cleaning, and change the heating and cooling system filters quarterly to cut down on dust."
Woman writing

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Write it down (60 minutes). Constantly cycling through a to-do list in your mind hinders productivity and creativity, says Klein. Carry a pad or BlackBerry and jot down what's got to get done, clearing your mind so you can come up with work solutions and new ideas more quickly.
Woman with laptop relaxing in the grass

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Turn off technology during your high-energy time (90 minutes). Pinpoint the time of day when you are at your freshest, and remove all distractions, says Klein: For example, route all calls to voice mail and avoid your e-mail in-box. You'll be much more productive.
Mother and daughter watching television

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Monitor time-sapping addictions (60 minutes). According to the latest American Time Use Survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2005 the average U.S. citizen watched 2.6 hours of television a day. "Reducing your television-watching time by five hours a week adds up to 11 extra days a year," says Stack, who also suggests setting a timer (no more than 60 minutes) for Internet surfing.

Next: Do you need a 30-day e-mail detox?