Productivity Tips for the Upcoming Holiday Season

What's special about today? It's the first day of November and the start of a busy holiday season. From parties to vacation planning, there is a lot more for us to manage in our daily lives. Though it's easy to feel a little frazzled or distressed with an endless string of responsibilities, there are specific things that can be done each day to cross off all these tasks from your checklist. Better yet, once your daily tasks are completed, you'll be able to better enjoy what the season is all about-- the joy of your family and friends' company.

Reevaluate your to-do list.

If you're anything like us, you probably have a long list of things you need to get done. With the seasonal change, reevaluate what's on that list and make the appropriate changes. Now is the time to include tasks that might be unique to November and December, such as gift shopping, finding the perfect Thanksgiving recipe, or researching things to do on your New Year's Eve getaway.

When putting new things on your to-do list, set firm deadlines to complete tasks. In setting these specific dates, you have a clearer sense of what every week holds. At the same time, these date-oriented deadlines can offer extra motivation. For example, once you complete a task, reward yourself with something you really enjoy doing. This sense of accomplishment encourages you to stay focused on what you need to get done.

Use technology to help you along the way.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the apps that claim to make you more productive. So, we wanted to recommend two apps we've used before and can vouch for when it comes to sorting through everything this holiday season.

Evernote Web Clipper is a perfect tool to pick out and save a Thanksgiving recipe. Because Evernote also has a mobile app, you're able to pull up the recipe in a grocery store, allowing you to pick up all necessary ingredients. This will save you that last minute trip to the grocery store after realizing you've forgotten a key ingredient.

Consider Wunderlist to collaborate with family and friends on holiday parties or a Thanksgiving potluck. Rather than juggling multiple text messages or email strings, this app is a handy place to share a list of items to pick up. It can also be a great way to share gift ideas if multiple people are chipping in on one big gift.

Set aside weekend hours to get stuff done.

We love our weekends like everyone else, but during the holiday season, we recognize a need to get some work done, whether it's a couple hours on a Saturday morning or on Sunday afternoon after having a nice breakfast. No matter which time period or day you choose, set aside that time to get away from Facebook or work emails to focus on the personal tasks that need to be finished. A few uninterrupted hours can allow you to get more done than you would be able to during a busy weekday.

Stock up on printing supplies early.

By buying printer ink and photo paper early, you'll be able to capture and print out the best holiday moments straight from home. Don't forget you can save money on printer ink at 247inktoner. Also remember to check your printer settings to ensure these photos are getting printed at the highest quality possible.

These photos also have other benefits. You'll also be able to share these memories with relatives and friends. While a Facebook album is nice, physical prints feel a lot more personal. Grandma might also love adding them to her scrapbook or photo album she's kept for many years and many holiday get-togethers.

Let us know what you do to manage one of the busiest seasons of the year. Feel free to share your tips and suggestions in the comments section below!