We’ve all been there: you’re working away, only to lose focus or become distracted by all the things! While productivity is key year-round, during the summer, the sunny weather and the lure of the beach or patio bevvies are additional distractions that can keep us from reaching peak productivity.

When you’re a busy entrepreneur with a to-do list a mile long, it can be challenging to find the best, most productive way to spend your time.

And so, we’ve compiled a few productivity hacks and apps that we swear by:

1) Start your morning off right.

Building a solid nighttime routine is important, but don’t discount the power of a morning routine, too! If you establish an a.m. routine that works for you, you’ll start the day feeling grounded. Check out apps like Kiwake, which stops you from hitting ‘snooze’ after your alarm goes off.

2) Get organized.

At Hustle + Charm, we absolutely love making lists. Possible lists could include tasks you need to complete, emails you need to respond to or errands you need to run that day. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as checking off items as you complete them! Todoist is a great task-management tool that’s a step above a traditional to-do list.

At the end of the day, spend a few minutes clearing up your workspace and organizing your phone and digital files for the next day. Your future self will thank you!

3) Find a time management system that works for you.

One of the easiest ways to manage your time? Schedule tasks into your calendar and remove all distractions during that time so you can stay focused. A popular method is the Pomodoro Technique, which is a time management system that breaks your workday into 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks. After about four cycles, you take a longer break of 15-20 minutes. The app Engross is based on this technique and even offers a Pomodoro timer!

4) Take a break.

We know, it sounds counter-productive to take a break when you’re trying to get stuff done, but hear us out! When you’re unfocused, you’re not working at your peak performance levels. A change of scenery—and maybe a little bit of movement—can work wonders in helping you clear your head and refocus. Take a short stroll around the block, do a 10-minute work-out or hit the hay for a power nap—whatever works for you. We like the Brain.fm app, which plays music that’s designed for the brain to enhance focus, relaxation, etc. by using scientific research to play music based on your desired outcome.

5) Delegate where necessary.

If you don’t have employees or other supports in place, consider hiring a virtual assistant (VA) to take some tasks off your hands. They can perform any number of tasks, from providing customer service to helping with your bookkeeping.

With these tips and apps, you’ll be more efficient in your work while still finding time to relax and recharge. Now, go out and enjoy the summer!

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