The article 13 small things to simplify your workday came through my email box last week and I finally read it today. Like most working mothers, I sometimes feel like I’m drowning in task lists and demands on my time: I crave simplicity! There are 13 tips on this list, and you can find a couple that you can apply to see progress right away. Here are three that I am planning to use:

Batch distractions. Set a time to do all the things that distract me: typically email, phone calls, twitter, facebook, and blog. He recommends 3 – 4 pm, because that is usually a less productive time of day. I often get my best work done at that hour, so I may try this other approach: do them for 10 minutes at the end of each hour ó but stick to that 10-minute limit!

Write shorter emails. Wow – what a concept! Limit myself to 3 – 4 sentences per email, which takes less time to write. Then, you tend to get shorter replies, which take less time to read and reply to. This may be a tough one for me, but so much better than taking 2 hours to answer one email, right? (Yes, true story)

Take breathing breaks. Every 15-20 minutes, get up from your desk, and take a breathing break. I’ll be honest: I hate this one. Once I’m in “the zone,” I don’t want to get out of it for something so trivial as breathing. And yet… taking a short stretch break helps reduce eye strain, cope with stress, prevent repetitive stress injuries (e.g. carpal tunnel), and may fix my lower back pain. I really must do this.