Simply put, when you need to recharge, wasting time can be beneficial. But what if you’re allowing those bad time wasters to consume the majority of your time? You can overcome those bad time wasters by employing these scientifically proven time-saving hacks.

• Try the 2-minute rule – If a task take under 2 minutes or less to complete, do it immediately. For examples, responding to an email or tossing your laundry into the dryer. When starting new habits, it should take less than a minute to do. Obviously there will be certain tasks that take longer, but every goal can at least get started in less than 2 minutes. More importantly, the 2-minute rule encourages us to just get started. Even if we don’t finish the task, we have done something. This makes us feel in control and optimistic, which gives us some momentum.
• Turn off your notifications – Notifications can be distracting and divert you from bigger tasks you need to accomplish. They’ve become a substantial enough issue that even Apple CEO Tim Cook agrees. If you’re going to sit down for a session of language learning, take a few moments to turn off all electronic attention-hogs that surround you. Go away from your TV, turn off the wifi on your devices, and close down unnecessary applications or windows. If you are studying via the internet, then use a plugin like StayFocusd or Self Control to block Facebook and other sites that will distract you.
• Only working on a single task – Contrary to what some may believe, human bigs are actually not set up for multitasking. A study showed that multitasking actually reduces your IQ more than losing a night’s sleep or smoking marijuana. The more we multitask, the more we crave options, and the less we’re able to choose. Our ability to be effective in life deteriorates as we multitask, so focus on one thing at a time and you will get more of everything done.
• Create a No Excuses Deadline – Deadlines help control procrastination. But on top of creating the deadline, you must be sure to announce it to someone who will keep you accountable (your boss, your clients, a teacher, etc.). “Time frames create a use of urgency, and build momentum. Momentum crates speed. And money likes speed. That might be a very capitalist viewpoint, but there is something ethereal, energetic about that. Time frames increase productivity; things get done.” – Nicola Cook, CEO of Company Shortcuts.
• Use the Pomodoro technique – A method for staying focused & mentally fresh.
  – Step 1 – Pick a task
  – Step 2 – Set a 25-minute timer
  – Step 3 – Work on your task until the time is up.
  – Step 4 – Take a 5-minute break
  – Step 5 – Every 4 Pomodoros, take a longer15-30 minutes break.
• Forgive yourself – A study found that self-forgiveness for procrastinating can reduce further procrastination. We often avoid doing thing that make us feel bad. That pent-up guilt of wasting time will keep repeating. But, if you forgive yourself, you’ll be able to break that cycle.

What hack would you add?