Sometimes it seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day. A direct mail campaign needs to go out, and that email marketing campaign won’t write itself. That’s not to mention the social posts you have to keep up with and the latest trends—it’s exhausting. Everybody has those days where it seems like you’re running the entire day, but there are small steps you can take to ensure every day is a little more productive.

Sometimes when you want to improve your marketing efforts, it starts from further back. Check out these productivity tips to help make sure you’re on top of your marketing game always.

1. Catch the Worm
   It’s an old idiom that we’ve all heard (and some of us dread). If the early bird catches the worm, why does it feel so great to sleep in? If you’re likely to reach for the snooze button or even throw your alarm clock across the room, you understand the struggle. But according to Psychology Today, early risers are more likely to be happy, healthy and more productive. That means to put your best foot forward at your business, you’ll need to get plenty of shut-eye and develop a routine. Plus, waking up earlier means you eliminate some distractions.


2. Work it Out
   It may seem like this has nothing to do with your business. However, doing any sort of physical activity makes all the difference for your day. Working out releases endorphins, which makes us happier. Endorphins help to reduce stress, and you’ll be feeling great while you’re working on your marketing efforts.


3. Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize
   Plan out which campaign needs to drop when, how you’ll reach a certain demographic with a new tactic and what exactly needs to be done on which day. Setting priorities (big AND small) will help ensure that you accomplish all you hope for. Pick the top priority and start working away.


4. Eliminate Distractions
   An email ping here, a text message there. Every time you’re interrupted, focus is lost and you have to pick back up where you left off. Take a moment to observe each time a distraction hits, then see what you can do to minimize it.


5. Schedule Breaks
   In a world that falsely reveres the term “busy” you’ll need to master the mindset that breaks are perfectly fine—in fact, they’re encouraged! If you’re doing your job efficiently, your business will flourish. Plus, you’ll have more energy to spend in areas that need improvement.