As you run your business each day, you may find that you have very little time or energy to do much else. But there are many ways to improve your professional position so that you can enjoy both your home and work lives. Technology is the answer here, and the following apps can free up your time so that you can use your hours and minutes on your terms.

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Business Apps

When it comes to your business, technology is your right hand man. These apps can help you be more productive during your working hours.

• Mobile scanning. Mobile scanning software eliminates the need for bulky hardware in the office. Use your phone to capture editable images of paperwork, no matter where you are. This means you can sign and send documents to your customers, employees, or vendors without having to be physically present. ZenBusiness recommends CamScanner.

• Team collaboration. Having the ability to collaborate with your team, whether you’re in the same office or spread across continents, is crucial. Software, such as Monday, allows you to automate your workflow and find new avenues to efficiency. You will be able to streamline communication, save man hours, and reduce the time you sit in unnecessary meetings.

• Time tracking. A time tracking app can help you stay motivated and focused. Further, knowing where your time goes is a great way to remind you that those hours are best spent on something productive so the rest of your day is focused on the things you enjoy the most.

Personal Apps

It’s not just the office where apps can have a big impact on your time. There are plenty of personal apps that will enhance your overall quality of life in the office, at home, and on the go.

• Health and fitness. Your overall health and wellness is crucial to your professional success. When you eat right, exercise, and practice self-care, you run less of a risk of getting burnt out or wearing down at the end of each day. Use a health tracking app, such as MyFitnessPal or SleepCycle, to help you take better care of yourself.

• Travel planning. Whether you travel for business or pleasure, there is no doubt that it takes time to plan the perfect trip. But, if you use the right travel planning apps, you won’t have to waste time and energy on research or pricing. Expedia suggests FLIO for business travelers and Grab for those of you that are in a hurry to eat when you’re at the airport.

• Social media monitoring. Just as your time tracking app can help you figure out where you’re spending your hours in the office, a social media usage program can help you see how many hours you're mindlessly scrolling. Even if you don’t have a social media addiction, you likely check your phone more times than you realize. The average person spends more than two hours on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok each day. That’s almost two full workdays’ worth of time on social media every week.

Technology is a beautiful thing for businesses. And, whether you choose to use it in the office or at home, the apps, programs, and software that you choose to install on your devices can help you run your business more effectively and efficiently. The result is happier customers, more productive employees, and, most importantly, more time for you to disconnect.

Travis Hellstrom is an author, Peace Corps volunteer, husband, and unapologetic optimist. Visit his blog often for your dose of inspiration.

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