Task batching: 16 ways to crush it joyfully

Task batching is a handy way to work smarter. It boosts your productivity levels. Avoid burnout, while slaying your goals.

Working on my terms for 12 years (updated), I’ve seen how crucial working smarter is. I value streamlined processes while gaining quality results. On my self-improvement blog, I share what works best with my readers.

1. What is task batching?

In simple words, you can group similar chores. In doing so, you make the most of your concentration. You also can improve productivity levels, while avoiding burnout.

With this approach, your to-do list looks great. List your items mindfully. Consider the order of your chosen actions.

You can check off multiple items on your list at once. Having a series of related to-dos helps you streamline your work. Go from one action to the other, effortlessly.

2. The science behind batch tasking

I found an interesting online PDF doc from the official University of California, Irvine website. It’s about ‘The Cost of Interrupted Work: More Speed and Stress’. You may wish to look at the info on ics.uci.edu.

3. Batching tasks time management

Grouping similar or related chores makes taking action easier. It’s helpful for better time management as well. In doing so, you save time, while reaching your goals.

4. Reduce context switching

Switching from unrelated chore to chore can be distracting. On the other hand, performing a series of similar works helps to do so seamlessly. It feels more convenient and easy, reducing stress and avoiding burnout.

When I log in to my newsletter service provider, I can do related things. I draft my emails and also view stats to monitor performance. I prefer not logging in at different moments of the day, or the same week, if it’s not necessary.

5. Minimize distractions smartly

Limit the minutes you waste when switching to different chores. When you’re already immersed and focused, do something similar when you finish. Avoid having to start afresh, if you can.

Having to start a new action could include (not an exhaustive list):

Getting into a new state of mind
Logging into different software
Having to update yourself on new events
Avoid procrastination strongly

Do you say you’ll start or finish something later, and then again later? This could be an excuse for procrastination. It delays progress and eventually success.

When you don’t take action immediately, you lag. In the long run, you never take on new challenges. You then don’t learn, and could potentially miss out.

When you’ve started one chore and can easily move on to the next, there’s no excuse. There’s also no reason for resistance. For example, I place my yoga mat handy, so that it’s straightforward to start meditation the next morning.

6. How to batch tasks

Develop valuable habits that are conducive to better productivity. With proven approaches, you can work smarter. Get more done in less time.

What to do:

Prioritize what’s crucial
Group into categories
Use time blocking
Color code your time blocks
To-do list or time calendar
Get in a flow state

7. Prioritize the must-dos

As a popular saying goes, eat the frog. In other words, do the most challenging thing first. If possible, get done with it as soon as possible.

You have to choose the right moment of the day. Note when your energy levels are best. For example, in the morning you might have better focus. In case you’re a night owl, then maybe afterward.

8. Task batching categories

Make a list of all chores. Group similar ones in the same category. You’ll end up with different categories. List in order of priority.

9. Use time blocking

Set deadlines to complete your work. See if you’re on track. Avoid being delayed, and take action proactively.

10. Color code stands out

Color coding your time blocks is helpful. When you look at your calendar, you can easily see differences. Make the crucial things stand out.

11. To-do list or calendar

Having a to-do list is good. However, having a calendar is even better with clear deadlines. Allocate slots to complete, and respect them.

12. Flow state momentum

A flow state is when you move from one thing to the other, immersed. You feel joy and can do things easily. There’s a sense of serenity.

The way you order your to-dos can have an important impact. Interruptions are like hurdles. You have to start over again, wasting time.

13. Task batching example

There are endless ways you can use this technique. It also applies to any field or profession. I’ll illustrate some examples, first generally, then for bloggers specifically.

General examples:

Administrative – preparing reports, filing paperwork, and updating your calendar.
Creative – brainstorming, writing, or graphic designing.
Planning – specify your research goals, create a project timeline, and gather information.
Research – gathering and analyzing data.
Communication – responding to phone calls, emails, social media messages, and comments.

Blogger examples:

Content Creation – researching, outlining, and writing.
Editing and Proofreading- editing, formatting, spelling, and grammar checking.
Scheduling and Promotion – articles, social media, and emails.
Engagement and Community Management – replying to comments, moderating, and participating in online forums and communities (such as Facebook groups).

What I do the most, is scheduling social media daily. I have a dedicated 30 minutes on my work days to cater to it. My blog is on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest (the last one’s a search engine).

14. Batch tasking vs multitasking

Juggling is doing different things simultaneously. It’s known to be stressful and even counterproductive. Read my other post on dealing with multitasking.

15. Overcoming challenges

As with most things, there could be some hurdles to adopting this helpful method. For example, you could underestimate the resources required to complete a set of items. This, in turn, could create frustration.

You could also find it difficult to prioritize your to-dos. In a state of crisis, priorities could change often. Based on your personality type, you could like or dislike chunks of similar chores.

With a huge bulk of categories, procrastination could happen. Breaking them down further could help. Smaller chunks seem manageable.

Staying with similar activities for long sessions could cause boredom. I take breaks often. I also introduce variety and innovate if I feel the need.