If there is one thing in short supply during tax season, it's time. While you can't always use every second of the day to the fullest, there are steps you can take to improve productivity. During your busiest time of the year, why not try and implement one or more of these five ways to improve productivity. It could put you on the road to getting more things done.

1. Control meetings

Meetings are known to take up long portions of the day without really helping you or anyone else get a lot done. By keeping a closer eye on your meetings and the time they take up, you can help to improve productivity in the conference room and the rest of your day.

Make it a point to work hard to only hold meetings when it's absolutely necessary. When you do need to have a meeting, keep it short and within the designated time frame. It's also a good idea to assign tasks prior to the meeting so everyone participating can maintain focus on the reason for the meeting. Keeping everything planned out will help reduce the amount of time spent rambling, which can considerably increase the amount of time everyone spends in the conference room.

2. Schedule out and prioritize your day

The same attention you devote to scheduling out your meetings can be spent on your everyday schedule. When you know what's coming and what's next, you won't waste time figuring out what's next. In addition to scheduling out your day, it's a good idea to prioritize the tasks on your schedule. Which ones need to be done first? What has to be done a certain times of the day? By answering questions like this, you'll make sure to get the important tasks done.

3. Make the most out of small moments

A lot can be done in a short amount of time. One suggestion to prove this out is to implement a "two-minute rule," meaning if you see something that can be completed in two minutes, do it right away. By getting small items out of the way, you're eliminating tasks you'll have to come back to later. Also, by doing this, you can gain some momentum and really feel like you're getting things done.

This can be hard to practice with a prioritized schedule, so it may take you some time to find a balance. Between focusing on the right things first and knocking out small tasks as they come up, you can really get a lot done. Remember to prioritize first and then look for opportunities throughout the day to get small two-minute tasks done.

4. Use the right technology

Accountants and bookkeepers have to utilize tools to do their jobs. The better the tools, the easier it is to get everything accomplished. If you're serious about improving your productivity, consider using accounting solutions that will allow you to get more done throughout the day.

For example, cloud accounting software can be a smart investment if you (or, more likely, some of your clients!) haven't already made the switch. This technology allows you to access important data and capabilities from anywhere and with any device. This means you can work in the location where you are the most efficient, or you can even move from one workspace to another if you get tired of a certain setting. And most beneficial of all (especially during tax season), you can have real-time access any of your clients' data if they, too, are in the cloud.

5. Take breaks

Although it may seem counter-productive, taking occasional breaks can help you reset your mind and focus on upcoming tasks. When you sit at your desk all day, it can be hard to work to the best of your ability. Getting up and moving around can have a positive effect on your productivity and quality. Many studies have shown that it is most productive to take breaks after you complete an especially difficult task. Your brain simply can't function to the best of its ability at full-tilt all day long.

We hope some of the these tips can help you make it through tax season with a little less stress . . . and a little more time to do things outside the office.