6 Time Management Tips
Whether it is school assignments, homework, or a lengthy to-do list, having good time management is essential. Knowing how to make the most out of each hour of the day is a great skill at every stage of life. Here are 6 tips I have used to maximize my time that you can try today:
- Schedule fun / enjoyable activities into your day
This may sound counterproductive, but it is essential to keep your day balanced. Schedule in 10 to 30 minutes of watching YouTube, reading your favorite book, walking outside, playing video games— anything that gives your mind a break from your busy day. This helps you to avoid getting burnt out.
Having a block of time blacked out for fun gives me more energy while I am working. When I know I have something fun planned later in the day, the time seems to fly by.
- Keep your phone out of reach
Phones are convenient, but they are also incredibly distracting. Keeping your phone out of reach and out of your direct line of sight allows you to avoid getting side-tracked while working. You can even add time limits to apps you tend to frequent on your phone if you need assistance fighting the temptation.
Silencing any unnecessary notifications is also helpful. Every time my phone lights up, I it sparks my curiosity. It’s far too easy to unlock my phone and get lost in the sea of apps and news.
- Set timers
Chunking up your day makes it easier to stay motivated. If you set a timer for 30 minutes of dedicated work, knowing you have a 5 minute break to follow, it is easier to push through the temptation of procrastination.
This method reminds me of school, where a bell signals when it is time to move on to the next class.
- Exercise / stretch
While sitting down and working for hours may get the job done, it can also be draining. Take some time to get up and move your body every hour. This doesn’t need to be anything extravagant, like a trip to the gym. Even stretching your back and walking around your room is enough to get the blood flowing.
If you are working from home, you can dress in clothes that are comfortable to exercise in. I found that if I am in workout clothes, I want to exercise more often.
- Have an honest to-do list
Make a to-do list of only the essentials for the day. If you have an assignment due at the end of the week, do a portion of it today. Saving the entire assignment for the last minute will only cause stress to build and may lead to an all-nighter in order to meet a deadline.
At the same time, do not put too much on your plate. If you want to write a book, do not set a goal to write the entire first draft in one day. That is just setting yourself up for failure. Be honest about how much time you have and how much you can get done in that given time to set a reasonable and attainable goal.
- Do the hardest thing second
Tackle your most difficult task second. Doing a trivial task first, like making your bed, helps kick off your to-do list effortlessly. With the burst of motivation and confidence you get after checking it off of your list, jump into your most daunting task of the day. Getting it out of the way early allows you to feel less stressed throughout the remainder of the day. Letting a difficult job hang over your head only makes the day go by slower.
Do you have any time management tips you like to use? Let me know in the comments!
ashleyohare 