Tips for Time Management

Time management is a task that many of us struggle with and procrastination is quite easy considering the number of distractions available to us. Whether it be our phones, video games, or our friends sometimes it can be quite difficult to focus and get all our tasks done. Time management is a crucial skill to develop not only as a student but also as a citizen. Many of our high-stress levels are a source of little time, but if we learn to use our time productively and spread out our workloads properly then many of these stresses can be combated. Here are some tips to break through procrastination and learn how to manage your time more efficiently.

1. Set achievable goals

Setting goals is the first step to having proper time management. When you have a goal in mind, it gives you motivation and direction in your tasks that you have to complete. Clear and realistic goals are important in order to craft the art of time management. Goals allow you to approach your work with a focused mindset.

2. Learn to prioritize

It is critical to organize your tasks by urgency and importance. Do the most urgent tasks first and the less urgent ones later. This way you can always be on top of your work and will practically never miss deadlines.

3. Create a schedule

Another great way to battle procrastination is by setting up a schedule for yourself. Set a time limit and “block” of time for each of your tasks so you don't spend too long on one or too little on the next. Plan out what hours of the day you will be doing what assignment and for how long you will be doing it. This will help ensure that all of your work gets done on time and will maximize efficiency.

4. Take breaks

An important part of time management is taking breaks. Although this may seem counter-intuitive, it is actually very important to take breaks in between tasks. This is so that you don’t burn yourself out. In order to be able to work efficiently and make the best use of your time, you need to take breaks and give your brain rests so that you don’t burn yourself out. As a general rule of thumb, taking a 20-minute break between each hour to two hours of work is good.

5. Remove any distractions

The number one reason for procrastination has got to be distractions. This could be your phone, friends, video games, etc. Try to put these distractions aside when you are working and instead use them on your breaks. If you remove all distractions from your workspace you will be able to spend less time working and be more efficient. This all helps with time management.

6. Plan ahead

Lastly, it is important to plan ahead all the work you have to do. Having a planner or a to-do list will help you visualize all the work you have to do and will make sure that you don't miss any assignments. Having a clear work plan for the future helps with time management as it allows you to leave time for every assignment and have an efficient plan for all your work.