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Managing our time effectively and efficiently is what we all hope to achieve either at work, school, college, or even when we are just rushing around getting any daily tasks that need completing done at home. Being able to manage time properly reduces stress, increases productivity levels, and overall provides a more confident approach to the task at hand. Time can be really difficult to control and monitor, and this can be extremely stressful, especially in the workplace. Having adequate time management skills will make your workday easier and can often create fantastic professional opportunities. Hitting your goals is much more doable when time is managed, so to improve your skills both in work and your personal life, try applying these tips and techniques to the way you manage your time.
Assess the Tasks
Firstly, assess the tasks that you have to complete and determine which tasks require the most time, which tasks are the most important, and which tasks need to be completed first. Maybe in the workplace, you find yourself spending too much time answering emails when you have important projects to finish, so set some time limits on the smaller tasks.
Use a Time Management App
A time management app could really help you manage your time better. If you tend to lose track of time, an app will keep you in check. You will be able to monitor your time and how long each task is taking you, so this is a great way to help you improve the next time by referring back to the last time you used the app.
Download an app to help manage your time properly by blocking sites that distract you. That way you won’t waste time on social media or watching silly videos.
Write a To-Do List
Writing a to-do list doesn’t need to involve composing a huge group of tasks together, a to-do list should simply be 3 or 4 particularly important tasks you need to get done first. Creating a to-do list will prioritize the things you need to do and will help keep you organized and on track with where you are up to. It will also instill a feeling of productivity when you complete each task, which makes to-do lists an extremely useful tool to help you stay positive.
Plan The Day Beforehand
Even if this is something as simple as making sure you wake up 15 minutes earlier so breakfast isn’t rushed and you leave the house on time, making some simple plans the day before will make a big difference in how your time is managed. Planning the day beforehand will help you be more focused and prepared for everything that needs to be done. For example, before you leave work, you could check over what any required tasks are for the next day and make some quick notes for yourself. This will save any time going over everything the next morning.
Don’t Multitask
Multitasking is actually worse for managing time than it is good. It can end up becoming overwhelming and resulting in tasks being half done or not being finished and you losing track of what needs doing. When going about your day, try focusing on one task at a time, as this will enable all your attention and concentration to complete what you are working on.
Take a Break
Taking breaks has been proven to increase productivity and it is a much more effective way to manage your time and help you do a better job. This is because a quick break reduces tiredness and supports your energy levels, so avoid going over the top and spending every minute you have working on tasks you want to complete. Neglecting the need for a break could slow you down more than you realize, so take a breath and have five minutes to yourself.
Switch Up Your Schedule
Your schedule could be one reason why your time management skills aren’t quite where you want them to be. Take some time to assess your schedule and routine to see if there are any changes you can make that would help you. Try creating a new routine and sticking to it. A simple morning and night-time routine will help to increase productivity, give you more motivation, and keep your stress levels low.
Batch Tasks Together
Tasks that are similar are best done one after each other, so put them all in the same batch. Similar tasks require similar kinds of thought and attention, so keeping them all together will stop your brain from jumping between too many different topics and ideas. In the long-run, that can slow you down, as things could get confusing.
Managing your time better won’t just come to you overnight, especially if it is something you really struggle with. Having patience and practicing different techniques to find what works for you is the best way to begin, and these tips should start you off in the right place.