Time management is a skill that everyone needs to learn at some point. Whether it’s for college, work or personal life, there will come a time when you have too many things to do and not enough time to do them. But if you’re new to time management there’s no need to worry. These five time management tips can help you get started in tackling your busy life.
1. Planning Your Day
The first tip and the most important of the five time management tips is to get a planner. When your schedule gets really packed it’s easy to forget about the meetings and tasks that you have for the day. Physical planners are great for visualizing your week while digital planners are great for convenience and notification reminders.
But whether you prefer new or old school options, just get something that you can line out your day with. The last thing you want to do is forget about a meeting or obligation because you were juggling too many things off memory alone.
2. Prepping Meals
Second on the five time management tips list is meal prep. If you have ever been truly overwhelmed with your day, then you know it can be hard to find time for a good meal. Try thinking about meals that are easy to make, convenient on the go and enjoyable.
If anything comes to mind then start preparing these meals at the start of your week or before a busy day. Having meals ready in advance can save you time and money while ensuring you get the fuel you need to keep working at 100%.
3. Avoiding Overload
It can be tempting to pack your schedule each day as much as possible, but number three on the five time management tips list is to avoid overload. If you plan too many tasks in a single day you’ll be feeling overwhelmed and exhausted before you know it.
Try to plan your days with breaks and lunches in mind. The reprieve in your busy schedule will help prevent burnout and give you some flexibility to work with. If something unexpected comes up, you can resolve it during your planned break rather than being forced to cancel other plans.
4. Rising Early
Number four on the list is a time management tip primarily aimed at students. If you really want to take on your newfound responsibilities, start waking up earlier and stop staying up late into the night on your phone or laptop (don’t OK boomer me). Nobody, not even the teachers, likes showing up for 8 a.m. classes or meetings, but knocking these out early will free up your day for other obligations that can only be done while the sun is up.
5. Multitasking
Last on the five time management tips list is multitasking. Try to get some work done on the side whenever you have something that doesn’t require all of your focus.
Riding in the car or bus on your way to your next obligation? Send out some quick emails or texts that you’ll need to later. In a meeting or class and there’s a lull in the agenda? Finish up some quick reading or writing on your to-do list. The small productive actions you take throughout the day can add up quick and free your schedule.
