Time Management Tips
One aspect of wellness that I consistently find intriguing is Time Management strategies. Even though I am typically well-organized and efficient with my time, lately I have found myself more prone to procrastinating tasks and cramming them in at the last minute, without allocating sufficient time. We all have our reasons for practicing such behavior. Personally, I tend to delay tasks that I don't feel I have the focus for at the moment, while others who are extremely busy are simply seeking the time to complete them.
In this post, I have provided a list of 6 tips for enhancing time management and included ideas on how to incorporate them into your daily routine. I’ve also included an activity to bring awareness to how you manage your time.
Prioritize your schedule and activities by using your goals
Reviewing my week and having things written down (I can’t get used to only my phone or laptop calendar) is something I do daily. Many times I don’t get to each task so I’m readjusting. This is something I’m still working to improve upon. One tip that has worked great for me is time blocking. When I give myself a start and ending time for each task I seem to rock my day, but this does take a little time prior to reviewing your tasks and goals for the week and coming up with a plan.
Identify 3-5 goals for the week
List tasks that support those goals
Designate due dates and record on your calendar
Block times for each task, giving them a start and end
Use a timer to stay on schedule
Each week review your productivity and make adjustments if needed
Stop Multitasking
Before attending IIN, I used to consider myself a skilled multitasker. This talent is frequently admired, but IIN's time management approach transformed my perspective on multitasking. Now I realize that it was not an efficient method for completing my tasks.
Multitasking can lead to a lack of focus, mistakes and slower productivity
Use your focus efficiently, by managing one project at a time
Create a routine
Routines can not only help you thrive, but also benefit those who share your life. Routines are not one size fits all, so it is important to discover what works best for you and your lifestyle.
Schedule your weekly activities with consistency, same time and day each week
Routines help support your commitments by automating productivity
Plan to Plan
I love a good plan. It does not necessarily need to be flawlessly executed, but investing time in considering the optimal approach to achieve a goal can alleviate stress and enhance overall well-being.
Give yourself an extra 30 minutes to organize and prioritize your week
Come up with a meal plan
Think about your route, how can you most efficiently run errands without wasting time
While shopping use a list; this can help you save money, reduce calorie intake from unhealthy purchases and saves you time so you don’t make multiple trips to the store
Review your approach
As I previously mentioned, every week I take the time to assess my progress and determine what tasks are completed and what still needs to be done. I am usually able to easily identify the sources of my distractions and areas where my time management is inefficient. This allows me to enter the following week with a better understanding of how to avoid getting sidetracked from achieving my goals.
At the end of each week review what approach you took to manage your time
Was it successful and if not, how can you improve going into the next week?
What are your distractions?
What helped with production?
Make downtime a priority
Slowing down is important for our health and an excellent method of practicing self-care. Personally, I incorporate downtime into my evenings, and it assists in preparing myself for the night ahead and promoting a good night's sleep. Allowing your body sufficient time to relax provides an opportunity for reflection, rejuvenation, and recharging.
Try a breathing exercise
Mediation
Listening to music
Reading a book
Here is an exercise to create awareness around your own Time Management
Using a journal of whatever form of writing you prefer, complete the following statements
Think about your day and responsibilities and goals
Honesty is needed here on how your use your time
Areas you could improve on
This exercise a great to bring awareness to yourself and can be a helpful accountability tool
1. The projects I’m prioritizing right now are______________________…
2. This week I accomplished ___________________, which supports my goal of ______________…
3. This week, I did not complete _______________________, because ___________________…
4. I often interrupt my work to ______________________________…
5. I retain information better when I ___________________…
6. I keep track of my schedule with ___________________…It works for me, because ____________…
7. I say no to projects and/or people when ____________________…
8. I feel stressed or stretched thin when _________________________. I know I am stressed when ________________________…
9. I feel energized when I ___________________________…
10. I focus better when I ____________________________…
I hope this task proves as beneficial for you as it was for me. It required exercises like this to make me aware of my strengths in time management and areas where I could improve. What worked for me five years ago no longer works now, so it's a valuable exercise to raise awareness about the topic and revisit it occasionally to determine if any adjustments are needed.
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
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