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Laura G

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What's your most valuable resource? Without coming across as too off-color, if you thought of anything other than time management then you would be sadly mistaken. You already know that time is a finite resource. That means once it's gone, there's no getting it back. But what is time management and why is it important?

It's worth gaining an understanding that time management plays a major role in not only your success but also your overall happiness. Time management is a big deal, yet, so many people take it for granted. There could be a variety of reasons for not paying attention to time management. It may be because people just don't realize how valuable their time is and why managing it is crucial.

What is Time Management?

Here at Calendar, we define time management simply as "the ability to plan, organize, and control your time." Another big definition we use is, "save time, be more productive, and focus on the things that matter." By setting aside the right amount of time, and protecting that time, you can apply this resource to the right activities. By applying your best super-power resource to activities where you're best suited will help you reach your goals. Performing work you're happy with will also help you maintain a healthy balance between work and life. As a result, we're all more productive and fulfilled.

At its core, time management includes planning for the future, setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and monitoring where your time actually goes. It's also used to set deadlines, delegate responsibilities to others, and ensures that you don't waste any precious time on unproductive activities.

Although people have been tracking time for centuries as it was needed for their survival - like knowing when to plant and harvest crops - what we think of time management is a more recent development. During the Industrial Revolution people began to live by the clock instead of by the sun.

Over the years, people began to expand on this concept and explored ways on how employees could improve their performance. For example, Frederick Winslow Taylor, who published "The Principles of Scientific Management" in 1911, analyzed ways of how workers could optimize and simplify their jobs.

Today, however, the time management definition has expanded to include all aspects of your life. The main reason for looking at the sum total of your life is that you don't want your personal and professional lives to be in a constant battle with each other. For example, working 60 plus hours per week doesn't leave you with much time to spend with your family, unplug, or to grow as a person.

Why Time Management is Important

If you're still not convinced that time management is important, here twelve reasons why it should become a priority for you to master.

You make the most of the time you've got.

Everyone, whether if you're Jeff Bezos or Oprah Winfrey, have the same 24 hours in a day. However, the most successful people in the world are able to squeeze the maximum benefit to themselves out of the time allotted in life.

You may think that this ability to corner the market of time has something to do with carpe diem. And, in a way it does. But, it really means that the person takes care of all of the important pieces of life without having to sacrifice sleep or leisure time. With their priorities out of the way, the person can then go on a spending-spree with their spare time. It often appears to others these select few are able to crank out a ton of work, while also being able to enjoy their lives - and they can.

Encourages self-discipline.

Without self-discipline, there's no way for you to possess good time management skills. For example, you may be procrastinating on a task which leads to you spending all morning on social media and YouTube. If you had self-discipline, you wouldn't get so easily distracted and get down to brass tacks. Rethink how you are going to handle this situation next time it comes up. How will you take hold of yourself and get to work when you are procrastinating?

I can tell you that beating yourself up for procrastinating has never helped anyone. But thinking differently about procrastination, might. Self-discipline doesn't just assist you in your career. It motivates you to develop healthy and lifelong habits. Furthermore, it can boost your self-esteem, help you master specific talents, and pushes you to become a better person daily.

Do more in less time.

Time management isn't about getting more done. Instead, it's about being able to focus and prioritize your time so that you can deliver better results in a shorter amount of time.

I have never put much stock in the morning person or night owl theory. All babies seem to turn around to waking up early within a short amount of time. I just don't see too many entrepreneurs that don't get their backsides out of bed early and get to work.

But, let's say that you consider yourself a morning person. That means that you have the most energy in the AM. As a result, you'll be able to power through your obligations early. With that in mind, you wouldn't schedule your most important tasks in the afternoon or evening when you may be dragging a little and don't have the energy or focus to get additional work done.

Reduces stress.

Yes, stress can kill you.

"Chronic stress can lead to heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, and cirrhosis of the liver - well, the list goes on," writes Max Palmer in a previous Calendar article. "Stress can also affect your brain, suppress your thyroid, cause blood sugar imbalances, reduce your immunity and ability to heal, and even cause some to commit suicide."

"Here's the thing, stress management and time management go hand in hand," continues Palmer. "When you manage your time more wisely, you feel more in control," are able to meet deadlines and avoid any last-minute surprises. "You also become more efficient and prepared to handle anything that life throws your way." Ultimately, this will help you become more relaxed and less stressed - which could save your life.

It makes you feel more fulfilled.

When you're able to complete your most important work, cross-off items on your to-do-lists, and have free time, you'll have a more fulfilled life. I mean is that anything better than accomplishing all of your goals for the day and still get home in time to have dinner with your family or catch the latest Marvel flick with your friend? Wouldn't it feel refreshing and empowering to wrap-up a project before it's due so that you can disappear for a long weekend? Personally, that's what we all should strive for in life.

You'll be more reliable.

I don't know about you, but I never want to be "that" person. You know who I'm talking about. They show up an hour late to a meeting, flack-out on plans at the last minute, and always miss deadlines.

Time management won't always solve these problems. External factors like your car breaking down on the way to work or a social event could cause you to be late. However, if you've properly managed your time, that isn't the norm. Instead, you'll earn the reputation of someone who is respectful of other people's time and always delivers what they promised in a timely manner.

It gives you an energy boost.

Here's another misconception about time management; you keep working non-stop until you've completed a particular task. That couldn't be further from the truth. Instead, time management prompts you to take frequent breaks so that you can rest and recharge. As a result, this will keep you from losing any momentum that you've built-up.

Prevents indecisiveness and procrastination.

There are several ways to properly manage your time. As already discussed, this could be knowing what to focus on and allocating the right time to that exact activity. However, it also involves planning in advance. For example, you can avoid hectic mornings if you laid out your clothes, packed your lunch, and reviewed your calendar every night. Now when you wake-up in the morning you're ready to tackle the day and aren't rushing around.

The benefit of this is that it speeds up and improves your decision-making. The reason is that you're prepared in advance and aren't spending time on less important matters. It's almost like having your life is on cruise control.

Additionally, this can help eliminate procrastination and reduce unnecessary stress. And, it helps you preserve your mental energy for more important responsibilities.

It allows you to take advantage of new opportunities.

When you aren't spending as much time on your work or wasting your time on unproductive activities, the door opens for you to discover new opportunities.

For example, since you've completed your most important tasks for the day, you can attend that networking event you didn't think that you had the time to attend. At this event, you may connect with a new client or learn or learn a new skill that can make you more effective at work.

It helps you reach goals.

Imagine a time when you set a goal. Regardless of how big or small it was, it probably felt amazing. In fact, you most likely felt empowered and more fulfilled.

With proper time management, you are finally able to accomplish any goal that you've set in your life. In turn, you could be more motivated at work or follow-through with a personal life goal like learning a new skill or developing a healthy habit.

Identifies your priorities.

With so much going on in our lives, it's easy to lose sight of what's truly important. That may not sound like the end of the world. But, without identifying your priorities, you may end up spending time on the wrong activities.

Consider this. Your business is launching a new product. As such, you may have to work extra hours for the next week to ensure that it hits the market on time. Because of this, you know that you can't meet a friend for lunch or schedule a doctor's appointment during this time. These happy activities will have to wait until you have the availability.

I know that doesn't sound fun, but, that's life. You need to compromise so that you can be productive while still enjoying your life. It's a juggling act that time management can help you accomplish.

Improves everything in life.

Saying that time management will improves everything in life - Hyperbole? Not at all. Now, time management may not fix everything in life - but it will improve everything.

Think of all of the instances and examples that have been listed. Thanks to time management you're able to deliver quality work on-time - which can help you earn a promotion or obtain new clients. Outside of work, because you're aren't working around the clock, you can do the things that make you happy, take care of your health, and improve your relationships. That can lead to a more meaningful, productive, and less stressful life.

Most importantly, researchers have found that by planning your time wisely, you can maximize your happiness.

Getting Started With Time Management

There's no denying that time management is important. But, it's still something that most people struggle with. If you're in this camp, here are some pointers to help get you started:

Track how you spend your time to eliminate time-wasting activities. Also, this can help you stop over-or-underestimating how long specific tasks take to complete.

Say "no" more often to avoid scheduling conflicts and distractions. For example, if you have a meeting scheduled, then you can't accept another invite directly before or after that event. Moreover, this habit will protect your time and prevents other people's priorities from weighing-in ahead of your own.

Establish SMART goals so that they can be realistically achieved.

Schedule your most important tasks when you have the most energy and focus during the day.

Ditch your bad habits. Replace them with better ones, such as having a morning routine and taking care of your health.

Break down your largest goals and projects into more manageable bite-sized pieces.

Delegate, outsource or automate tedious and recurring tasks so that you can focus on more important items.

Get organized in advance. Also, maintain that by clearing the clutter and putting everything back where it belongs.

Batch similar activities together so that you're not bouncing back-and-forth between various tasks.

Stop multitasking and focus on one task at a time.

Use an online calendar to keep you organized, receive reminders, and protect your time.

Don't go "full-throttle." Pace yourself and take frequent breaks so that you don't burn yourself out.

Of course, those aren't the only ways to step up your time management game. But, it's a start. The most important thing to remember is to find the hacks and system that works best for you - even if other's tell you otherwise. Remember, it's your time and you need to determine how you're going to spend it.

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What is Time Management and Why is it Important

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What's your most valuable resource? Without coming across as too off-color, if you thought of anything other than time management then you would be sadly mistaken. You already know that time is a finite resource. That means once it's gone, there's no getting it back. But what is time management and why is it important?

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Learning how to manage time is one of the most important skills children learn at school. Many students often struggle with finding enough time to get their assignments or studying done. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and stressed. However, with proper time management, they can study well and focus on all aspects of their school life. At Global Indian International School in Tokyo, your child will learn these skills, which will help them be successful in life.

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What is time management?

Effective time management is the productive use of your time, allowing you to get everything you had planned done. It's organizing and planning your time between the tasks you have to complete. This can include assignments, projects, study groups, or extracurriculars. Proper time management requires you to shift from focusing on activities to results. Being busy doesn't mean you are effective. With good time management, you complete your tasks with minimal effort and make most of your time, working smarter, not harder.

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Benefits of time management

Given the limited amount of time you have in a day, you want to make the most of it. It's easy to get caught up in a frenzy of activities and achieve less. Here are more reasons why managing your time in school is essential:

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1. It helps you achieve your goals faster

Proper time management makes you more effective. Instead of getting caught up in multitasking, you focus on one activity at a time for a specified duration. This way, you give it your best, which results in you achieving your goals faster. For instance, if you want to improve your grades in a specific subject, at the Global Indian International School slotting in some extra time to work on it will help you raise your grades faster.

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2. It Helps you prioritize your work

When creating a time table, you prioritize essential tasks that require immediate action. For instance, getting your assignments done comes before a study session or study group. With proper time management, you can slot in time to work on your projects before going for a study group. This means that you can complete essential tasks on time because you can plan and set aside time to work on them.

3. You get more done in less time

Allocating a specific task at its own time helps you focus on it more. By sticking to this time plan, you have a better chance of tackling the task than getting to it with no predefined time allocated to it. Take doing assignments or working on a project. If you don't dedicate time to work on them, you will likely forget to complete them. Having a proper schedule allows you to allocate enough time to each task to hit your deadlines in time.

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4. Reduces stress

You can quickly become stressed if you have a long list of things to do and not enough time to get them done. Proper time management enables you to prioritize tasks and tackle them first. This way, you know exactly what you need to do and how much time you have to complete each task. This decreases your anxiety and overall stress because you have enough time to get everything done.

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5. Prevents procrastination

Procrastination is a slippery slope that leads to stress, frustration, and low grades. Setting aside a specified time for a task gives you the motivation you need to get it done. It helps you overcome laziness that often contributes to procrastination. Proper time management also allows you to allocate enough time to research or get help to tackle the task. Not knowing how to tackle a job is among the most common reasons why many students procrastinate.

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6. It boosts your confidence and offers Improved career opportunities

Managing your time well allows you to get your work done on time. This elicits a sense of confidence and accomplishment in your capabilities. Getting through a long to-do list can also evoke these feelings, and it can serve as a motivator to improve your time management skills. Learning proper time management skills can help you outside school, as well. When you get employed, it can help you become a reliable employee who turns in dedicated, high-quality work on time. This improves your value as an employee raising your professional reputation, opening up more opportunities to further your career.

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Time management tips for students

Here are tips to assist you in effectively managing your time.

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1. Define and prioritize your tasks

Before setting aside any time to get your work done, you have to narrow down what you need to get done and arrange it in order of importance. Create a checklist of everything you need to get done, such as assignments, projects, study groups, etc., and add in their deadlines. This will help you arrange them in order of importance. If the list seems long, try grouping similar tasks together so you can get them done at the same time. After completing them, you can cross them off the list to help you keep track of what you have done and make sure nothing's forgotten.

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2. Break down tasks into smaller tasks

You can easily get overwhelmed if you have to tackle a massive project at once. If you have to write and turn in a 20-page report, you can get overwhelmed doing it all at once. However, if you do two pages a day, you will be done in about ten days. The thought of working on a 2-page report is less intimidating than working on 20 pages.

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3. Have a master schedule

Creating a master schedule can help you quickly pencil in essential tasks and anything else you need to get done. A master schedule can serve as a template to create other timetables or an overall schedule to have all your tasks listed. A master schedule can be anything for scheduling tasks in time blocks to detailing them in a more elaborate time table.

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4. Reward yourself

Getting through a to-do list is no easy task. Effectively managing time is a habit that needs to be nurtured, and rewards can reinforce this habit. Celebrations are fun, so whenever you complete a task, celebrate the win, whether big or small. It will assist you in establishing a routine that will eventually turn into a habit.

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5. Be realistic and flexible

As a student, you can't dedicate 24 hours to studying; you need to get other things done. There's class, extracurriculars, sleep, etc. find out how much free time you have. Once you do, you can allocate time for the activities you have to complete. This is where working smarter comes in. You want to utilize your time well. However, keep in mind that tasks often take longer than you expect, so allocate a bit more time if you end up spending more time than you thought you would on a job.

Despite how important time management is, it is not taught in class as a subject. However, it is the first step towards success. Now that you know the importance of time management, you can easily apply the tips listed above to effectively manage your time in school and make the most of every day.

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The importance of time management in a student's life

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After reading the importance of time management, you can easily apply them to effectively manage your time in school and make the most of every day.

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Creating a calendar with important due dates and assignments i have coming up with alarms, finding what helps you handle and manage your time better.

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The term Time Management is a misnomer. You cannot manage time; you manage the events in your life in relation to time. You may often wish for more time, but you only get 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds each day. How you use that time depends on skills learned through self-analysis, planning, evaluation, and self-control. Much like money, time is both valuable and limited. It must be protected, used wisely, and budgeted.

People who practice good time management techniques often find that they:

Are more productive.

Have more energy for things they need to accomplish.

Feel less stressed.

Have more free time to do the things they want.

Get more things done.

Relate more positively to others.

Feel better about themselves. (Dodd and Subdheim, 2005)

Finding a time management strategy that works best for you depends on your personality, ability to self-motivate, and level of self-discipline. By incorporating some, or all the ten strategies below, you can more effectively manage your time.

1. Know How You Spend Your Time

A time log is a helpful way to determine how you use your time. Record what you are doing in 15-minute intervals for a week or two. Evaluate the results:

Did everything you needed to do get done?

Which tasks require the most time?

What time of day when you are most productive?

Where is most of your time is devoted (i.e. job, family, personal, recreation)?

Identifying your most time-consuming tasks and determining whether you are investing your time in the most important activities can help you to determine a course of action. Having a good sense of the time required for routine tasks can help you be more realistic in planning and estimating how much time is available for other activities. Many apps exist to help you keep track of your time, as mentioned in Strategy 3.

2. Set Priorities

Managing your time effectively requires a distinction between what is important and what is urgent (MacKenzie, 1990). Experts agree that the most important tasks usually aren't the most urgent tasks. However, we tend to let the urgent tasks dominate our lives. Covey, Merrill, and Merrill (1994) categorize activities into four quadrants in their Time Management Matrix: urgent, not urgent, important, and not important. While activities that are both urgent and important must be done, Covey et al. suggests spending less time on activities that are not important (regardless of their urgency) to gain time for activities that are not urgent but important. Focusing on these important activities allows you to gain greater control over your time and may reduce the number of important tasks that become urgent.

Creating a "to do" list is an easy way to prioritize. Whether you need a daily, weekly, or monthly list depends on your lifestyle. Be careful to keep list-making from getting out of control. List manageable tasks rather than goals or multi-step plans. Rank the items on your "to do" list in order of priority (both important and urgent). You may choose to group items in categories such as high priority, medium priority, or low priority; number them in order of priority; or use a color-coding system. The goal is not to mark off the most items, but to mark off the highest priority items (MacKenzie, 1990). A prioritized "to do" list allows you to set boundaries so you can say "no" to activities that may be interesting or provide a sense of achievement but do not fit your basic priorities.

3. Use a Planning Tool

Time management experts recommend using a personal planning tool to improve your productivity. Personal planning tools include planners, calendars, phone apps, wall charts, index cards, pocket diaries, and notebooks. Writing down your tasks, schedules, and items to remember can free your mind to focus on your priorities. Auditory learners may prefer to dictate their thoughts instead. The key is to find one planning tool that works for you and use that tool consistently.
When using a planning tool:

Always record your information on the tool itself. Jotting notes elsewhere that must be transferred later is inefficient and wastes more time.

Review your planning tool daily.

Keep a list of your priorities in your planning tool and refer to it often.

Keep planning tools synchronized. If you keep more than one, make sure your phone, computer, and paper planning tools match.

Keep a back-up system.

Apps on your phone can be great planning tools. Apps typically fall into one of the following categories:

Time Trackers - Gain an awareness of how you spend your time.

Time Savers - Increase productivity and break time-wasting habits.

Task Managers - Prioritize and organize tasks to improve time management.

Habit Developers - Create healthy habits to encourage time management.

4. Get Organized

Disorganization leads to poor time management. Research has shown that clutter has a strong negative impact on perceived well-being (Roster, 2016). To improve your time management, get organized.

Set up three boxes (or corners of a room) labeled "Keep," "Give Away," and "Toss." Sort items into these boxes. Discard items in your "Toss" box. Your "Give Away" box may include items you want to sell, donate, or discard.

The next step is to improve the time you spend processing information. For example, tasks such as email can eat up your day. To combat wasted time, implement an email organization system that allows you to process the information in each email as efficiently as possible. Use folders, flagging, or a color-coded system to keep track of what's what.

5. Schedule Appropriately

Scheduling is more than just recording what must be done (e.g., meetings and appointments). Be sure to build in time for the things you want to do. Effective scheduling requires you to know yourself. Your time log should help you to identify times when you are most productive and alert. Plan your most challenging tasks for when you have the most energy. Block out time for your high priority activities first and protect that time from interruptions.

Schedule small tasks such as drafting an email, creating a grocery shopping list, reading, watching webinars or listening to podcasts for long commutes or when waiting for a call or appointment. Capitalize on what would otherwise be time lost. Avoid nonproductive activities, such as playing games or scrolling through social media. Limit scheduled time to about three-fourths of your day to allow for creative activities such as planning, dreaming, and thinking.

6. Delegate: Get Help from Others

Delegating means assigning responsibility for a task to someone else, freeing up your time for tasks that require your expertise. Identify tasks others can do and select the appropriate person(s) to do them. Select someone with the appropriate skills, experience, interest, and authority needed to accomplish the task. Be specific. Define the task and your expectations while allowing the person some freedom to personalize the task. Check how well the person is progressing periodically and provide any assistance, being careful not to take over the responsibility. Finally, reward the person for a job well done or make suggestions for improvements if needed. (Dodd and Sundheim, 2005). Another way to get help is to "buy" time by obtaining goods or services that save time. For example, paying someone to mow your lawn or clean your house, or joining a carpool for your children's extracurricular activities frees time for other activities. The time-savings from hiring someone for specialized projects is often worth the cost.

7. Stop Procrastinating

People put off tasks for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the task seems overwhelming or unpleasant. To help stop procrastination, consider "eating the big frog first." A quote commonly attributed to Mark Twain says, "If it's your job to eat a frog today, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the big frog first." Unpleasant tasks we procrastinate completing are "big frogs." Complete these tasks as your first action of the day to get them out of the way. Another option is to "snowball" your tasks by breaking them down into smaller segments, completing preparatory tasks, and eventually completing the larger task at hand. Whether you choose the "big frog first" or "snowball" method, try building in a reward system for completed tasks to help stay motivated.

8. Manage Time-Wasters

Reduce or eliminate time spent in these activities by implementing some simple tips.

Handheld Devices

Take advantage of voice-to-text features such as transcribed voicemails or to make notes or draft emails and text messages when you are on the go.

Avoid small talk. Stay focused.

Take any necessary action immediately following a call.

Impose screen time limits and regularly monitor your digital wellness (see Strategy 10).

Schedule breaks from your devices.

Email

Set aside a specific time to view and respond to email, but don't let it accumulate to the point it becomes overwhelming to sort.

Turn off notifications for email.

Handle each item only once if possible.

Immediately delete or unsubscribe from junk emails.

Keep address books up-to-date and organized.

Utilize built-in shortcuts to sort email.

Unexpected Visitors

Schedule time for face-to-face visits.

Inform visitors of your time constraints and politely offer to reschedule.

Set a mutually agreeable time limit for the visit.

When someone comes to the door, stand up and have your meeting standing to help keep it brief.

In-Person and Virtual Meetings

Know the purpose of the meeting in advance.

Arrive early.

Start and end the meeting on time.

Prepare an agenda and stick to it. Use a timed agenda, if necessary.

Don't schedule meetings unless they are necessary and have a specific purpose or agenda.

Use recording software or designate a note-taker.

Family Obligations

Use and sync virtual calendars for easy sharing between busy family members.

Make each family member responsible for consulting the master calendar for potential conflicts.

Create a central area or agreed upon app for posting communications such as appointment reminders, announcements, and messages.

9. Avoid Multi-tasking

Psychological studies have shown that multi-tasking does not save time. In fact, the opposite is often true. You lose time when switching from one task to another, resulting in a loss of productivity (Rubinsteim, Meyer, and Evans, 2001). Routine multi-tasking may lead to difficulty in concentrating and maintaining focus. Do your best to focus on just one task at a time by keeping your area clear of distractions, including turning off notifications on your devices, and set aside dedicated time for specific tasks.

10. Stay Healthy

The care and attention you give yourself is an important investment of time. Scheduling time to relax or do nothing helps you rejuvenate physically and mentally, enabling you to accomplish tasks more quickly and easily. Be sure to monitor your screen time as a part of your digital well-being, setting boundaries to stay healthy. A study conducted by Google showed that four out of five study participants who took steps to improve their digital well-being believe their overall well-being was positively impacted as well (Google, 2019). To improve your digital well-being, set time limits or utilizing built-in software on electronic devices such as phones and tablets to help maintain your digital wellness. Blue light blockers and grayscale mode may also help you improve your digital well-being. Set a time each night to shut off all digital devices to give your mind time to relax; this can also help improve your sleep schedule.

Unfortunately, poor time management and too much screen time can result in fatigue, moodiness, and more frequent illness. To reduce stress, reward yourself for time management successes. Take time to recognize that you have accomplished a major task or challenge before moving on to the next activity.

Conclusion

Whatever time management strategies you use, take time to evaluate how they have worked for you. Do you have a healthy balance between work and home life? Are you accomplishing the tasks that are most important in your life? Are you investing enough time in your own personal well being? If the answer is "no" to any of these questions, then reevaluate your time management strategies and transition to ones that will work better for you. Successful time management leads to greater personal happiness, more accomplishments at home and at work, and a more satisfying future.

Authors

Updated by:
Roxie Price, University of Georgia Extension
Dana Carney, University of Georgia Extension
Rachael Clews, K-State Research and Extension

Originally written by:
Sue W. Chapman
Michael Rupured

References

Covey, S. R., Merrill, A. R., & Merrill, R. R. (1994). First Things First: To Live, to Love, to Learn, to Leave a Legacy. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Dodd, P., & Sundheim, D. (2005). The 25 Best Time Management Tools and Techniques: How to Get More Done Without Driving Yourself Crazy. Ann Arbor, MI: Peak Performance Press, Inc.

Google, Global (DE, ES, FR, IT, PL, U.K., U.S.), "Digital Wellbeing Survey," General population, 18+ years, n=97-1,401, 2019. https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/feature/digital-wellbeing-statistics

MacKenzie, A. (1990). The Time Trap (3rd ed.). New York: American Management Association.

Roster, C., Ferrari, J., & Jurkat, M. (2016, March 16). The dark side of home: Assessing possession 'clutter' on subjective well-being. Journal of Environmental Psychology.

Rubinsteim, J., Meyer, D. & Evans, J. (2001). Executive control of cognitive processes in task switching. Journal of Experimental Psychology - Human Perception and Performance, 27(4), 763-797

Status and Revision History
Published with Full Review on Apr 25, 2014
Published with Minor Revisions on Aug 26, 2020

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Time Management: 10 Strategies for Better Time Management

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Learn 10 strategies for better time management, including knowing how to spend your time, setting priorities, using planning tools, getting organized, scheduling, delegating, and avoiding procrastinating, wasting time, and multitasking.

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Students, especially FTIC students, may struggle with how to use and manage their time well. New students may have difficulty transitioning to college and adjusting to the realities of the post-secondary environment, including independent studying and managing the expectations of college learning (van der Meer et al.). Proper time management behaviors can reduce students' academic stress (Misra). Students who fail to practice effective time management risk failing not only academic courses but in some cases, they fail to complete their intended degree (Baldwin). Time management at the college level involves more than assignment completion; it involves effective decision-making and evaluation (Baldwin). Students who have poor time management skills benefit from identifying the primary reasons behind poor time management to include factors such as:

1. lack of energy or motivation,

2. lack of focus,

3. fear of failure, and

4. loss of self-esteem or self-efficacy (Baldwin).

Students who utilize time management strategies have attitudes that are more positive, view themselves as more effective, and report lower levels of stress (Kearns and Gardiner 242). Research suggests that students would benefit from instruction related to time management so they can learn about the impact that time management strategies can have on their academic stress and success (van der Meer and Misra). Students who identify their individual underlying factors and areas of weakness in time management are far more likely to be successful in college (Baldwin).

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Students, especially FTIC students, may struggle with how to use and manage their time well. New students may have difficulty transitioning to college and adjusting to the realities of the post-secondary environment, including independent studying and managing the expectations of college learning (van der Meer et al.).

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At one point in college, I worked three jobs on top of taking a full course load.

Somehow, despite working around 60 hours a week outside of school, I managed to get two A's and one B.

There are many students who, like me, juggle tons of responsibilities and stress. And we're able to do it because we have one thing in common: strong time-management skills.

But even if you aren't trying to balance multiple jobs on top of classes, staying afloat during the school year can be difficult. Between extracurriculars, studying and still trying to maintain a social life, at some point you might feel like everything is starting to pile up.

If you need a breath of fresh air, here's a crash course on time management for college students. Hopefully, these tips will help you succeed and get the most value out of college.

1. Write Everything Down

When you feel like you have a million things to do, forgetting to complete a task is bound to happen. But in college, an oversight can deliver a crucial blow to your grades during the semester.

According to a study in Psychological Science, using pen and paper to write things down, instead of taking notes on a laptop, helps boost memory retention.

Study subjects listened to lectures and took notes using their normal note-taking methods. Researchers found that students who took longhand notes performed better when they were tested on the materials.

The reason: Students who used laptops frequently transcribed information word for word, whereas the students who took notes using pen and paper summarized the material and paraphrased it. The difference is that the latter strategy led to deeper processing. Students typing notes were often mindlessly transcribing the information but often without being aware of what they were typing.

The lesson on time management for college students: Write down everything you need to do and when it needs to be done. Important dates and to-dos will stick in your mind better. You'll be less likely to miss deadlines or exams as a result.

Consider using a planner. While it may be more convenient to set up reminders in your Google calendar or alerts in your reminders app, it's easy to forget about them until they pop up on your screen.

You don't have to go out and blow a bunch of money on a planner, either. Here's how to make your own instead. It's cheaper!

2. Prioritize

I like to make a to-do list at the start of every day. I put the most pressing items at the top.
By prioritizing, I'm able to see exactly what needs to be done that day and what can wait until tomorrow if I don't get to it.
At the end of the day, I move whatever didn't get completed to the top of tomorrow's to-do list. That way, I stay right on track!

3. Differentiate Between Academic and Personal Time

Knowing when you need to get down to business and when you need (yes, need!) to have some fun will give your routine balance.

To avoid constantly feeling like you're a slave to the books, be sure to fully engage in fun time when you've planned it.

For example, I recently took a spontaneous trip to Savannah, Georgia, with a few co-workers. Unexpected, yes, but I made sure to finish my homework ahead of time so I could fully relax once we got there. You gotta do what you gotta do!

On the other hand, don't scroll through Facebook while you're sitting in the library. FOMO (fear of missing out) is real, but you can avoid it when you manage your time. Get your studying done when it's needed, and you'll be able to join in on the fun afterward.

4. Balance School and Work

If you're like me and have to financially support yourself while you're in school, you probably have a part-time or full-time job. And yes, that means when you're not at school, you're probably at work. How the heck are you supposed to find time to study?

Well, the best advice I can give is to organize your schedule so you're off work at least two days a week. If you think you can't make this happen, pick up an extra shift during one of your already scheduled days. Do anything you can to make sure you have at least two days off.

Be as productive as possible during those two off days. Get homework assignments done. Get caught up on your reading. Make up for any breaks you take. You can't slack on these days off - it's too difficult to recover from them.

As much as we want to believe that we can do it all, the reality is we can't. At some point, something's gotta give. Considering that college is an expensive investment, your schoolwork should always take priority.

5. Get Enough Sleep

You might have heard this before, but when you don't sleep enough, your brain doesn't function at its full potential.

According to a study published in the January 2013 issue of Child Development, students who got less sleep than usual reported more academic problems the next day than they did after they got their normal amount of sleep.

The reason? REM sleep enables your brain to sort through your thoughts and memories, organizing them so they are easy to access.

Without proper REM sleep, your brain gets cluttered. As a result, it's hard for you to focus and retain information when you need to, like while you're in class or studying.

Time management is about getting the most out of every single minute you dedicate to a task. Lacking good sleep could hinder that!

Going hand-in-hand with that, all-nighters are definitely not a good idea. By cramming all your studying into one night, you're less likely to retain all of it because your brain is in overdrive and it's tired.

To avoid this, break up your studying to focus on one specific section at a time. Once you're a week or so away from your exam, you should have gone over all of the material already. You can then dedicate that week to reviewing and pinpointing where you're struggling the most. Focusing on those specific pain points is a lot easier than trying to focus on all the material at once.

6. Be Flexible

One of the most important things I ever heard my boss say was that it's OK if you don't finish your to-do list.

Oftentimes, people exaggerate the amount of work they have to get done in their heads, which results in feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

Be OK with rearranging some things. A to-do list or schedule should be a guideline, not something you're forcing yourself to complete.

Remember, if your to-do list doesn't get finished by the end of the day, don't have a meltdown. Tomorrow is another chance to crush it!

7. Prioritize Extracurriculars

It's important to be involved on campus. It looks great on a resume, and involvement helps you network and build skills you can use in the workforce.

Knowing that, you may be tempted to get involved in multiple extracurriculars - a fraternity, the newspaper, an honor society and maybe even the knitting club - but it will get tough to keep up with all of them.

Pick a few that really spark your interest, and go for them. It's better to have a few you can focus your time and energy on than a bunch you don't really participate in. Do you really want to go to an interview and get asked, "So tell me about your experience in the American Marketing Association chapter at your school?" if you only went to two meetings because you got hung up at the movie club? Probably not. Prioritizing can help you build skills you can use in the long run.

8. Be Kind to Yourself

This very well could be the most important point on this list.

Remember to put yourself first during busy periods. That means if you're tired of studying at 2 a.m. and want to sleep, then sleep. If you want to take a 30-minute break and stare at the ceiling, by all means, do it.

Doing what you need to do will keep you focused and sane - just be sure to evaluate the consequences of those actions afterward and adjust your to-do list or schedule accordingly.

Doing things to keep you happy will result in a more positive attitude toward your workload, making the busyness much less painful throughout the semester!
Your Turn: How do you practice time management as a college student? Let us know in the Facebook comments! Kelly Smith is a junior writer and engagement specialist at The Penny Hoarder and a senior at The University of Tampa. She's really thankful she only has one job now.

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8 Smart Time Management Strategies for Insanely Busy College Students

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At one point in college, I worked three jobs on top of taking a full course load. Somehow, despite working around 60 hours a week outside of school, I managed to get two A's and one B. There are many students who, like me, juggle tons of responsibilities and stress.

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WorldCat Discovery helps people navigate their research journeys to find and get resources from Northeast Lakeview College and libraries worldwide.

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NLC Library Resource on Procrastination 

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NLC Library Resource on Procrastination 

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Publication:

Pompton Plains, N.J. : Career Press, ©2012.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

More Author / Title Information:

Jeffery Combs.

Language:

English

Staff View:

MARC Record

ISBN:

9781601636270 160163627X 1601631995 9781601631992

OCLC Number:

765145702

LCCN:

2011026953

Contents:

pt. 1. What is procrastination? -- pt. 2. The six types of procrastinators -- pt. 3. Changing your life

Subjects:

Summary:

"20 percent of people admit to being procrastinators and an untold number never admit to it at all. Procrastination is an epidemic that can only be eliminated if the underlying causes are uncovered. Yet there's very little understanding of how to let go of procrastination, how to recognize and diffuse the feelings that lead to it, and most importantly, how to develop the ability to both produce and relax without guilt. In the pages of The Procrastination Cure, you'll discover: The root causes of procrastination (as opposed to viewing procrastination as merely a time-management issue) The six types of procrastinators: the Neurotic Perfectionist, the Big Deal Chaser, the Chronic Worrier, the Rebellious Rebel, the Drama Addict, and the Angry Giver Key strategies, practical solutions, and real-life examples for overcoming each variety of procrastination Many books on procrastination are written from a distance by PhDs whereas Jeffery Combs, a recovering procrastinator himself, will help you overcome procrastination and achieve the life of your dreams based on his own experiences and research"-- Provided by publisher.

"Twenty percent of people admit to being procrastinators and an untold number never admit to it at all. Procrastination is an epidemic that can only be eliminated if the underlying causes are uncovered. This book provides key strategies, practical solutions, and real-life examples for overcoming each variety of procrastination"-- Provided by publisher.

Genre:

Bibliography:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Database:

WorldCat

Additional physical form entry:

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Item Details Page for The procrastination cure : 7 steps to stop putting life off

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Publication: Pompton Plains, N.J. : Career Press, ©2012. Physical Description: 1 online resource More Author / Title Information: Jeffery Combs. Language: English Staff View: MARC Record ISBN: 9781601636270 160163627X 1601631995 9781601631992 OCLC Number: 765145702 LCCN: 2011026953 Contents: pt. 1. What is procrastination? -- pt. 2. The six types of procrastinators -- pt.

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By Melissa Burns

Procrastination is a fact of life - all people suffer from it to this or that extent. It only so happens that students are among those most often associated with putting things off. Which is understandable - after all, at school and especially at college you have to perform a lot of time-oriented tasks, and for the first time in your life are given enough freedom to decide for yourself when and how you are going to do them. In other words, procrastination is a natural result of this situation; but students must fight it if they hope to achieve any success.

Nature of Procrastination

Procrastination is a complex psychological phenomenon that can hardly be summarized in two words. If one to understand how it works, one has to understand what causes it.

The mechanism of procrastination usually works as follows: you are unwilling to deal with a task or activity. Instead of setting a time to do it and following through with your plan, you either put it off until the last possible moment or start early but waste most of the time getting distracted.

The problem has more to do with habit than to time management - those suffering from procrastination have a very good idea of what they have to do and which tasks should have priority - but cannot help but put them off and find excuses to divert attention to other things. The degree of procrastination experienced by a student may differ from case to case - some simply are not as productive as they can be, while others are literally paralyzed by this condition, putting the simplest things off for days, weeks or months.

So How Can One Beat Procrastination?

Procrastination is a complicated issue, and its reasons may be completely different from case to case. Sometimes it is rooted in perfectionism - you have extremely high standards for your work, always have to redo everything multiple times before it satisfies you, get frustrated and are afraid to enter this cycle again. It may be low self-esteem - you don't believe in your ability to do the task, and if you are unable to do it anyway, why bother starting it now? It may be something else entirely - procrastination is as varied as people suffering from it are. That is why methods of dealing with it are very different - if one doesn't suit you, it doesn't mean you cannot successfully use another one.

Cut the Task into Smaller Segments

Most often, we procrastinate because the task seems too difficult and overwhelming. It is so big you don't know where to start. Well, to deal with it, change its nature: break it up into multiple manageable tasks, preferably - the ones you can do in one go.

Don't Think. Just Do

The task looks unmanageable. It will take too much time; you'd better put it off until you can dedicate a whole day to it.

Don't do it. Start right now. If the task is really big it may take dozens if not hundreds of hours to complete - and you will never have that much time to spend on it in one sitting.

Delegate

If you've been putting the assignment off for so long that now you know for sure there isn't enough time for you to complete it on time, seek help from an online writing service - they can be real life-savers in a pinch.

Kill Interruptions and Distractions

According to MagicDust, the best way of dealing with procrastination is eliminating the very possibility of getting distracted from work. Set a fixed amount of time every day that you will spend on work and nothing but work. Allow no distractions. Turn off your cellphone, Skype, Viber or whatever means of communication you favor. Don't check e-mail, don't watch TV, don't go out for a cup of coffee or a snack, don't chat with your roommate. Remember - after getting distracted you will spend from 10 minutes to half an hour to get into gear again, so don't allow this to happen.

If you are unsure about your willpower, start small - set aside half an hour to fully dedicate to work, and gradually increase this amount.

One Thing at a Time

If you have a lot of work, ask yourself: what task is the most important one? If I do nothing but this today, will I be satisfied with the results of my day? If the answer is yes - start doing it and stop worrying about all other things you are not doing right now.

Create Artificial Motivation

The results from achieving the task may be remote and abstract - in other words, not enough to motivate you to do it right now. So what? Create artificial motivation, treat yourself. Set a reward you will give yourself after completing the task or its especially obnoxious part.

Remember - procrastination is not only counter-productive, it is deadly. By putting things off, you don't really benefit from getting more free time. You live under constant shadow of undone work. Life that can be spent happily and productively is wasted in frustration and worry.

Don't let this happen.

Melissa is a student of journalism. She is passionate about digital technologies and tries to implement them in the sphere of education. - See more at: https://collegepuzzle.stanford.edu/?p=4368#sthash.krvyGLBX.dpuf - See more at: https://collegepuzzle.stanford.edu/#sthash.YsRnAKSP.dpuf

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Procrastination And How College Students Can Beat it | The College Puzzle

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By Melissa Burns Procrastination is a fact of life - all people suffer from it to this or that extent. It only so happens that students are among those most often associated with putting things off. Which is understandable - after all, at school and especially at college you have to perform a lot of...

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The negative effects of Procrastination in college

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The negative effects of Procrastination in college

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Procrastination among Research Students: Causes and Consequences

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Classroom Resources for Addressing Procrastination, by Dominic J. Voge Source: Research and Teaching in Developmental Education excerpted from Vol. 23, No. 2 (Spring 2007), pp. 88-96 Why do so many people procrastinate and how do you overcome it? For most people procrastination, irrespective of what they say, is NOT about being lazy. In fact, when

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Experts have uncovered why do students put off important tasks until the last time? Many people think that procrastination is the same thing as being lazy because these kinds of people don't like the work or they don't have a good work ethic.

Procrastination is basically a trap that many students fall into. In a study, the business professor Piers Steel "Estimates that 95% of us involved in procrastination".

So you are in. Unlike others, it may be comforting to know that you are not alone.
Time Management: 6 Strategies to Be More Productive
What is procrastination?

Being a student putting off a project like an assignment, avoiding homework, absence in classes mainly happens due to procrastination issues. This is why it is really important to know what does procrastination means?

Procrastination is all about emotions sometimes makes the situation complex. Delaying or putting off a task or a decision is called procrastination. It is nothing new to people, especially to the students.

However, some experts say that irrational behavior or causing the delay of any actions without valid reason referred to as procrastination. In that case, procrastinators voluntarily choose a course of action that deep down the good result at the end.

According to Joseph Ferrari, a professor of psychology at DePaul University and The author of Still Procrastinating around 20% of American adults are chronic procrastinators".

So in most cases, it is not a sign of a serious problem but definitely shows a common tendency that most people give in to at some point or another.

So the act of postponing something until the last minute or even past their deadlines creates the habits of procrastination.

Many researchers refer to it as a form of self-regulation failure which ultimately produces negative consequences.

Why students procrastinate?

The main barrier not to reach your goal is delaying the task. Procrastination does the dame and blocks you from getting up and making the right decisions. Research says that between 80 and 95% of graduate students procrastinate on a regular basis even 75% of college students are among them. Know why:

Because they don't see any relevance of their project work even they don't understand what to do.

Students overestimate how much time they have left to finish the task.

Procrastination can lead to poor academic performance. It often causes a high level of stress and in the end poorer grades in the semester.

The leading cause of procrastination is often perceived as the willpower of people. So the students have little intrinsic motivation that drives them to overcome the habit of putting down the work.

Human being has so many limitations. All have to have died at some point in life. The time we spent on earth is limited. Students often don't understand the value of time.

Decision inferiority problem or conflict in mind causes procrastination. Many of us puzzled ourselves frequently whether we will do the work or not. This creates differences of opinion and controls our minds to refrain from the goal.

Top 6 Ways to Overcome Procrastination

The truth is all your opportunities seem to be at your fingertips but you cannot reach them. Because you waste your meaningful time that could be invested in an effective way. However, if you really overcome this fierce enemy, you can follow these 7 ways to accomplish more and to utilize the potential time.

1. Make a list of actions

Creating a to-do list with things that you would like to accomplish can be a great choice to deal with procrastination. A To-do list will prevent you from forgetting about overwhelming tasks.

In this case, you should estimate how long each task requires to complete and set a prior reminder so that everything gets on the right track. Put a deadline of course next to each item.

There are plenty of digital apps or desktop programs among them Wunderlist, which is my favorite to keep track of all the tasks ahead of me.

2. Divide the work

The biggest enemy here for the students is big projects or assignments which can be overwhelming at the outset.

By dividing them and break them down into many smaller ones. This way you can focus on a smaller goal and reward yourself along the way.

Breaking down the large tasks into smaller one really increase the confidence that you can do it now.
Effective Delegation: 6 Steps to Master the Art of Delegation
3. Make your schedules less rigid and restricting.

Gather some bits of knowledge on delegation and apply priorities when necessary. Basically, a rigid and inflexible schedule tempts you to procrastinate. On the other hand, it makes your daily plans more daunting.

Remember, Some days will be busier than others which is natural. But you should not have to be bound completing a list of hundred things.

Rigid and restricting does not mean you make more stress and panic. It is rather focusing on flexibility of your work.

4. You don't need to be perfect

Procrastination habits get longer for those people with perfectionist tendencies. Why it is sometimes bad? Simply it increases the more waiting time until things are perfect in order to proceed.

So If you think that it is not going to be perfect, surely you are not goanna finishing your job.

What I believe focuses on being better than perfect. That means you must have to strive for excellence and at the same time focus on getting the job done on time.

5. Identify your power hour

There is a specific time that every people wants to spend on accomplishing any task. Whether it is study, gossiping, watching TV, or something else. So, what you need to do is to find your best time to work.

This may be your morning, evening, or afternoon period. Power hour really helps you to be more focused and functions much better than at any other time. Finish your biggest task at that particular time and relives your tension.

6. Don't forget to reward yourself

To boost your motivation for accomplishing the next project, reward yourself even a small portion of the larger task you completed. Give yourself a bit of time to indulge in something enjoyable.

These may be spending relaxation time with friends and families, watching TVs, attending a sporting event, or treat yourself in a pleasant restaurant. It will work just a tonic for the next big move.

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Why is Procrastination Bad For Students? | Youth Rider

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Experts have uncovered why do students put off important tasks until the last time? Many people think that procrastination is the same thing as being lazy because these kinds of people don't like the work or they don't have a good work ethic. Procrastination is basically a trap that many students fall into.

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It can feel impossible to make time for yourself when life is hectic. Between work, family obligations, and social commitments, it seems like there's no room for anything else. But it's important to have some "me" time, even when your schedule is crammed.
Benefits of making time for yourself
The benefits are plenty! For example, you can:

-Reduce stress and anxiety

-Boost your mood and energy levels

-Improve your sleep quality

-Increase your productivity

-Enhance your relationships
My posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, you will not pay a penny more, but I will receive a small commission. Please read my disclaimer for more information.
Here are a few ideas to help you make time for yourself:

Do something you enjoy

Set aside time each day, even if it's just 10-15 minutes, to do something that you enjoy. Engage in activities that make you feel good, both physically and mentally. This could include exercise, getting outdoors enjoying nature, or taking a yoga class.

Check-in with yourself

Schedule regular check-ins with yourself to assess how you're feeling and what you need. This could be once a week or once a month, depending on what works best for you.

Schedule time for yourself to practice self-care

Find ways to incorporate self-care into your everyday routine. For example, start each day with a stretch or take a break mid-day break to eat a healthy snack, or take a few minutes to yourself to breathe deeply.

Get organized

Getting organized will help you be more efficient so that you can make time for yourself. Create a to-do list and schedule out your day so that you know exactly what you need to do and when you'll have free time.

Make time for yourself a priority

Make yourself a priority by setting aside specific times for yourself each day. Whether it's just 30 minutes in the morning to enjoy a cup of coffee or an hour at night to read your favorite book, make sure you put yourself first.

Make time for yourself by setting boundaries

In order to make yourself a priority, you need to set boundaries with others. Learn to say no to requests that would take up your free time. Let your family and friends know when you are unavailable and stick to your schedule. This will help you avoid feeling guilty about taking the much-needed and deserved time away.

Find a hobby

Finding a hobby can help you relax and enjoy your free time. Whether it's painting, hiking, or biking, make sure to find something that you love to do.

Simplify your life

Don't try to do everything at once. You don't have to be superwoman (or man). Take things one step at a time and simplify your life as much as possible. This will help you feel less overwhelmed and give you more time to relax.

Schedule time for yourself

Set aside time each week that is just for you. This is time that you can use to do whatever you want, whether it's taking a yoga class or going for a walk in nature. Make sure to stick to your schedule and don't let anything else get in the way.

Take a break

If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a break from whatever you're doing. Step away from your work, go for a walk, or just take a few deep breaths.

Enjoy the moment

Savor the moment when you are enjoying this time for yourself. Whether you're reading your favorite book or taking a relaxing bath, enjoy the experience and let go of any stress or worries.

Meditate

Meditation can help you relax and find inner peace. There are many different ways to meditate, so find a method that works for you.

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood. Even a short workout can make a big difference.

Journal

Writing in a journal can help you process your thoughts and feelings. It can also be a great way to track your progress and reflect on your accomplishments.

Prioritizing yourself can be difficult, but it's important to take the opportunity to relax and recharge.

By making small changes in your daily routine, you can create more balance in your life and feel better overall.

What are your favorite ways to relax and rejuvenate? How do you make time for yourself in the midst of a hectic schedule? Share with us in the comments below!
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It can feel impossible to make time for yourself when life is hectic. Between work, family obligations, and social commitments, it seems like there's no room for anything else. But it's important to have some "me" time, even when your schedule is crammed. Benefits of making time for yourself The benefits are plenty!

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College is undoubtedly one of the most pivotal periods of anyone's life. This is where we begin to understand who we are. Where we also mold the idea of who we want to be, both personally and professionally. Most of our life-long friendships are formed in college. This makes it an ideal point to establish habits that take us towards the desired direction.

The life of a student, however, tends to be rather hectic. You have to juggle between lectures, assignments, extracurricular activities, a part-time job, and the perpetually tight budgets. There is often plenty going on. Such responsibilities and commitments will usually impede students from leading a healthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, it would be best if you took the time to tend to yourself.

This article seeks to propose a few tips that will help you to look after yourself. These are simple ways that can comfortably ease into your routine. As a matter of fact, time or money constraints will not be a deterrent.

Making a Sleep Routine

Students often find themselves staying up late at night. It is plausibly part of the student culture. You might be catching up on schoolwork, studying for a test, or perhaps out with friends as well. Unfortunately, especially for the first two cases, students rely heavily on caffeine to stay awake. Depriving yourself of sleep is a rather unhealthy habit that has adverse consequences.

Impaired brain functioning.

Cardiovascular complications.

Diabetes.

Obesity.

Sleep cannot be substituted. Therefore, you should prioritize getting adequate sleep over any likely alternative, such as parties. You need around eight hours of sleep to be reinvigorated fully. Get a specific time when you go to bed. Resist the temptation to use your phone too. Also, wake up at the sound of the alarm. This might not be very easy at first, but you will grow into it. You might not even need the alarm soon enough.

Maintaining a Balanced Diet Regimen

Most students are unable to resist the temptation to grab a quick meal. Unfortunately, this can only be processed foods. Nothing more but tasty carbohydrates. Unhealthy food choices suffice it to say. Quite certainly, a healthy diet may not be as alluring, but choices and sacrifices must be made.

You ought to make a deliberate effort to improve your nutrition by including other food groups in your diet. It is recommended that you plan for your meals, especially on your busy days. The best way is to cook in nutrient-dense meals, which is also significantly cheaper. Sooner or later, you will require healthy diets. You might as well start now.

Having a Budget Plan

College costs money, and it would be great to save money where you can. You don't always need to have brand-new electronics. What you spend on new stuff, you can use it for expensive school fees instead. Apart from saving up, it is wise to create a budget plan and stick to it. Gadgets like a personal computer or laptop and mobile phone are necessary, but instead of buying new, consider getting refurbished computers. Search nearby areas around the campus for certified refurbishing centers, and you will find decent electronics at cheaper prices.

Getting Regular Physical Exercise

This not only helps to keep you fit and active but also goes a long way in preventing various lifestyle diseases. It, furthermore, stimulates your brain function, which is essential to get through college.

It might be challenging to get enough time to exercise daily. However, you only need approximately 75 minutes of exercise a week. This is a reasonable time frame that you can manage to fit in your schedule. Alternatively, you can reach out to write my essay service. This will spare you enough time to fit exercise into your routine. You will need it for both your physical and mental health.

Staying Dehydrated

This might seem quite self-explanatory; water is essential for your health. Our bodies need constant hydration to maintain overall functioning. It is vital in reducing fatigue, energy bursts, improving your concentration, among several other short-term and long-term benefits.

It is recommended that you drink around seven glasses of water daily. This might come off as a lot of water, but it only adds up to only a liter and a half of water. The next time you may have to take a bottle of soda or a mug of coffee, you might consider asking for a glass of water instead.

Dropping and Forming Habits

This is all about maintaining and form beneficial habits while you drop maladaptive ones. If anything may harm you now, or in the long run, perhaps it would be sensible to look after yourself. Avoid taking too much-processed sugar and caffeinated drinks. These are counterproductive to forming the habits mentioned above.

It might be deeply satisfying to light that cigarette, but is it worth it? You do not have to drink if you do not want to. When you drink, do it responsibly.

Your habits develop your character. When you know better, do better.

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How To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle As A College Student

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College is undoubtedly one of the most pivotal periods of anyone's life. This is where we begin to understand who we are. Where we also mold the idea of who we want to be, both personally and professionally. Most of our life-long friendships are formed in college.

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Vicki Nelson
Most college students want to do well, but they don't always know what is required to do well. Finding and spending quality study time is one of the first and most important skills that your student can master, but it's rarely as simple as it sounds.

If a student is struggling in class, one of the first questions I ask is, "How much time do you spend studying?"

Although it's not the only element, time spent studying is one of the basics, so it's a good place to start. Once we examine time, we can move on to other factors such as how, where, what and when students are studying, but we start with time.

If your student is struggling, help them explore how much time they are spending on schoolwork.

How Much Is Enough?

Very often, a student's answer to how much time they spend hitting the books doesn't match the expectation that most professors have for college students. There's a disconnect about "how much is enough?"

Most college classes meet for a number of "credit hours" - typically 3 or 4. The general rule of thumb (and the definition of credit hour adopted by the Department of Education) is that students should spend approximately 2-3 hours on outside-of-class work for each credit hour or hour spent in the classroom.

Therefore, a student taking five 3-credit classes spends 15 hours each week in class and should be spending 30 hours on work outside of class, or 45 hours/week total.

When we talk about this, I can see on students' faces that for most of them this isn't even close to their reality!

According to one survey conducted by the National Survey of Student Engagement, most college students spend an average of 10-13 hours/week studying, or less than 2 hours/day and less than half of what is expected. Only about 11% of students spend more than 25 hours/week on schoolwork.

Why Such a Disconnect?
Warning: math ahead!
It may be that students fail to do the math - or fail to flip the equation.

College expectations are significantly different from the actual time that most high school students spend on outside-of-school work, but the total picture may not be that far off. In order to help students understand, we crunch some more numbers.

Most high school students spend approximately 6 hours/day or 30 hours/week in school. In a 180 day school year, students spend approximately 1,080 hours in school. Some surveys suggest that the average amount of time that most high school students spend on homework is 4-5 hours/week. That's approximately 1 hour/day or 180 hours/year. So that puts the average time spent on class and homework combined at 1,260 hours/school year.

Now let's look at college: Most semesters are approximately 15 weeks long. That student with 15 credits (5 classes) spends 225 hours in class and, with the formula above, should be spending 450 hours studying. That's 675 hours/semester or 1,350 for the year. That's a bit more than the 1,260 in high school, but only 90 hours, or an average of 3 hours more/week.

The problem is not necessarily the number of hours, it's that many students haven't flipped the equation and recognized the time expected outside of class.

In high school, students' 6-hour school day was not under their control but they did much of their work during that time. That hour-or-so a day of homework was an add-on. (Some students definitely spend more than 1 hour/day, but we're looking at averages.)

In college, students spend a small number of hours in class (approximately 15/week) and are expected to complete almost all their reading, writing and studying outside of class. The expectation doesn't require significantly more hours; the hours are simply allocated differently - and require discipline to make sure they happen. What students sometimes see as "free time" is really just time that they are responsible for scheduling themselves.
Help Your Student Adjust to College Academics >
How to Fit It All In?

Once we look at these numbers, the question that students often ask is, "How am I supposed to fit that into my week? There aren't enough hours!"
Again: more math.
I remind students that there are 168 hours in a week. If a student spends 45 hours on class and studying, that leaves 123 hours. If the student sleeps 8 hours per night (few do!), that's another 56 hours which leaves 67 hours, or at least 9.5 hours/day for work or play.

Many colleges recommend that full-time students should work no more than 20 hours/week at a job if they want to do well in their classes and this calculation shows why.

Making It Work

Many students may not spend 30 or more hours/week studying, but understanding what is expected may motivate them to put in some additional study time. That takes planning, organizing and discipline. Students need to be aware of obstacles and distractions (social media, partying, working too many hours) that may interfere with their ability to find balance.

What Can My Student Do?

Here are a few things your student can try.

Start by keeping a time journal for a few days or a week. Keep a log and record what you are doing each hour as you go through your day. At the end of the week, observe how you have spent your time. How much time did you actually spend studying? Socializing? Sleeping? Texting? On social media? At a job? Find the "time stealers."

Prioritize studying. Don't hope that you'll find the time. Schedule your study time each day - make it an appointment with yourself and stick to it.

Limit phone time. This isn't easy. In fact, many students find it almost impossible to turn off their phones even for a short time. It may take some practice but putting the phone away during designated study time can make a big difference in how efficient and focused you can be.

Spend time with friends who study. It's easier to put in the time when the people around you are doing the same thing. Find an accountability partner who will help you stay on track.

If you have a job, ask if there is any flexibility with shifts or responsibilities. Ask whether you can schedule fewer shifts at prime study times like exam periods or when a big paper or project is due. You might also look for an on-campus job that will allow some study time while on the job. Sometimes working at a computer lab, library, information or check-in desk will provide down time. If so, be sure to use it wisely.

Work on strengthening your time management skills. Block out study times and stick to the plan. Plan ahead for long-term assignments and schedule bite-sized pieces. Don't underestimate how much time big assignments will take.

Being a full-time student is a full-time job. Start by looking at the numbers with your student and then encourage them to create strategies that will keep them on task.

With understanding and practice, your student can plan for and spend the time needed to succeed in college.

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Most college students want to do well, but they don't always know what is required to do well. Finding and spending quality study time is one of the first and most important skills that your student can master, but it's rarely as simple as it sounds.

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Laura G

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Laura G

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Creating a work-life balance can be challenging for many people but for college students, a lack of balance can become overwhelming if healthy living and wellness aren't factored into the overall equation. Balancing coursework, roommates, co-curricular activities, finances, personal relationships, in a totally new and different environment is a tremendous change for students who may be coming from a world where most of their basic needs were taken care of. ​

Key Takeaways

Creating Balance

Creating a work-life balance is even more important during times of stress. It is a known fact that illnesses occur at a higher rate in college during periods when students are under additional pressure such as when they are in the process of studying for exams or completing the many papers and presentations required by professors.

Manage Your Stress

Managing stress is one of the most important aspects of achieving a good balance during college. Stress can lead to a variety of health issues:

Midterms and finals tend to coincide with the fall and winter flu season, which makes managing test-related stress even more important to manage.

So, as you look at your school calendar, identify the months and weeks you think will be the most stressful. During those months, come up with a stress management plan that includes proven strategies for reducing stress:

Meditate for 10 to 15 minutes a day, three to four times a week.

Practice yoga a few times a week

When possible, get 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

Exercise a few times each week.

Find a Time Management Style

Another problem that college students often face is getting involved in too many activities and not knowing how to assert themselves by learning how to say " no". Time management is especially important for college students since college life can suck up every available minute if you let it.

Carving out time for social activities and spending time with friends is extremely important but feeling the pressure that you should participate in every social event on campus plus becoming a part of the one or more of the many sports, clubs, and volunteer activities offered, can leave you feeling drained and zapped of vital energy.

The key is to find the types of activities that make you feel good and helps you to recharge your batteries so that you can face your commitments and responsibilities with renewed energy and a renewed sense of purpose.

As far as your daily time management of studying and classes, identify a time-management technique that resonates with you will help you feel like you have more control over your day. Some popular time management techniques include:

Pomodoro

Eisenhower matrix

Parkinson's Law

Time blocking

Getting things done (GTD)

Reward Yourself

Amid the demands of school and work, remember to reward yourself with some simple and inexpensive things that can boost your mood and energy:

Reading a good book

Watching a good movie or show,

Taking a walk or a run

Going to the gym

Having a good conversation with a friend

Taking a hot bubble bath

Finding ways to escape from the daily grind will help you function more productively once when you return to the work you will undoubtedly have. Even though finding this balance can be challenging, the positive effect it will have on your overall health and wellness will be more than worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can a college student keep a balanced life?

How do you balance school work and social life in college?

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Balancing Between College, Work, and Personal Life

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Creating a work-life balance can be challenging for many people but for college students, a lack of balance can become overwhelming if healthy living and wellness aren't factored into the overall equation.

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Laura G

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Time management is the process of planning and controlling how much time to spend on specific activities.

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Laura G

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You might have had grand plans about getting organized in college. And yet, despite your best intentions, your plans for organization seemed to slip through your fingers. So how can you stay organized for the long road ahead?

Fortunately, although there are a zillion things to manage between your first day of classes and your last, staying organized in college is a lot easier than you might think. With a little advanced planning and the right skill set, staying organized can become more of your routine instead of just your ideal.

Try Various Time Management Systems

If you were wholly dedicated to making some fancy schmancy new calendaring app work for you this semester, but it ended up not working at all, don't be too hard on yourself. That means a particular system didn't work for you, not that you're bad at time management. Keep trying (and trying and trying) new time management systems until you find one that clicks. And if that means using a good, old-fashioned paper calendaring system, so be it. Having some calendar is the most important part of staying organized through the chaos that is college.

Keep Your Dorm Room Clean

When you lived at home, you had to keep your room relatively clean. But now that you're in college, you can keep your dorm room as messy as you want, right? Wrong! As silly as it sounds, a messy dorm room can represent a messy college life. Keeping your living space clean can help with everything from preventing you from losing your keys (again) to being able to mentally focus when you need to since you won't be visually distracted by all the junk on your desk.

Additionally, keeping your space clean doesn't have to take a lot of time and will lead to all those little things that make you feel like you're in control of your own life: having clean clothes to choose from in the morning, knowing where that FAFSA form went, always having your cell phone charged. If keeping your dorm room clean seems like a waste of time, spend one-week tracking how much time you spend maintaining it clean and another week tracking how much time you spend looking for stuff or trying to recover from things you've lost (like that FAFSA form). You might surprise yourself.

Stay on Top of Your Responsibilities

When you are faced with anything that connects with your college life responsibilities - from a cell phone bill to an email from your mom about when you're coming home for Thanksgiving - make yourself do one of four things:

As an example, spending the next month arguing with your mom over when you'll fly home will take ten times as much time as it will for you to just give her some dates when she brings it up. And if you aren't sure yet, figure out a day by which you will be sure - and then put it into your calendaring system. Your mom will leave you alone, you'll knock something off your to-do list, and you won't have to spend time telling yourself "Oh shoot, I need to figure out Thanksgiving" a million times a day between now and then.

Spend Time Each Week Reorganizing

You're in college because you've got a great brain. So put it to use on all you have to do outside of the classroom! Just like a finely tuned athlete, your mind is learning, expanding, and strengthening each week; you're in school. Consequently, what organizing systems worked for you a month or two ago might not work any longer. Spend a few moments looking at what you got done, what you're doing, and what you'll need to do over the next few weeks. While it may seem like a waste of time, those precious minutes can save you a lot of lost time - and a lot of disorganization - in the future.

Plan Ahead to Stay Ahead

Everyone knows that student who always says, "Oh, I can't do something then, I'll be up all night cramming for my midterm." Really? Because that is just planning to be disorganized! Plan for everything you have to do. If you have a significant event you're planning, make sure your homework is done ahead of time so you can focus on your event when the time comes. If you know you have a major paper due, plan to work on it - and finish it - a few days in advance. Since it's on your calendar and in your master plan, you'll stay organized and on top of your tasks without even having to think about it.

Take Care of Your Physical, Emotional, and Mental Health

Being in college is hard - and not just academically. If you're not eating healthy, getting enough sleep, finding time to exercise, and overall treating yourself kindly, it will catch up with you sooner or later. And it's impossible to get and stay organized if you don't have the physical, emotional, and mental energy to function. So give yourself a little TLC and remember that taking care of your health is an integral part of reaching your college goals.

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You might have had grand plans about getting organized in college. And yet, despite your best intentions, your plans for organization seemed to slip through your fingers. So how can you stay organized for the long road ahead?

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Laura G

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1. UNO

2. Student Life

3. Achievement

4. Academic and Career Development Center

5. Success Tips

6. The Importance of Organization in College

You don't miss deadlines

There's no worse feeling than walking into class and realizing an assignment was due and you missed the deadline...oops! The beginning of the semester is a great time to develop an organizational plan before deadlines and due dates are in full swing, so you don't have to experience those "oops" moments.

You feel less stressed

Generally, when your assignments and key dates are outlined for each class, you're better able to prepare and allocate your time accordingly, leaving you less stressed. When you're less stressed, you are able to focus your energy and attention on more important things...like studying!

You have more free time

With so many fun things going on around campus and with your friends, you don't want an assignment or project you forgot about to hinder your ability to spend some time doing something social. If you have things organized, you don't have to worry about forgetting a deadline, and you can plan for social events by accomplishing your assignments and studying early!

You can prepare for busy weeks in advance

As a college student, there are inevitably weeks when multiple tests occur or various projects are due, especially around midterms and finals. When this occurs, it's even more important to have a plan, so you can prioritize your study time and start studying enough in advance to be prepared for all your classes without the need for ineffective late night cramming.

Helpful Tips

1. Actively update a calendar, either your phone, web or a physical calendar, with all life events, such as your work schedule, meetings and social plans and activities.

2. Look at the schedules from all your syllabi and mark due dates and exam dates on your calendar. With these key dates are on your calendar and in one place, you don't have to remember to refer to each class' syllabus daily, and you can see your busy weeks.

3. Color code by each class and topic you have on your calendar to help keep everything straight.

4. Use a planner or notebook to write down each class and what you need to accomplish before the next class meeting. Crossing off tasks on this list ensures you don't forget something.

Questions? Contact us at 402.554.3672 or check out our website.

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The Importance of Organization in College

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In college, it can be hard to remember due dates, assignments and tasks for each class when you don't have the same classes every day. It's important to take the initiative to stay organized so you can be successful and less stressed. This article provides you with benefits of staying organized and some tips for getting started!

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Prepare your time; first year college life

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Prepare your time; first year college life

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How a student changed her study habits by setting goals and managing time | Yana Savitsky | TEDxLFHS

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In the following passage from Foundations of Academic Success: Words of Wisdom, former political-science student Patricia Munsch-now a college counselor-reflects on how a structured, conscientious approach to decision-making and goal setting in college can lead to fulfillment and achievement.

What Do You Enjoy Studying?

There is a tremendous amount of stress placed on college students regarding their choice of major. Everyday, I meet with students regarding their concern about choosing right major; the path that will lead to a fantastic, high-paying position in a growth industry. There is a hope that one decision, your college major, will have a huge impact on the rest of your life.

Students shy away from subject areas they enjoy due to fear that such coursework will not lead to a job. I am disappointed in this approach. As a counselor I always ask-what do you enjoy studying? Based on this answer it is generally easy to choose a major or a family of majors. I recognize the incredible pressure to secure employment after graduation, but forcing yourself to choose a major that you may not have any actual interest in because a book or website mentioned the area of growth may not lead to the happiness you predict. . . .

Once you have determined what you enjoy studying, the real work begins. Students need to seek out academic advisement. Academic advisement means many different things; it can include course selection, course completion for graduation, mapping coursework to graduation, developing opportunities within your major and mentorship. . . .

I recommend to all students that I meet with to create their own team. As a counselor I can certainly be a part of their team, but I should not be the only resource. Connect with faculty in your department or in your favorite subject. Seek out internships as you think about the transition from college to workplace. Find mentors through faculty, club advisors, or college staff. We all want to see you succeed and are happy to be a part of your journey.

-Dr. Patricia Munsch, Foundations of Academic Success: Words of Wisdom

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In the following passage from Foundations of Academic Success: Words of Wisdom, former political-science student Patricia Munsch-now a college counselor-reflects on how a structured, conscientious approach to decision-making and goal setting in college can lead to fulfillment and achievement. There is a tremendous amount of stress placed on college students regarding their choice of major.

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Laura G

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About half of all full-time college students have jobs outside of school. This number jumps to 80% when it comes to part-time students. One study showed that 70% of college students are stressed about finances.[1] With work, school, activities, and friends all demanding attention, many students struggle with balancing and prioritizing the different areas of their lives.

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Effective time usage for college students

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Effective time usage for college students

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Laura G

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For any student, effective time management is a constant worry. When you add work, family, and social obligations to the mix, these tasks become much more difficult.

You're not the only one juggling a hectic schedule while pursuing your degree. According to a Georgetown University research from 2015,40% of students aged 16-29 and 76 percent of students aged 30-54 work while in school. As you might expect, if you're a student with competing goals, time management in college is critical.

So, what can you do to improve your time management skills? We've put together a list of Time Management Tips For College Students to assist you in staying on top of your schoolwork.

What Is Time Management?

Time management is the process of consciously planning and controlling the amount of time spent on specific activities, with the goal of improving effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.

It entails reconciling the limiting nature of time with numerous demands on yourself related to a job, social life, family, hobbies, personal interests, and commitments. When you manage your time well, you have "options" over how you spend your time and how you manage your activities.

What Are The Benefits Of Time Management?

Because you only have 24hrs in a day and you want to make the most of it, it is easy to get caught up in a flurry of activities and end up doing less. Here are some more reasons why time management is so important in school:

1. It helps you achieve your goals faster

Effective time management allows you to be more productive. Rather than multitasking, you concentrate on one thing at a time for a set amount of time. In this manner, you give it your all, allowing you to achieve your objectives more quickly.
READ ALSO: 13 Business Ideas For College Students With Little Or No Capital
2. It helps you prioritize your work

When making a schedule, prioritize the things that must be completed right away. Getting your assignments done, for example, comes before a study session or study group. You can schedule a time to work on your assignments before heading to a study group if you manage your time well. This implies you'll be able to finish important chores on time because you'll be able to plan and set aside time to work on them.

3. You get more done in less time

You can focus more on a task if you set out time for it. If you stick to the schedule, you have a better chance of finishing the assignment than if you dive in without a plan. Consider finishing a project or completing homework. If you don't schedule a time to work on them, you'll most likely forget to do so. If you have a strong timetable, you can devote sufficient time to each task to achieve your deadlines.

When you have a lengthy list of things to do and not enough time to complete them, you easily get agitated. You can prioritize tasks and tackle them first with good time management. You'll know what you need to do and how much time you have to finish each assignment this way. Because you have ample time to complete everything, you will feel less anxious and stressed.

‍5. Prevents procrastination

Procrastination is a dangerous habit that can lead to stress, frustration, and poor grades. Setting aside a specific time for a task provides the drive you need to complete it. It assists you in overcoming laziness, which is a common cause of procrastination. Proper time management also allows you to set aside adequate time to conduct research or seek assistance completing the assignment. One of the most prevalent reasons why students procrastinate is a lack of knowledge on how to approach a task.

SEE ALSO: How To Prepare For IELTS Exam At Home | Expert Advice

‍6. It boosts your confidence and offers Improved career opportunities

You can complete your work on time if you manage your time wisely. This instills in you a sense of self-assurance and accomplishment in your talents. Finishing a long to-do list can elicit similar sensations and serve as a drive to improve your time management abilities.

Effective Time Management Tips For College Students

By taking the time to arrange your priorities, you can give yourself the best chance of staying on track and organized as a college student. Here are a few effective time management tips you can employ:

1. Set goals

Setting short- and long-term objectives can assist you in making the best use of your time. You can create daily, weekly, or semester-level goals depending on your homework assignments, exam schedules, courses, and other factors. It will be tough to organize your time if you have no idea what you want to accomplish. You may work toward your objectives and make the most use of your time once you've decided what they are. A sense of satisfaction and accomplishment comes from achieving your goals.

2. Plan ahead

To achieve your objectives, you must plan ahead. You can make a to-do list and prioritize the activities at hand based on the deadlines and urgency of the submissions. For efficient time management, you must create a schedule. Setting aside time for leisure each day after you've planned out your entire day can assist. When you plan ahead of time, your work quality also rises.

3. Follow a routine

One of the most important time management techniques is to establish and stick to a routine. A set routine can aid in the development of good habits and the reduction of uncertainty. You can set aside time for studying and completing projects based on when you feel most focused during the day. Some of you may want to study first thing in the morning, while others may prefer to study late at night.

4. Stay organized

One of the time management ideas that might assist you in saving time is to be organized. Organize your notes and files to avoid wasting time looking for them. A tidy study space will make it easier for you to access your materials. Other tools you might need while learning, such as an online math calculator or industry-specific software, should be available. Staying organized gives you a sense of control and helps you relax.

READ ALSO: ICAN Past Questions And Answers 2022 | Updated

5. Avoid distractions

Distractions can cause you to lose sight of your objectives. Distractions abound; most students are primarily distracted by digital gadgets such as cellphones, tablets, and other devices. Avoiding all types of distractions is one of the essential time management ideas. It would help to determine what causes you to lose focus the most. You can either leave your internet-enabled devices in a separate room or utilize programs that will shut you out of the internet for a few hours to avoid digital distractions. This is one of the time management strategies that can help you stay focused on the task at hand and do it quickly.

6. Ask for help

Time management advice can be obtained from your professors and classmates. Observing how your peers handle their time will assist you in remaining motivated. Additionally, because your students are in the same situation as you, their time management advice may benefit you. You can follow their advice, but make sure you stick to the time management methods that are ideal for you. It's possible that what works for your friend won't work for you.

7. Set time limits

Set time limits for specific jobs and activities. This will allow you to focus your efforts on a single task and avoid wasting time on a single project. If you know how long it will take you to finish one task, you may estimate how much you can accomplish in a given day. More time should be set out for longer or more difficult assignments. Attempt to accomplish the chores within the time limitations so that you may complete all of the tasks on your to-do list for the day.

8. Reward yourself

Reward yourself with a short break or a treat when you finish a task. You can avoid burnout by taking breaks. You can also use rewards to keep you motivated to achieve your objectives. Short pauses are preferable to long breaks since it is more difficult to return to the task at hand after a long rest.

9. Prioritize tasks

Determine which jobs are most critical and urgent, and allot time accordingly. Prioritize your tasks so that you can devote your attention to both your academics and your personal life. You can start with the easier jobs and work your way up to the more difficult ones. Prioritizing duties will assist you in completing assignments on time.

10. Learn to say no

Learn to say no to unnecessary commitments when you're up against a deadline. Going to the movies or hanging out with your pals, however enticing, may cause you to cancel a few plans if you need to manage your time wisely. This does not imply that you should abandon your social activities. According to your study schedule, you can organize leisure activities.

11. One Task at a Time

Multitasking is a myth, according to neuroscience. While it may appear like you're doing two things at once, your brain is actually performing one function at a time. It's more exhausting to flip back and forth than to stay concentrated and move on to the next work after the first is completed.

12. Find your productivity zone

Early risers and night owls are two types of people. If you're the most productive first thing in the morning, get up extra early. If you like to work in the dark, you can also stay up late. However, don't force yourself to modify your routines just because it's been reported that people are most productive at specific times of the day. Find and keep track of your most productive hours. What works for other people might not work for you. Period.

13. Take regular breaks

Working without taking breaks could cause more harm than good. We require breaks in order for our brains to recharge and then return to work. Breaks will help you improve your time management skills and feel more refreshed. You will notice a big increase in productivity as a result of this.

Of course, when you have a super-powerful flow, it's fine to work in a lengthy string. However, doing so, in the long run, will exhaust you and diminish your inventiveness. Breaks are beneficial to your productivity and well-being, according to Forbes.

How Does Lack Of Time Management Affect College Students

According to Simplilearn, time management for college students is about making your day purposeful. It is about taking control of the time you have and optimizing it for focus, productivity, and above all, balance.

Here's how lack of time management can affect college students:

1. Procrastination

The most evident result of bad time management is procrastination. Students who lack time management skills enjoy putting off things until the last minute, causing them great stress as they strive to catch up. You may completely miss deadlines if you've let too many chores languish.

2. Lower Grades And Test Scores

Your academics and test performance will almost surely suffer if you're having trouble balancing the demands of your course load and test prep with internships or extracurricular activities. When you don't keep up with your studies, you'll be less able to understand or engage with new material, which might lead to a drop in your grades.

3. It leads to a lack Of Sleep

Staying up late to do assignments that should have been completed earlier will reduce your sleeping time. We understand the importance of sleep for college students, but poor time management might push bedtime to the bottom of your priority list. This can lead to exhaustion and disease.

4. Unhealthy Eating Habits

You are unlikely to eat three meals that day if you sleep through breakfast because you stayed up too late the night before trying to meet an assignment deadline. When you miss a meal, you're likely to seek for snacks to compensate - and many students opt for junk food and other unhealthy options.

5. It leads to lateness in activities

If you sleep through breakfast because you stayed up too late the night before trying to fulfill an assignment deadline, you're unlikely to consume three meals that day. When you miss a meal, you're more likely to reach for snacks to make up for it, and many students choose junk food and other unhealthy alternatives.

It is not necessary to establish good habits for effective time management all at once. You can set realistic, small objectives by implementing one or more of the recommendations from this list. Choose a few of these tips that you believe will be most beneficial to you or will make the others easier to implement.

Frequently Asked Questions On Time Management

What is time management?

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