I had a tendency to be late for appointments or arrive bang on time without a second to spare. The reason is that I believe I can complete several tasks before I leave home or leave the office. My being late is really an indication of my optimism or so I like to tell myself! Time management is easier than you might think. It simply takes organising.
First things first, in order to manage your time you firstly need to find out exactly how you actually use it. Take a couple of hours to break down a day-by-day analysis of how you utilise your time. Examine your activities and see what areas of your life need more or less time.
Write down your appointments so that you know where you are supposed to be and when. Write down tasks (a to-do list) in order of importance. Complete the most important tasks first. When we write things down, we crystallise our thinking and having a written list will stop you going over mental lists and that helps reduce stress.
Break time-consuming tasks into manageable, smaller tasks. I am guilty of postponing tasks that seem overwhelming or if I am not quite sure where I should start. Doing a small piece of a big task helps us keep focused and gives a starting point.
We can only be in one place at once and we cannot divide ourselves amongst everyone. Learn to say no and if someone asks you to do something say you need to check something and will revert the following day – this gives you time to ask yourself if you can or if you actually want to do something before you commit yourself. If you do say ‘yes’ to doing something, then do so willingly, without complaint and without expecting thanks.
If you need help, simply ask for it. Not always easy I know but share your problems with others – talking helps with keeping things in perspective. Asking for help may also give you some new ideas as to how to progress.
Only work on something for a set period of time. Do not stay stationary for hours on end simply to try to get to the end. Take breaks, eat, hydrate and move. Set limits such as working on something for say two hours before going for a walk. You will be more productive and focused when you return to continue the task. Praise yourself when you achieve a goal.
Try not to use your mobile phone more than you is necessary. Disconnect from social media as much as you can or limit your use to certain days of the week. Leave your work phone in the car during the evening or at weekends. Disconnecting frees up your time to do productive tasks or those you may have been postponing/avoiding. If you are easily distracted by social media or find yourself watching interesting talks on line (my favourite!) especially when you have important tasks to complete, simply allow yourself a certain set time on line, set your alarm and as soon as it sounds, return your attention to productive tasks.
Simply unsubscribe from all emails – those you do not need and those that do not add value to your life and simply clog up your inbox. There is no glory, benefit or advantage to you receiving daily emails notifying you of local coupon offers, clothes sales etc. It will take some time to unsubscribe but it will be well worth it. Unsubscribe from all social media notifications. You do not need to be alerted that Mary/James has checked-in to the dentist!
If you are bogged down in a task, walk away for a minute simply to clear your head. Change your scenery. Give yourself plenty of time to complete all tasks. Allow extra time to reach destinations before scheduled appointments which ensures you remain relaxed and feel in control when you arrive. When organising children to travel with you or if transporting children somewhere, allow extra time (oodles) because there may be a shoe missing or a crisis of a missing teddy and you will have time to remain calm!
I really sound like I am giving orders but if you are to be productive then try not to ever go without sleep. You are more productive if you have had enough sleep. You cannot think clearly or make the best judgements if you are tired. Do not sacrifice sleep for tasks. Eat well and eat something no longer than every two and a half hours. Drink water. Do not skip lunch and do not eat it at your desk. It is easy to get bogged down in work and not notice that we have not had something to eat for hours.
Be mindful that you want to be as productive as possible so care for your body. Take regular exercise – this helps clear your mind of worries and shifts stress hormones. Exercise also helps you feel more positive.
Ensure you take time to relax. Consciously unwind. Pay attention to what you tell yourself. Speak encouragingly to yourself. Perfection is not attainable so instead, strive for progress. You are doing your best and that is all anyone can do. Take breaks and simply stare at the sky and watch the clouds float by or hang around overhead – this is time for you to simply switch off. Learn a relaxation skill so you become better-able to stop any whirring or washing machine-type thoughts.
When you are relaxed you can think clearly and remember new information (the opposite is true when we are anxious).
I leave my work mobile in the car when I am in my home. Once at home I resist the urge to check work emails – I don’t always win that battle! I am very conscious of trying to keep boundaries and leave work-related issues outside my front door once I walk over the threshold. Before I enter my home, I take a few minutes simply sitting in my car to ensure I leave work at work and ready myself to be at home.
See Also Time Management
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