Research has shown that those who practice time management skills such as planning, goal setting, and prioritizing, are more likely to feel in control of their time, have job satisfaction, be healthier, and feel less stress.
Tips for better time management
One of the best ways to stay organized and keep track of daily priorities is to keep a to-do-list. When you make a list, ask yourself the following questions:
1. What is urgent?
Set Goals and Priorities
2. What is important and should be done soon?
3. What is unnecessary?
Think about what is important to you! Even though you might be tempted to multitask, try to just work on one thing at a time. Studies support that this can help to complete tasks faster and increase quality of work.
Many planning tools are available to help you keep track of daily tasks and be productive. Your phone likely has a calendar built in that you can keep track of appointments and events. You can also try these apps that help free up your schedule, find time for your personal life, and focus on the tasks that are important:
Organize and share your to-do, work, grocery, movies, and household lists
Set due dates, reminders, and assign to-dos
Stick to a schedule
Simple and easy to use app where you can organize multiple lists
Set recurring reminders
MinimaList
Keep events and activities for your whole family all in one place
Keep and share grocery lists
Cozi Family Organizer
Set reminders and send agenda emails so no one misses their activities
Start with harder tasks at the beginning of the day and work on smaller, easier tasks throughout the day. Most likely, new things are going to come up through your day and there are going to be distractions. Try to get the harder tasks done before these things come up so you can give them your full attention. Also, if you start with the easier tasks first, the harder tasks may feel more difficult to complete.
Start with the hardest tasks first:
Ever find yourself digging through a big stack of papers for several minutes to find the letter you know you got in the mail two weeks ago? Research has shown that those who are more organized, are also more likely to have great time management skills.
Declutter and get organized:
The first step may be to declutter. Sort the stuff at your desk or within your workspace into three categories: "keep," "toss," and "donate." Throw away or shred items right away that you labeled as "toss". Keep the donatable items in a place where they are easy to remember the next time you leave. If you are at work, place them in a common area where your coworkers can see what they might be able to use.
Once you have decluttered, now you need to stay organized. Use files or office boxes to sort files. Label items by priority so that if you must step away, you can easily pick up on your to-do-list where you left off.
If you don't get enough sleep the night before and feel tired through the day, then you might not be able to concentrate on tasks and work as efficiently as you want. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
Get enough sleep and schedule breaks:
Also, set breaks throughout the day to refresh and clear your mind. Research has shown that break activities specifically related to learning something new, creating meaning, or building positive relationships with coworkers are associated with higher experienced energy levels.
Which of these tips can implement right away to set yourself up for success?
References:
A review of the time management literature by Brigitte J.C. Claessens
© inHealth Medical Services, Inc. 2020