Life is not easy, and we are all way too stressed out, but it does not have to be this way. You can have your cake and eat it too. There are several easy tips you can try to help manage your time, reduce stress, and reach your educational goals, and this article will provide you with many tips to help you do just that!
1. One time management strategy I use to maximize my time and reach my goals is starting with a plan every week. You can try this by creating a calendar for the duration of each class, and using the syllabus to determine what you have due on what day. Organizing your work with a calendar is a great way to utilize your time because it will allow you complete assignments in an organized and timely manner; it will also allow you to see a progression of ideas which will in turn help you better understand the information you are supplied with.
2. Another time management strategy is assembling all the materials you will need ahead of time. You should try to have the syllabus, reading materials, and other important papers printed out and assembled at the beginning of your class. This will allow you to access your learning materials at any time or place. This will also allow you to prepare for my assignments ahead of time, and it will help you save time when assignments are due because you will already have the necessary information and documents available.
3. I think using a personal planner is a great way to stay organized, and everyone should get one. If you do not like using a personal planner there are many other similar options. Many email servers provide you with calendars, and many cell phones also have applications that can serve this purpose. It is important to have all the necessary deadlines organized in an easily accessible place in order to reduce stress and achieve your goals.
4. I enjoy the satisfaction of crossing things off of my to-do lists, and I recommend anyone with a lot on their plate to make a list. It is important to have a list because it can be your starting ground for getting things done. If you have a list you can use it to fill out your calendar or planner, and it is uniquely satisfying to cross things that have been accomplished off the list. This simple action can provide you with satisfaction, a sense of relief, and hope.
5. I, like many people, have a habit of procrastinating, and I sometimes try to trick myself by marking assignments done for a day early. This way if I am procrastinating I still won't be late.
6. Another trick I find helpful is writing down many simple things that I need to do that are not an extremely high priority such as file bills, clean closets, and other things that are not super important. I then take these pieces of paper and put them in a jar. When I have a few minutes I pull one out and get it done. This way the bigger things can stay in focus and the little things can still be accomplished.
7. I understand completely that there is never enough time. Just remember that no matter what you do there will always be more to do tomorrow; so when you are stressed out maybe you should take a few minutes just to relax. Take a minute to look at the sky or something else you find peaceful. Just stepping back even if it is only for 1 minute will make it much easier to delve back into the stresses and demands of life.
8. I also think it is important to prioritize, and I relate to learning to say you can't do something. This is something that is hard for me as well, but it is necessary. Make sure you accomplish what is the most important to you before you beat yourself up over the small things. Try to get the really important things done, and if you miss some stuff, well at least be proud of what you did do. Remember some people do as little as possible, and we can only do our best. If you are doing your best you can not be at fault; you can only be proud.
9. It is easy to be tired when you are overwhelmed with the demands of life, but correct time management requires that you schedule in some time for yourself as well. When I am working I take a break every 2 hours, and I do a few different things to help get my energy up. Simply stretching will help bring your energy up, and if you are feeling particularly spunky do some sit ups or push ups. You could also jog for a few minutes or just take a walk around the house. Another easy way to get some energy is to just go outside. The sunlight, change in temperature, and atmosphere will give your body a boost. Next time you are tired do 10 sit ups, and I guarantee you will be much more motivated. If you are not the type of person to work out try standing up and doing some simple stretches like touching your toes or reaching for the sky. It will get your blood moving, and it will revitalize you.
Life is full of stress, but we can take these stresses and turn them into positive things. These easy tips will help you learn how to manage your time effectively, and this management will help you reach your educational goals while reducing your own personal stress.
