We all know that making time for yourself can be easier said than done. The truth is everyone has the same amount of time each day and we have to decide how to use the time we have wisely since there is no way to pause, extend nor borrow more time. Practicing good time management can ultimately result in you making that much needed time for self care, relaxation and rejuvenation.
Here are a few tips that may sound weird but can actually work to better manage your time and help you structure your days.
- Get acquainted with the Energizer Bunny! – Most people don’t realize it, but our productivity level depends on our energy level. Plan your high-level tasks when you know you are at your most productive. I am an evening person so any task that requires a high amount of brain-storming and concentration is done at night. Mornings are the worst time to ask me for advice or input on something that requires me to brainstorm! Monitor your energy levels by the day and eventually break it down by the hours and plan your schedules accordingly. This rule applies to everyone even if you work from home but be mindful about putting off tasks that require you to meet a deadline. Be smart about it.
- Tackle the mountain first, then swim through the stream – Mark Twain once said “If it’s your job to eat a frog, 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 biggest one first”. That frog will be your most important task. Once you’ve tackled your frog, it will give you momentum to run through the rest of your list.
- Make a To-Do-List (preferably at the end of the day) – Don’t make it complicated. All you really need is a pen and paper. Don’t get caught up with all the sophisticated time management apps and tools until you are disciplined enough to deal with it. You decide how much time you want to dedicate to making your list daily and begin by listing the most important tasks first. Remember to add the tasks that were not completed within the last 24-hrs to your new to-do-list. For some, making a list is considered a form of relaxation so soaking your feet or adding some ambiance to the room by lighting a scented candle is recommended to aid in further relaxation.
- Time is money so don’t waste it – This one is especially for my friends who work from home. Not because you do not clock into work everyday means that you shouldn’t schedule your tasks. Train yourself to work with deadlines and time limits so that you can train your brain to focus. Give yourself deadlines to complete tasks that way once you finish ahead of time, you can tackle the next item on your list.
Everyone’s style is different. These tips are specifically designed to point you in the right direction, however, you can create your own method for effective time management. We would love to help you start by offering you a free template of our To Do List. Click the link below to download. Happy planning!