Effective Time Management Tips

 By Mansi Sodha, Belk College Peer Guide

Time management is important in every phase of life, but especially in college. When mastered, time management can serve as a great skill for every individual. Keep reading for our top tips on how to effectively manage your time!

●     Be intentional

○     Start your day with a clear focus in mind of what you have to get done. This can be done by making a to-do list to sort out activities that can be done quickly, things that take more time or just simple reminders to keep you organized.

●     Prioritize!

○     Tasks are never ending, but they don’t always have to be done in one day. Look at your to do list and think what is imperative to get done on that day and what can be pushed to a later day. You can also leave a list at the bottom to list out things you can do if the tasks of the day are completed to get ahead for the next day/week to come.

●     Find a structure

○     Allot time to do specific tasks at a specific time. It can be helpful to think of this as splitting your work up based on your classes or job. Time blocking can also prevent one task from taking up too much time in your day and leaving time for everything you have to get done!

●     Take breaks

○     Breaks are scientifically proven to make individuals more productive. While it is important to get a lot done, it is even more important to recharge yourself. This can be done by taking a few minutes to have a snack, listen to music, or something you enjoy.

●     Reward yourself

○     Always remember to do something you enjoy at the end of a long day. Oftentimes, it can be helpful to structure your day in a way where you stop working at a specific time. This can give you the remainder of the day to unwind and prepare for the day ahead.