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Many people feel like there is never enough time in one day to accomplish all of their obligations. Our families may expect too much, or we have too many work-related tasks, or maybe there’s a brand-new baby at home. While certain circumstances are outside of our control, everyone is in control of how we manage our time.
Those who employ effective time management skills are highly productive, less anxious, and able to handle unforeseen disruptions. It also allows us to be better parents, plan for the future, and achieve career goals. Here are the top time management skills used to decrease anxiety and improve productivity -
1. Be Organized
Being organized allows us to gain a clear understanding of what is required and when each task is due. Use a real-time calendar to make it simpler to find the necessary to-do items when required. It is also helpful to maintain a clean work/home environment to stay organized.
Taking notes can help us remember important details that we may otherwise forget. There are also many different apps or other tools that organize schedules, as handwritten to-do lists can easily be misplaced.
2. Prioritize Key Tasks
Being an effective time manager requires knowing which tasks are important and which can wait until a later time. The goal is to work intelligently by putting the most effort into fulfilling essential goals.
Many people prefer to finish the easiest or smallest tasks first, and then move on to the longer, more complex ones. Others begin with the most time-sensitive requirements, regardless of their length. It is perfectly acceptable to use whichever system assists in achieving the most goals and prioritizing urgent items.
3. Practice Good Communication
Effective communication is the foundation that successful families and friendships are founded on.
Good time management lets us employ strong communication to inform friends and family of our plans. It allows us to delegate smaller or easier tasks so we can complete the most important life goals.
4. Set Goals
Good time managers create a daily list of key objectives they need to meet and then determine how long they need to spend on each depending on when they are due.
They also generate a list of long-term goals and pinpoint the exact steps needed to achieve them. This can help us gain self-confidence and earn the respect of others in our careers.
5. Plan Ahead
Individuals should list all of the critical tasks for that day/week, write them in order of importance, and then schedule the day accordingly. Planning ahead also involves putting time aside in case there is a disruption or unforeseen event that interferes with the original plan.
6. Delegating Tasks
Delegation is about slightly decreasing a workload by asking others to take responsibility for one or two small parts. Examples include asking the kids for help with the dishes or telling our husband to fold the laundry.
Relinquishing control over portions of a project can be difficult, but it is imperative to minimize anxiety and accomplish everything that is truly important.
7. Managing Stress
With anxiety disorders on the rise, we should do everything possible to minimize stress at home and at work.
This requires planning out the day ahead of time, organizing information, utilizing apps or other tools to schedule events, and delegating non-essential tasks. Good time managers have all of these skills and feel much less stressed out by the end of the day.
8. Do One Task at a Time
Many people mistakenly believe that multitasking is an effective time management tool. Though multitasking is essential in certain circumstances, performing one task at a time will improve the quality and quantity of our work. When people are focused on the task at hand instead of worrying about other items, they can complete more in a shorter time frame.
9. Minimize Distractions
Distractions are inevitable at work and home, but there are methods to minimize them. Constantly chatting with coworkers, taking coffee breaks, checking social media, or listening to podcasts will take away much needed time from work and family.
Though it’s important to take breaks to avoid burnout, we shouldn’t procrastinate. We may minimize work-related distractions by sticking to scheduled breaks, putting in earphones (if allowed), or perhaps asking for a quieter workspace (if possible). At home, we can get the laundry or dishes done at the beginning of the day when the kids are at school, rather than wait until the afternoon.
10. Take Breaks
Everyone needs a chance to rest and recharge. Effective time managers know that resting is essential for accomplishing all of their obligations while still maintaining a work-life balance. Employees must stick to scheduled breaks and make certain to receive plenty of sleep at night to feel alert during the day. At home, take a hot bath, call a friend, or get a massage to release some tension.
Do you struggle with poor time management? Are you constantly stressed? If so, please contact Straight Talk Counseling at 714-828-2000 or visit our website at straighttalkcounseling.org. One of our professional counselors would be happy to speak with you.