Effective Time Management Strategies for Students
Time is not infinite! There are 24 hours in a day during which you have to balance everything, from studies to work and your health to your personal life. Needless to say, things can get overwhelming at times. And that’s where proper time management can help you achieve the right balance and progress towards your goals.
Know your priorities and plan ahead to use your time in the best possible way. Doing so will reduce your stress, keep you on track, and make your life easier.
Let’s have a look at the best time management strategies for students:
Set Goals and Remove Distractions
Distractions are everywhere. It could be your phone, aimless web surfing, excessive social media usage, watching TV….you name it!
Time management starts with identifying the things that waste your time. You could make a list of the unproductive activities you spend much of your time on. Next, set your goal to avoid those time-wasting activities and create a list of the productive activities you’d want to spend your time on instead.
It’s a good idea to make to-do lists so you can stay focused on your goals. Make sure to set your daily plan, depending on when the deadline is for an assignment and how much time and effort you’ll need to put in to get the job done.
Handle Small Tasks First
Big projects, presentations, and exams can be quite intimidating and may even trigger panic and anxiety. In such a situation, you may decide to procrastinate and put off tasks until the last minute.
Instead of worrying about bigger tasks, it is good to first finish the smaller tasks on your to-do list. Once the smaller tasks are complete, you’ll feel relaxed and less stressed. Now you are ready to tackle larger projects.
This practice will help you manage your time and make you feel more accomplished and productive.
Take on One Task at a Time
Multitasking can make you less productive because you’re not focused on a single activity but many tasks at once. As such, you may also feel overworked, stressed, and exhausted.
If you feel overwhelmed by multiple assignments, make sure to complete them one by one instead of trying to do all of them simultaneously. Setting aside distractions and tackling one thing at a time will make you more productive and organized.
Set a Routine
A routine can boost your productivity as it gives you the chance to work within a set timeline. You know that some hours of the day are more hectic than others. Some people feel more focused in the morning, while others are more alert during the evening or night. It’s a good idea to spend this time studying and completing your important tasks. Also, you could do your important coursework at a set time when there are fewer distractions around.
Take Time Off
Breaks are necessary when you’re juggling classes, work, assignments, meetings, and extracurricular activities all at once. Experts recommend taking short breaks in between each task.
Once you’ve finished a large chunk of tasks, you can take a break to relax. Think of the break as a reward for completing a task!
It’s also important to utilize your breaks wisely. For example, you could go for a run, take a nap, or go spend time with a friend or a loved one during your breaks.
From time to time, you’ll also want to take a long break, too. For example, if you have constantly been studying for a week, give yourself a day or two off to relax. Remember that mental relaxation is just as essential as physical relaxation.
Ask for Help
Asking for help is never a bad thing. We all need help at times. You could seek the assistance of your friends, colleagues, and family.
For example, you could ask your friends for help with your coursework. Or, if you are looking for a bachelor apartment for rent, Ottawa-based friends may have some recommendations.
Remember that asking for help can save you time, solve your problems, and prevent you from making costly mistakes.