This semester I am absolutely swamped between classes, jobs, and Odyssey. I think Saturday is literally my only free day. Yet somehow, as my supervisor for my SI job noted, I find time to put together a 23-slide PowerPoints for my SI sessions while also staying on top of my classes and everything else I need to do.
When people ask me how on Earth I do all of it, I always tell them this: “Time management."
Time management can be hard, I'll admit it. But actually, it's really not that hard. It just takes a lot of discipline, dedication, and prioritizing what's most important. But once you develop time management skills, you really notice that a lot of the stress of everyday life is lifted off your shoulders.
So, here are 16 tips to help you improve your time management skills. I can almost guarantee that following these will really help you feel more in control and less anxious because you won't have to worry about missing important deadlines, documents, and everything else.
1. Keep a planner!
I'll be honest, I haven't kept a planner since 6th grade when they graded us on whether or not we kept one. I used to scoff at the idea of writing down everything I needed to do. But, this year between work, classes, and Odyssey, I decided to start keeping a planner and let me tell you, it has been a life saver. No more wondering if there's something I've forgotten to do because it's right in front of me.
2. Make sure you get up early enough to get ready and get to class/work on time.
I mean, if you know you have to commute or you have a long morning routine, get up earlier. Me, personally, I like getting up at six o’clock in the morning because it means I have enough time to shower, dry my hair, and maybe grab a waffle from the dining hall (because that’s the only breakfast food I’ll eat from that place).
3. Don’t wait until the last minute to do things.
Don't put that essay off until 11:50 p.m. the night it's due because you know you won't get it done in time. Besides, when you procrastinate, things just pile up and keep piling up until you’re flipping out because you have no idea how you’re going to get everything done in time. Just... Just don’t do that to yourself.
4. Show up at least 5 to 10 minutes early for appointments.
Ever hear the saying, “On time is late?” Yeah, it’s true. It’s kind of like when you don’t submit your paper until 11:58 p.m.; you’re kind of playing with fire. Some people like to begin meetings as soon as it’s time, and it’s rude to keep them waiting.
Actually, in many cultures being “on-time” is considered rude.
5. Study and do homework before you go to bed.
Sleep helps consolidate information, so if you study and do your homework before you go to sleep, you’re more likely to remember it. Also, unless you work and then immediately crash when you get home, what are you doing between dinner and bedtime? Why not put that time to good use and do something productive?
6. Either do something immediately or plan when you’re going to have it done.
It’s super unrealistic to do things as soon as you get them, but stay on top of things. Don’t keep saying, “I’ll do it later,” because you’re not going to do it later. If you can’t get to it immediately, then set a specific time during your non work/class time to do it.
7. Schedule some free time.
You will literally burn yourself out if you nonstop work, go to class, study, and do homework all the time. Don’t burn yourself out. If you don’t have to work the weekend, then set aside Saturday to go to the gym, play video games for 12 straight hours, or read really bad, cringey fanfiction on your phone all day. You do you, but schedule some free time where you’re not going to do anything work or school related.
8. Wear comfortable shoes.
If you’re going to do a lot of running around, like going to a class on the other side of campus in less than five minutes, maybe don’t wear your five inch stilettos. Yeah, they’re cute, but you’re either going to be late or you’re going to fall and break your neck while running.
9. Stay organized.
Don’t just shove papers in your backpack because that’s a good way to lose them. Put them in a binder or a folder or the pocket of a three or five subject notebook and have some sort of system of what folder/binder/pocket is for each class and/or work.
10. Set your clothes out before you go to bed
Now you already know what you’re wearing tomorrow and don’t have to spend 20 minutes trying to decide. (Just make sure you glance at the weather before you set out your clothes).
11. Gather everything you need for the next day before bed too.
It saves time in the morning that way you can just grab your backpack and leave. Also, you can make sure you have everything you need since you won’t be in a hurry.
12. Check your email frequently.
Professors regularly send out emails about assignments and what you’re covering in class, so check your email frequently throughout the day. That way you’re not surprised when you get to class and you have time to print out any worksheets or readings they send you. It’s a win-win.
13. Don’t let your housework pile up.
Set a cleaning schedule and pay attention to what needs to be done around your house/apartment/dorm. Nobody likes it when the trash bin or the laundry hamper is overflowing, and when you’re exhausted from everything else in life, you don’t want to deal with it. So set a schedule saying what time of the week you’ll do laundry, take out the trash, clean, etc. so you don’t have to worry about it.
14. Stay fit by walking and taking the stairs whenever you can.
This way, you don’t have to schedule gym/excercise time and you get to stay healthy by having a free workout. Besides, it’s probably faster to take the stairs anyway since everyone else is bogging down the elevator. Also, did I mention it’s a free workout?
15. If you think you’ve taken on too much, it’s okay to step back a little.
It’s okay to admit when you’re overwhelmed. If you find yourself overwhelmed, it’s okay to set aside your books for an hour or two and take a time out. Go take a nap or get something to eat and return to it afterwards with a clear head.
16. Get some sleep!
Sleep is so important. It helps you consolidate information, could help boost your immune system, and just lets your body recharge. Sleep is so important and you're really not doing your physical and mental health, grades, and everything else in your life any favors by pulling all nighters. Also if you’re well rested, you’re more alert and less likely to sleep through your alarm. So close the books and go to bed!
There are so many other things you can do to help you with your time management skills. Find what works best for you because literally so much unnecessary stress can be eliminated by learning how to manage your time.
