Improving Time Management with These 3 Simple Tips

Your abilities and skills may set you apart from the crowd but, like it or not, everyone is bound by the same number of hours in a day. Many studies have uncovered the correlation between chronic time urgency and increased levels of anxiety and stress. As work-from-home trends continue to rise, you can improve your time management to boost productivity, while simultaneously achieving that fine work-life balance.

Pexels | Work from home can help in changing your routine

February marks National Time Management Month in the USA but, there’s no reason you can’t follow it wherever you are in the world. By incorporating a few effective routines into your daily tasks, you can maximize your productivity and also combat stress.

1. Plan Ahead and Prioritize

Now, this is a tip easier said than done but, the least you can do is try and achieve the best results possible. If there’s a project or task you need to get done quickly, prioritize it and plan to get it done in a specific number of days.

When you notify yourself repeatedly of the importance a task holds and manage your time effectively, you can increase productivity and regulate your stress levels. An easy way to track your plans is by downloading a planner app on your phone, or just do it the old-fashioned way with a pen and journal. Rank your tasks in accordance with importance and urgency, and knock them off one at a time.

Pexels | Use a planner to plan out your day

2. Don’t Over Commit

While you’re at work, many new exciting opportunities may spur at moments that you’ve already got plenty on your hands. Realize the burden you’re carrying and try not to prevent additional workload from piling on.

If you bite off more than you can chew, at the end of the day you’ll find yourself struggling to complete tasks and failing to manage time effectively. Ensure that your agenda is organized and feasible. Opportunities will keep presenting themselves but, self-care is wholly up to you.

3. Take Advantage of Technology

Remember that technological advancement only came round to make everyday tasks easier for you. According to a study carried out by Inc., the average worker can stay productive for only 2 hours and 53 minutes a day.

Use time tracking software to alert you when you’re trying to be focused for a specific amount of time. Additionally, give yourself a small break after every 45 to 60 minutes of work as a reward and much-needed time to reboot. During this period, walk away from your workstation and computer. Try to get some physical activity in to remove soreness from those muscles.

Pexels | Steal those little breaks whenever you can

The Bottom Line

You can’t expect to work efficiently without granting yourself the little hacks that improve your work efficiency. While work is extremely important, you need to ensure that you don’t burn yourself out in the process of achieving your dreams. Know when to take a break and blow off some steam. Your body and mental health will thank you for it.