Have you ever glanced at your clock and questioned where the day has gone? Time is our most valuable resource and we have some tips to ensure you make the most of it! To help you peruse this list, we’ve broken it down into four key categories: Managing your workload Getting started Removing distractions Finding balance 1. Managing your workload Know your goals People who succeed in life know where they’re going. It’s important to set yourself regular short-term and long-term goals; list and pin them up or have them prominently displayed. You should keep track of what you’ve achieved and what you’re yet to achieve, so you’re constantly inspired to accomplish more. Use an organisation system Struggling to keep on top of your schedule? Get an app to do it for you! In a day and age of technology, apps like Asana and Evernote are designed to help you manage your plan for the day and keep you on track. You can structure your day by task and set notifications so you can designate an ample amount of time to each action. This way you can never miss a deadline or lose track of what’s next. Don’t overwhelm yourself by thinking about everything that’s due Do you sometimes feel flustered thinking about all the things you need to do? Take a step back, breath and write a ‘to-do’ list, categorising tasks that can be done today, tomorrow, next week, etcetera. Dedicating your focus to the task at hand can ensure you won’t stress over the amount you have left to get done. Every few hours, check in on your to-do list but avoid thinking about the amount you have to get through. 2. Getting started Make an early start Getting a head start can eliminate your desire to procrastinate. Remember that task you said you’d have done by last night and never started? Knuckling down 10 or 15 minutes earlier can stop you from considering a late start or pushing back deadlines. A productive morning can change your mindset and inspire you to achieve more throughout the day. The multitasking myth Many people pride themselves on ‘mastering’ the art of multitasking, but did you know focusing on multiple tasks at once can lead to increased stress and a 40% drop in productivity? Consider the tasks at hand – which priorities require a large block of time? What’s due before an approaching deadline? What adds less value or could possibly be postponed? Giving your complete attention to a task can vastly improve the quality of your work. Don’t allow lack of detail to hold you back Being hung up on minor details can kill your workflow! People are often tempted to edit and make amends to their writing along the way. It’s always best to get down the bulk of what you’re trying to write and then revise at a later stage. This way you can focus on the information at hand and the points you’re trying to communicate. Turn key tasks into habit Did you know if you force yourself to do one thing every day for three weeks it becomes a habit? Spreading your workload across a few days allows you to get into a routine and develop positive habits. For example, if you have a 5000-word essay due in a month, aim to write 250 to 500 words a day so you have enough time to proof read and edit; this makes the task seem less daunting. 3. Removing distractions Be self-disciplined, commit to your plan Strategising is easy … execution is the tricky part! Treat your study plan like a personal bible and push yourself to stick to it. Double-check you’ve allocated an adequate amount of time for each task and notify yourself when it’s time to start or finish. Devote your entire focus to the task at hand Ever feel the need to check your phone every five minutes? Recent reports have revealed that on average, we’re losing nearly three hours of our day to phone use every day. Imagine how much you’d get done if that time went towards your workload? Stick to this simple rule: when your work is out – your phone is away, television is off, and distractions are handled. Focus is key to working efficiently. Be aware of the amount of time you dedicate to other things Losing track of your break time? Sometimes we get carried away with the amount of downtime we have between tasks. Spending too much time on social media or watching television can distract you from your study schedule, so make sure you’re alert and focused when it’s time to get back to work. 4. Finding balance Sleep at least seven to eight hours Sometimes it’s hard to switch on when you haven’t switched off! Sleep deprivation goes hand in hand with stress and a lack of productivity. Getting seven to eight hours of rest a night as often as possible can help you perform at your optimum best. It’s also recommend you avoid screen time 30 minutes before bed. Studies have shown light given off by phones, laptops and other electronic gadgets prevents our brains from releasing hormones that tell our bodies it’s time for sleep. Find time for stillness With many thoughts running through your mind on a daily basis, carving out some ‘you’ time can help improve your focus can assist you in working more effectively. Take at least 30 minutes every day to clear your mind by doing activities such as yoga, meditation, reading or even just resting. Namaste! Take a little time out of your weekend There is no better feeling than clocking off for the weekend and winding down or catching up with friends. However, taking one or two hours out of your weekend to organise for the week ahead can dramatically reduce your workload. Remember, a little sacrifice can go a long way! We often spend so much time trying to cram everything in that we forget to enjoy ourselves. When we’re organised and working efficiently, learning becomes more enjoyable! Give these tips a go and seen if they have a positive effect on your workflow. Do you have any tips that helps with your time management? Be sure to share below.