Time Management: How to use time more effectively
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the pressure of responsibilities and the never-ending to-do lists? As a Health and Wellness Coach, one of the top barriers to achieve goals is not the desire, but the feeling that there is not enough time in the day. Everyone gets 168 hours in a week to choose how to spend their time. Time cannot be increased or changed in any way. However, what we can change, improve, and manage is ourselves. In essence then, true time management now becomes management of ourselves – “self-management”!
The significance is not in the amount of time or lack of time; it’s how effectively we use that time that makes the difference.
Individuals that live a happy, healthy lifestyle have the same amount of time in the day as each of us. The only difference is they use their time differently—more effectively.
Are you not having enough quality time for you or your family? Maybe you’re not sure where all your time is going and just want to account for it. Or maybe you have a full schedule that you’re having a hard time keeping up with. Whatever the reason, time is a precious resource that most of us need to use to its fullest.
Assess your time
A great first step in time management is evaluating your routine, current responsibilities, and how you’re spending your time. Bring awareness to a “typical” day or week and begin to write down how you spend your time. Once you feel you have an accurate reflection of most days, take a closer look, and start to identify areas or patterns where better time management could be used.
What’s working?
What’s not working?
Do you see anything you are willing to give up for more time?
Examples: multiple trips to the grocery store, working during personal time, technology (screen time, social media, texts, emails), etc. According to Statista, the average individual uses 147 minutes per day on social media (1).
Ask yourself why you are feeling unsatisfied with your current schedule or lifestyle? What do you want to change to be more effective during the day and what goals do you want to achieve? Are your goals specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound (SMART)? Do you want more time to pursue a goal? Work-Life balance? Time for self-care?
Plan and prioritize
Now that you reviewed a typical day and identified SMART goals, start to strategize how to stay organized and on task. Create a system that works for you (i.e., daily to-do list, calendar for appointments, and/or alarms on your phone). What resources do you need to achieve your goals. Plan out clear objectives and the steps necessary to complete a task while being realistic with how much time a task may take and allowing for wiggle room. As much as we would like for things to go as planned, life happens! How will you handle interruptions and/or adapt to changing priorities?
Here are some tips to consider during the planning process:
Prioritize a to-do list for that day
Avoid overwhelm by breaking down big goals into achievable steps
Minimize distractions
Avoid multitasking and procrastination
Set deadlines on tasks and hold yourself accountable
Re-evaluate the actual time it takes to complete a task for future planning
Establish boundaries and delegate
When you’re trying to achieve goals, everyday tasks on your to-do list can be an interruption of your day. Are there tasks on your list that can be delegated at home or work? If yes, delegate the task. This will allow you to focus more dedicated time towards your goals both personally and professionally.
Determine if you are the right person for the task. If the task is outside of your skillset, ask for help. Try not to go in circles trying to do everything on your own or procrastinating due to fear or lack of knowledge. Outsource when necessary.
Are you finding yourself saying “yes” to everyone and regretting the decision later? If saying “yes” is saying “no” to your goals and responsibilities than politely decline.
Schedule time for self-care
When you are planning your schedule, remember to include time to eat nutritious meals, exercise, and time to reset. Ignoring your body’s need for rest not only leads to fatigue but can also lead to additional physiological symptoms that will take you away from achieving your goals. Sleep deprivation dulls your memory, can cause moodiness and irritability, and can increase your risk of health challenges.
Summary:
We understand that investing time to achieve a healthy lifestyle can sometimes feel overwhelming. Mastering the art of time management brings many benefits such as less stress, work-life balance, and achieving goals. With the right strategy, skills, and commitment to self-management you will become more effective with your time and achieve a happy, healthy lifestyle!
If you would like to like to learn more about Sensibly Holistic and how a board-certified nurse coach can support you in your journey to optimal health and well-being, please request a free consultation:
References
Dixon, S. (2022, August 22). Daily time spent on social networking by internet users worldwide from 2012 to 2022(in minutes). Retrieved from Statista: https://www.statista.com/statistics/433871/daily-social-media-usage-worldwide/
This information is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to www.sensiblyholisticllc.com/disclaimer.