There are only a few hours in a day and being organized and productive is the key to getting everything accomplished. It isn’t easy to figure out where to begin when you have a seemingly endless list of tasks to complete. Fortunately, there are scientifically proven strategies for managing time that can make a huge difference.
1. Eliminate the need to multitask
Multitasking can cause you to feel tired and decrease your productivity. Instead, focus on one thing at a given time, and give it your full attention until you have completed. This method can also eliminate «half-work» like answering phone calls or checking your email while working on a task.
2. Use Time Blocking
One method to improve your time management abilities is to block off an amount of time that is, say, 20 minutes or an hour, without distractions. If you are distracted by a call or social media notifications, make note of the event down and then return to your task after the time you have allotted. This is especially useful for projects that take a lot of time, such as writing a report or preparing for an exam.
3. Prioritize and manage tasks in a sequential order
Prioritize your tasks and order them according to importance. This can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by an extensive to-do list. It’s also important to remember to set aside time for self-care like exercise or taking a relaxing break. This can help avoid burnout and improve productivity.