How To Manage Your Time Better

Lately I’ve found myself procrastinating with this blog…. a lot. I will spend hours sifting through other blogs, casually uploading an instagram shot here and there, pinning every so often on pinterest, slowly putting blog posts together. I waste so many hours doing these things when I know that I could be doing them in way, WAY less time. I proved it to myself not too long ago when I prepared blog posts for the whole week in one afternoon.

I know that everyone struggles with time management at one point or another in their lives, so I’ve put together this post for you, as well as myself, to adhere too! Here are 10 tips on how to manage your time better:

1. Create a plan

Plan your day before it unfolds. I like to do this the night before as then you know instantly when you wake up what you need to do on that given day. You job for the day is to stick to that plan as best as possible. You’ll feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment at the end of the day if you can!

2. Use a calendar/diary/organizer

Keeping your life in order whether that be on a calendar or in a day-to-day diary is essential. It helps you to not forget important tasks and to plan out your life weeks and months in advance. It may seem uneccesary to mention, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t keep diaries and how much of a help it can be. If you think its mundane, pick up a cute diary at your local stationary store. Kikki K bring out an amazing range of diaries every year! Or if you’re a bit crazy like me, pick up a Tiffany & Co diary when they come out in September.

3. Set a time limit to each task

Be clear to yourself on how long you need for each task. This will prevent your tasks from dragging on and eating into time allotted to other tasks.

4. Complete the most important tasks first

This is one of the most important rules of time management. Schedule the tasks that are the most crucial in your day first. Once you’re done, your day has already been a success! You will feel happier and less stressed when you move onto the not-so-important tasks and the rest of the day will feel much lighter. By the end of your working day, you’re more likely to be able to relax at home without thinking about the stresses of the day since you knocked them off the list early in the morning!

5. Batch tasks together

For related work, batch them together. This saves you the time of switching in-between each task individually. For example, I batch all my social media advertising into one group, so I schedule on my pinterest pins around the same time that I schedule my instagram shots for the day.

6. Focus

Multitasking may seem helpful, but most of the time you are not getting anything done any faster. Instead, focus on one task at a time. You’ll feel satisfied once that is done and more likely to continue with pleasure to your next task instead of spending way more time trying to accomplish 4-5 tasks at once.

7. Block out distractions

Feel the need to always check your email? Twitter? Facebook? Text messages? You need to block these out. Set a specific time to check and answer emails etc and then make sure to not check your emails unless its your allotted time during the day. To prevent your phone being distracting, switch your phone to the ‘do not disturb’ mode so that only important text messages and phone calls come through (this is done by making certain people ‘favourites’ on your phone settings).

8. Take breaks

Many people forget to do this but it is very important to schedule in breaks during the day to keep your motivation and energy up. Personally, I take a 5 minute break every 1 hour and a half an hour break every 3 hours. I am afforded this luxury as I work from home so you need to schedule in breaks at times that work for you.

9. Exercise, eat healthily and get enough sleep

There are many studies that indicate that exercise helps to increase productivity. I know personally that I feel much more likely to be productive during the day if I’ve had a morning workout. Eating healthily has many benefits that I’m sure you’re all aware off but again, it does make you more productive. Sleep is the big one that many people struggle with. Through my experience, people tend to sacrifice sleep first! You should aim to get 7-8 hours a night. I can’t function of anything less than 8 hours…

10. Enjoy

At the end of the day, we should really be enjoying what we are doing with our lives. We may get so caught up in the busyness of the day that we forget this but it should always be in the forefront of our minds. All the tips above are to help you be more productive in your chosen work but remember, completing the work should bring you joy. Embrace your passion.

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