Useful tips for time management

Time blocking

Time blocking involves allocating specific blocks of time to tasks or activities. Everyone has a unique approach to time blocking, so try and find what works best for you.

Time blocking is useful if you do multiple activities or balance lots of things, or struggle to find the time and space to really ‘get into’ your work.

Time blocking is a time management method where you divide your day into blocks of time. Each block is dedicated to a specific task or group of tasks. For example, set an uninterrupted block of time to study in the morning – and then set up any meetings or smaller tasks in the afternoon. Or dedicate some time in the evening to do hobbies.

The key to time blocking is categorizing and prioritizing your tasks in advance, then schedule the time blocks for each day.

 

Time Blocking Methods:

The Pomodoro Technique

If time blocking doesn’t appeal to you – why not try the Pomodoro Technique? The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method in which you do focused work during 25-minute intervals — known as pomodoros — and take a five-minute break.

It’s easier to commit to 25 minutes of work at a time than a whole afternoon of non-stop work!

 

It’s okay to say no to things

There is an endless amount of things you could spend your time doing. It is up to you to say yes to the things that are aligned with your priorities, and say no to those that aren’t.

 

Plan ahead

Make sure you use some form of planner/calendar to document important dates and deadlines. Then, look ahead for busy periods – you might find that you have a 2 week period where you have a presentation and essay due, so it would be best to not pick up as many work shifts in those weeks.

 

Find yourself always running out of time?

Try keeping a time log. Make note of what you do all day, and how long you spend on each task. Then, assess your schedule and cut waste. For example, you may find that you spend 10 minutes calling your family before you walk to work – so why not trying calling your family whilst you walk to work. Or if you spend 20min making a packed lunch, try making it the night before.

 

To be more productive…

Don’t just put ‘study time’ or ‘do emails’ in your calendar – actually set goals and know what you need to do in the sessions. E.g., ‘study time – read 3 articles’.

 

Hang out with other motivated/productive people.

Having a group of like-minded people to work or study with can make all the difference. You are far likely to be more productive when sat in a room with people also studying.

Book a study room in the Martial Rose Library, or sit at one of the large tables at West Downs and be productive together!

 

Prioritise tasks

If you’re overwhelmed with things to do, and you don’t know what to prioritise, why not try the below tools/techniques:

• Eisenhower matrix
• MoSCow technique