Time Managment

As a JD/PhD graduate student who also loves sports, travel, outdoor activities, food, and music, the most common question people ask me is, “When do you have time to sleep?” I am a firm believer in the work-life balance because being able to maintain a lifestyle I enjoy is crucial in minimizing stress levels and increasing my overall happiness. So how do you find time to do everything you love? Time Management!

Managing your time is much easier said that done. Maximizing efficiency but also finding time to relax is all about planning. The basic skills required to time manage include goal setting, prioritizing, and monitoring where your time actually goes. Here are some important tips to improving your time management:

1. Carry a schedule or a planner – Whether it is a traditional small calendar where you can write down everything or you are a person who plugs everything into your electronic calendar, find a way to record your schedule.

2. Schedule time for interruptions – Always schedule allotted time for when you will be pulled away from what you are doing because it will inevitably happen every day.

3. Prioritize – Plan to spend at least 50% of your time engaged in the thoughts and activities that are the most important in your time.

4. Block out distractions – Do not answer your phone just because it is ringing or an emails just because you have some. Avoid spending too much time on social medias like Facebook or Twitter.

5. Take the first 30 minutes of each day to plan out your day – Set a plan for what you are going to accomplish that day and then go for it.

6. Make sure you have time to spend on you – When you are efficient and busy, you have to find time to relax and decompress. This looks a little bit different for everyone. It could be watching mindless television, practicing mindfulness, or working out. Find what works for you.

Still unsure of where to start? Visit this website to find some tools that can assist you: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/main/newMN_HTE.htm