10 tips to better manage your time

Making time work is a matter of organization, patience and practice. Don’t blame yourself if the hours go by and you don’t complete some tasks; Take action on the matter, applying the advice proposed in this article.

Managing time is a challenge for many people, and we all have moments when it is difficult for us to organize ourselves. It is important Address the problem from a constructive perspective and without blaming yourself for not managing your time better.

Instead of feeling bad, use that situation as an opportunity to learn and progress. Focus on identifying areas where adjustments can be made and developing more effective skills; It is not a goal that can be achieved overnight, it takes time and practice, so it is important to be patient. How to start? Get to know him while reading.

How to better manage your time?

A study published in the Journal of Psychology examined the effects of time management training and time control on the work environment. The results indicated that this ability positively influences the perception of control and stress reduction related to lapses at work.

In this same order, a meta-analysis published in PloS One specified that Time management is moderately related to work performance, academic performance, and well-being. So, how is it possible to adjust your hours to benefit from the benefits of managing your time better? Below, we leave you some tips.

1. Set clear goals

Define your short and long term goals and objectives. This practice will help you focus on the most important tasks and avoid dispersion in less relevant activities.

2. Plan your day

Take a few minutes at the beginning of each day to Create a to-do list and establish an action plan. Planning is convenient in organization and focus, which results in better management of your time. This planning can be daily or weekly; lean on smart apps, although a sheet of paper also works.

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3. Prioritize the important “to-dos”

Identify the most relevant commitments and be sure to address them first. Hierarchization is a vehicle to advance and avoid delays with less urgent occupations.

4. Eliminate distractions

Identify and minimize or eliminate the main distractions in your environment, whether it is the mobile phone, social networks or unnecessary conversations. This is a good recommendation to work concentrated.

5. Use time management techniques

There are several proven strategies beneficial to your productivity, such as the Pomodoro technique; It consists of working in blocks of 25 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of rest. The Eisenhower matrix is also useful, in which tasks are classified based on their importance and urgency.

Also, you can try the batching (to group similar tasks and do them together) or blocked time (assign specific blocks for specific tasks).

6. Delegate when possible

If you have the option, delegate some tasks or seek outside help. This will free up time to focus on more important activities.

7. Learn to say “no”

Don’t feel obligated to accept every assignment that comes your way. Learn to evaluate your priorities and Say “no” to things that don’t fit your goals or overload you.

8. Organize your workspace

A messy work environment negatively affects your productivity; Take the time to organize it and you will notice that the day flows more pleasantly and productively.

9. Take advantage of “down time”

Use unoccupied moments, such as when traveling on public transportation or in a waiting room, to read or listen podcasts on topics related to your personal or professional development.

10. Take care of your well-being

Don’t neglect your health and well-being while trying to improve your time management. Get enough sleep, exercise and maintain a balanced diet, since these factors increase energy and ability to concentrate.

“Lose an hour in the morning and you’ll be looking for it all day.”

~Richard Whately~

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Does the use of technology influence our time management?

In fact, the excessive use of smartphones and other technologies would be among the main obstacles to good time management. Some ways in which these devices affect are the following:

Constant distractions: Every time you check your phone to respond to messages or check social media, you waste time that could be spent more productively.Procrastination– Smartphones, tablets and computers offer a wide variety of entertainment. If you find yourself putting off important tasks to “surf,” play games, or watch videos, chances are you’re procrastinating on your responsibilities.Lack of focus and productivity: Excessive use of technology affects your ability to focus on a task for long periods. Jumping from one application to another or paying attention to notifications fragments your attention and decreases your productivity.Waste of time without realizing it: Many times, we fall into a kind of “time trap” when we use technology. Although it may seem like you are only briefly checking the networks or responding to some messages, in reality the minutes or hours go by without you realizing it.

How to better manage your time in relation to the use of technology?

The use of technology in itself is not bad, but it is important to find a balance and resort to it consciously, to maximize your productivity and enjoy more free time.

To this end, it is essential to define specific times when you check your phone, for example; For this recommendation to be effective, disable unnecessary notifications and activate only those that are urgent or important.

In addition, sets “time without technology”; During these periods he carries out off-screen activities, such as reading, socializing or practicing a hobby. Although it may sound paradoxical, productivity applications and tools help you better manage your time by blocking certain websites or applications for specific periods; They also track and limit the time you spend in them.

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And practicing self-discipline cannot be left aside. Learn to resist the temptation to check your phone or use technology in non-productive ways; Focus on your important tasks and goals.

Relationship between the management of our time and the activities we like

Time management and doing activities you enjoy are intrinsically related and influence each other in various ways. First of all, When you include in your daily planning what you enjoy doing, your motivation and commitment increases; It works as an incentive for organizing and completing your tasks.

If you do things you are passionate about, focus and productivity improve, which is reflected in other areas of your life. In addition, including activities that you like in your routine promote harmony between work and free time; You thus achieve a feeling of satisfaction, relaxation and emotional well-being.

On the other hand, time dedicated to pleasurable activities disconnects from daily pressures and demands, allowing you to regain energy and face your responsibilities with a calmer and more positive mentality.

Good time management gives you the opportunity to make room for the activities you enjoy.

Balance obligations and entertainment to manage time

It is important find a balance between the activities you enjoy and your responsibilities, This way you will enjoy free time and improve efficiency and general satisfaction in all areas of your life.

In conclusion, learning to manage time effectively is an ongoing process. Instead of blaming yourself when the hours don’t work for you, try adopting a growth mindset and focus on solutions. Recognize your progress and maintain a positive attitude towards your improvement process.