Time Management

It is sad to say, but I have been procrastinating this entry! 

Time managment is a big part of minimizing stress and helping us keep our priorities intact.  When things get busy, like a new school schedule, it is crical to have good time management.

One of the textbooks that I use has a 5 part plan for time management.  It starts with analyzing your schedule and (1) eliminating time wasters.  It can be very easy to has 2 or 3 or more hours evaporate because of the TV or the internet.  For others, it might be music or being social.  Not that some of the activities can't have a positive effect, it that we waste time with them and abuse the intended purpose.

(2) Setting goals can help us to have a solid plan for our time usage.  Create both short term and long term goals to have the big picture and a sense of urgency at the same time.  Then (3) prioritize those goals.  Make sure that you don't simply complete the easy ones and check them off the list.  It may in fact be more important to focus on the more difficult tasks first.

If have never considered (4) using a planner, maybe it's time.  A planner can be a very useful tool. As with other things, we have to commit to starting that habit.  With a planner, you can (5) do nightly audits to make sure that all tasks were completed and that you have considered what is awaiting you in the morn.

With these steps, you should be able to get more out of your day (though relaxation is important as well) and reduce the risk of high stress urgent issues.

Your new found time can be used to prepare meals and do a little more activity! 209.2