Managing Time

Time is a precious gift and sometimes we can struggle to manage our time wisely.

Everyone does have off days where they are lazy and don't really do much. Some days people do much and are left feeling a little overwhelmed.

I thought I'd share my tips on time management to help you out on a daily basis and manage your time wisely to have a good productive day.

1. Wake up early
I know I probably say this every time I make a productive post but I can guarantee if you look around at other blog posts and advice about being productive, the first thing they will tell you is to wake up early. It gives you more time in the day and honestly you will feel good about waking up early. The more you wake up early, the more your body will get used to waking up early.

2. Get ready within an hour of waking up
I find getting ready within an hour of waking up it's the perfect start to being productive. I find getting dressed into clothes makes me feel good because I know if I get dressed out of my pyjamas, it means I'm not going to have a lazy day.

3. Create a schedule
I've discovered creating a schedule is a good way to manage your time. If you schedule your days to work around your work and dedicate it to certain tasks. I've created a schedule for myself where Monday and Thursday is my day dedicated to my blog. Wednesday and Friday is dedicated to writing my novel while Tuesday is my tidying up day. I will try to spend at least six hours working at my tasks and that way I know I can have a productive day and week. I have also given my weekend off so I am free to do what I like. Creating a weekly schedule for yourself is the perfect way to manage your time.

4. Make a to do list
I always find that to do lists are a great way to prioritise tasks. I find putting the most difficult task first to get it over and done with. It also feels great to go through your to do list and cross everything off/ A to do list doesn't have to be long. It can have three or four things on it but at least you can manage your time and get those tasks done so it makes you feel great.

5. 9 to 5
One tip I had while I was in university from a lecturer was to treat your assignments like a 9 to 5 job. It honestly is so true. Working with a time limit kind of puts pressure on you to be productive plus by the end of it, you will feel really good about it. Also another good thing if you work for eight hours then you're allowed to give yourself a few breaks in between. Try and work for two hours then see how you feel afterwards if you can work for another hour or need a break. It's up to you how long you work for. Try to stick to a schedule that works for you. Even working from 9 to 3 is just as good. It's almost like you're back in school again except you're working for yourself and doing it on your own terms. Working within a time limit will help to manage your time wisely.

6. Do as much as you can handle each day
Now bad days can happen at any time. The last thing you want to do is overwhelm yourself with work and feel stressed out. Just do as much as you can handle. Whether it's four hours or eight hours. Try to do your best as your mental health is important but also have days where you push yourself a little out of your comfort zone.

7. Get rid of distractions
Sometimes it's a struggle to be productive when you have distractions. Start by turning off your phone, the last thing you want is to be distracted by notifications. Try to let people know you're doing work and don't want to be interrupted just so they know not to message you. You can always turn your phone on during your break time to check your messages. I don't know about you but I can also be distracted by mess. If I spot some clutter in my room or on my desk then my mind will not focus on the task at hand. I'll either take my work outside to a library or I will quickly tidy up any clutter so that my mind can be at ease before I start my work. When you are less distracted, you can easily focus on being more productive.

8. Reward yourself
Sometimes it's good to give yourself a little reward for being productive and getting your work done. It gives you a bit of motivation to work towards. No matter how big or small it is, a reward is still a reward. Whether it's going out for food, watching your favourite TV show or going out with your friends. Your reward feels good, knowing you've done some work and been productive.

9. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night
Now having a productive day is no good if you haven't had enough sleep and gone to sleep at a decent time. Getting enough sleep means you won't feel as tired and you're more awake for the day. Sleep is important because it lets your body rest and your mind is also at ease. It's also good for your mental health, you probably won't feel stressed if you've had enough sleep. Sleep is a part of your day so try to manage your time to get enough sleep.

10. Just breathe
Include some time just to breath and relax. I think we all forget to take a moment to stop and breathe for a minute. Dedicate five to ten minutes to relax. Switch everything off and go for a little walk or step away from your work station just to have a little break. Try to focus on your breathing and just tell yourself, everything will be okay. You will feel so much better.

That's my tips for managing your time. I hope they were helpful to you and your days feel much more productive. There's only twenty four hours in a day and we should use it wisely.

Thank you for reading and I'll be back again tomorrow with another post.

See you then.

Megan x 

*This is not a sponsored post*

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