Wellness@Work : How to better manage your time 

How often have you wished for more time in the day or week? It’s common to feel like we need more hours to get more accomplished, but better managing your time is more practical and more probable. 

Effective time management is crucial for enhancing productivity and achieving personal and professional goals. Here are 10 strategies to help you better manage your time: 

• Set clear goals. Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Knowing what you want to accomplish helps prioritize your tasks effectively. 
• Prioritize tasks. Use a prioritization method, such as the Eisenhower Matrix, to categorize tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance. Focus on high-priority tasks first. 
• Create a daily schedule. Plan your day in advance. Use digital calendars or planners to allocate time for each task, including breaks. Stick to your schedule as much as possible. 
• Set time limits. Assign time limits to tasks or use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break) to maintain focus and prevent burnout. 
• Eliminate distractions. Identify your main distractions (e.g., smartphone, social media, noise) and find ways to minimize or eliminate them during work periods to stay focused. 
• Learn to say ‘no.’ Avoid taking on too many commitments. Evaluate your current responsibilities and be willing to decline additional tasks or obligations that don’t align with your priorities. 
• Batch similar tasks. Group similar tasks together and tackle them in one go. This can save time and improve efficiency by reducing context switching. 
• Use technology wisely. Leverage productivity apps and tools to keep track of tasks, set reminders, and automate routine processes. However, ensure that technology does not become a source of distraction. 
• Review and reflect: Take time weekly or monthly to review your performance, assess what worked and what didn’t, and adjust your time management strategies accordingly. 
• Practice self-care. Ensure you’re taking regular breaks, exercising, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. A healthy body and mind will increase overall focus and productivity. 

By implementing these strategies, you can improve your time management skills, increase productivity, and create more space for personal time and relaxation. 

About the author: Michelle Ryan, an E-RYT 200 yoga teacher and fitness instructor, works as a marketing specialist for USA Health.   

How can you lead a longer, better life? Follow weekly Wellness@Work tips from USA Health Integrative Health and Wellness. We cover ways you can eat better, move better, be more mindful, and find more balance to support your optimal health and well-being. Learn more at https://www.usahealthsystem.com/wellness.