Your time as a college student is likely a significant milestone in your life, as it presents you with numerous opportunities for development, exhilaration, and challenges. You are learning to balance your studies, your family, your social life, a full-time or part-time job, and numerous other responsibilities, while also incorporating and prioritizing self-care and this is only possible with the best time management skills. It is not surprising that you may struggle to complete everything on your itinerary, regardless of your dedication and ability.
Commonly cited causes of subpar productivity include fatigue, tension, exhaustion, ineffective time management, and distractions that divert your attention. Remarkably, students have maintained any level of concentration in light of these factors and the difficulties of coping with the pandemic over the past few years, particularly for those who are new to remote studying and online degree programs.
Take solace in the fact that you are not alone in seeking and implementing time management skills to increase your productivity and college success.
Create To-Do List for Time Management Skills
While everyone’s schedule is distinct, yours is likely jam-packed with high-value studies, project completion, and work and personal responsibilities. A person who can do everything competently is a truly uncommon specimen. Without a list or a calendar, you are setting yourself up for a great deal of tension and possibly missed deadlines.
Without the ability to view tasks at a glance, it is simple to become inundated and stressed out when attempting to recall everything. Once you miss a deadline, things can rapidly spiral downward, causing additional problems and missed deadlines as you attempt to make up. On the opposite extreme of the spectrum, having an excessively lengthy to-do list is equally stressful. Find the optimal equilibrium by limiting yourself to three to five duties per day that you can complete efficiently.
Identifying the difference between tasks and objectives is an additional consideration.
Tasks are daily objectives, such as completing a thesis or dissertation outline or gathering up printer toner on the way home from work.
Goals are overarching, larger-scale achievements, such as completing a thesis or dissertation or researching and purchasing new equipment that is specific to your studies or program. Goals typically consist of numerous duties.
After comprehending these distinctions and committing to maintaining a management to-do list, you will find it simpler to remain on track.
Do not overload
As a college student, the quickest way to tension and burnout is to take on more than you can bear. There is no disgrace in managing your life by eliminating or modifying certain activities so that you can concentrate on college-related duties and objectives.
Remember not to place yourself under excessive pressure to “do it all.” While everyone has a variety of responsibilities, it is important to strike a balance by eliminating extracurricular activities that do not add value to your life and studies.
Disable distractions
- Exploring the internet
- Examining email
- Engaging in social media usage
- To play sports
- Streaming audiovisual media
As an online student, it is simple to blur the distinction between studying and browsing your favored social media platform or chatting in a chat room. Monitor your actions to eliminate distractions that hinder your productivity.
Carry on walks
A walk is a tremendously effective college strategy for a variety of reasons, including getting in essential movement, reducing tension, and helping you refocus for your next study session.
In addition, you can use this time to call family and friends, listen to recorded class notes on your phone, respond to a couple of emails, or listen to your beloved podcast. After completing your walk, you will likely feel refreshed and prepared for the next study session.
Make a calendar For Time Management Skills
If you have an email account, such as Gmail, you likely have an integrated calendar. Utilize it to your advantage by keeping track of essential deadlines, personal events, family gatherings, and work schedules. You can also add notifications, alerts, and reminders at varying intervals for important duties and events to prevent procrastination and ensure nothing is missed.
Do not multi-timer
It may seem counterintuitive to avoid multitasking, given how common it is. This does not imply that it is in your best interests. Some people are naturally adept at multitasking, but the majority of people require greater concentration and structure to accomplish duties and objectives.
Differentiate your study environment
In a world of higher education that is becoming increasingly online and remote, it is essential to create the optimal workspace for your primary study time. However, it is advisable to occasionally introduce a new atmosphere into your environment. Add some variety to your study space, whether you relocate it from your office or desk to the kitchen table to the library or a nearby coffee shop.
Identify your most effective hour
Some individuals are “morning people” whereas others perform their best work in the afternoons, evenings, or late at night. Work whenever it fits into your schedule and increases your productivity. Find and adhere to your most productive study hours. You must include them in proper time management skills stratergies.
The rule of two minutes
David Allen, a productivity consultant and author developed the two-minute rule, which states that if a task requires less than two minutes, it should be completed promptly to get it out of the way. The strategy can be modified to suit a variety of duties and activities, such as committing to reading one page each night instead of reading before bed.
Take routine breaks
Taking regular study vacations is beneficial to your health. There is no reason to persevere when one’s concentration and vitality are dwindling. Commit to taking a five-minute to one-hour respite on purpose to go for a walk or sleep, do some leisurely reading, listen to soothing music, or play a video game.
After the break, you will have refreshed your mind and increased your vitality, concentration, and productivity.
Set personal deadlines For Time Management Skills
Similar to creating a to-do list and managing your calendar, you can use deadlines to keep yourself on track for success. Even if they are self-imposed, deadlines ensure that tasks are completed and objectives are attained within a reasonable time frame.
Plan forward For Time Management Skills
Create an inventory of your weekly, monthly, or college semester-specific duties, deadlines, activities, and engagements using your planner, calendar, or digital app. It may take an hour or two to determine your long-term objectives, but creating a plan for weekly assignments may only take 10 to 15 minutes and will provide you with peace of mind.
Write down tasks as straightforward as a reminder to iron and set out clothes the day before classes and as crucial as an outline for an upcoming essay. This piece of advice will help you flourish in life long after you graduate.
Get sufficient sleep
Do not place yourself in a position to complete duties or projects late at night or to engage in all-night study sessions. The optimal amount of sleep for adults is seven to eight hours per night, so complete your daily responsibilities and go to bed at a reasonable hour every night.
