4 Time Management Techniques For Students That Actually Work
Balancing college, study, exams, papers, social and personal life is not an easy task. It’s ok if you feel overwhelmed with all these aspects. Try to find some balance by using these time-proven time management techniques.
1. Define your priorities
Take some time to think about all the tasks you have to complete, the events or social gathering that you need to attend, important classes that you need to take, etc. Set deadlines for each task or event. After that you can group them into four categories according to the Eisenhower Matrix :
Important tasks which need your immediate attention
Unimportant tasks which need your immediate attention
Important tasks which do not need immediate attention
Unimportant tasks which do not need immediate attention
It will help you see what tasks you should do first (urgent and important) and what tasks you should leave for later (less urgent and less important).
2. Figure out how much time you need for a task
You know that feeling when you’ve been doing something for hours but did only 10% of the task? Answer this question honestly for yourself, for how long have you been actually doing the task? For most people, it is very difficult to focus on one thing for very long. Devote one hour to a task, then take a 25-minute break. After your break, continue working on that task.
3. Learn how to take quality breaks
Taking time to relax and take your mind of the tasks is very important. But how should you take a break? Check your Snapchat, make yourself a cup of coffee, call a friend, watch an episode of your favorite TV show, read a book, do some exercise? Let’s clarify, surfing the internet is not a form of rest. Well, not for this for this purpose. The best way to take your mind off is some exercise, walking or just taking a breath of fresh air.
Also check these motivation tips by 99 papers that can help you with time management.
4. Turn off social media while you’re working
This probably sounds like such an easy task, but it can be difficult to follow. If you a rare example of a person, who is not addicted to your facebook feed then we congratulate you. Unfortunately, scrolling has become one of the most popular pastimes, especially if you’re not interested in doing something or if you’re bored. Try some apps like BreakFree or Offtime to help you control your urge to check your social media apps.
ProForTask has many more tips and lifehack on how you can improve your productivity when studying. Give these four awesome techniques a try first to get the most out of studying.