Start out by giving yourself grace.
Time management can be tricky, especially if you are balancing multiple responsibilities such as school, work, family, your social life, physical and mental health, and more. There will be good days and bad days – and that’s okay!
If you find yourself struggling with time management and procrastination, you are not alone, and there are strategies you can implement to improve your habits.
Reminder: Your self-worth is not determined by your productivity.
Take inventory of your current time management habits.
Spend a week or two tracking how you spend your time.
Do you have any frequent “time-wasters” like social media that can be cut down?
Are there certain times of the day when you feel more productive or find it easier to focus?
This may be more challenging depending on how flexible – or inflexible – your schedule is, but it can help to try to plan your day around the times when you feel most productive.
Break larger projects down into smaller, more manageable tasks.
Create a timeline for when you want each task to be completed.
Make sure this timeline is realistic, reasonable, and fits well with the final deadline for the project. Be sure to give yourself at least a slight buffer.
Set goals for yourself.
What motivates you?
What do you need in order to accomplish your goals? For example, do you need extra feedback and support from a supervisor, coworker, or classmate in order to complete a project or assignment? Reach out for help and support when you need it!
Organize your to-do list in a way that matches your working style – but leave room for flexibility.
Be sure to set priorities for your different tasks and projects, keeping in mind deadlines and the amount of time you will need to complete a task. For example, do you like to start out your day with smaller tasks first, or would you prefer to work on a larger project? What needs to be done immediately and what can wait?
Find a scheduling or time management tool that works well for you.
Time management is not one-size-fits-all, and you may need to adapt your strategies over time if something that previously worked no longer seems like a good fit.
Examples of time management tools include planners, calendars, and to-do lists.
There are also a variety of free time tracking resources such as Toggl and MyHours. If you like the pomodoro method, check out Tomato Timer.
Block out time to work on tasks and stick to your routine as much as possible.
Track how much time you are spending on each project. This can help you improve your planning.
Implement time limits for tasks. Time limits can be helpful if you struggle with perfectionism and find yourself spending time frequently second-guessing or repeatedly reviewing your work before submitting it.
Online calendars such as those built into Outlook and Gmail make it easy to plan out time for studying and projects – especially if you already use them to schedule work and class meetings.
Make time for self-care.
Take breaks throughout the day as you are studying and working. Don’t forget to eat – food is fuel! Giving yourself time to rest and recharge can help your health and wellbeing and enhance your productivity. You can’t pour from an empty cup!
Plan out time to spend with your friends, family, and significant others. It can be easy to isolate ourselves when we are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, but your social wellness is important! Even if it is just a quick phone call to a loved one, try to make time for connection in your life in whatever way you can.
Incorporate healthy sleep habits into your daily routine.
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments! Even if something may feel “small”, it’s okay to be proud of yourself and reward yourself!
Reminder: self-care isn’t selfish
Resources
Check out the Dennis Learning Center for more information and resources on time management: https://dennislearningcenter.osu.edu/time-management-get-started/
Ohio State Wooster has compiled a helpful time management worksheet with more tips and tools: https://ati.osu.edu/sites/ati/files/site-library/site-images/Time%20Management%20%20.pdf
OUAB offers a variety of grad/prof events and workshops covering topics such as time management: https://ouab.osu.edu/grad-prof
The following resources provide time management tips and tools for individuals who are neurodiverse:
- https://differentlywired.co.uk/time-management-neurodiverse
- https://littlecoffeefox.com/successful-time-management-for-the-neurodiverse/
At the Student Life Student Wellness Center there are several 1-1 resources available for goal setting, peer support, and connection to resources. Schedule a free Wellness Coaching appointment today or call the Buckeye Peer Access Line (PAL) at 614-514-3333 on weekdays from 8pm-midnight for support.
-Lucy Hennon, Graduate Student Assistant