Here’s how to... manage your time wisely (like an owl)

We’re all very busy. Can you believe it's September already? Between working, studying, travelling, family, relationships, hobbies and a social life, we don’t have much spare time. While keeping busy is good, trying to squeeze it in can you leave you struggling to keep your head above water. If this is the case, it’s time to step back and think about how you’re managing your time.

It starts with prep. Cringe-worthy though it may be, I think the saying “failing to prepare is preparing to fail” couldn’t be truer. Getting prepared can free up time that you could be spending otherwise. If you have an early commute, take ten minutes the night before to get your bag prepared, outfit picked out and lunch made. That way, in the morning you’ve got an extra ten or fifteen minutes to get ready (or snooze the alarm). Preparing well can save you money, time, and stress.

Organisation

The best way to manage time is to do it in blocks and make the most of it. If you have a long commute, instead of staring out of the window gormlessly drinking coffee (like I do), make a start on that article you wanted to get done, or read the presentation you promised your boss you would. That’s another job done. Set yourself the next two or three hours to get one job done, instead of spending half an hour on it before wandering off to do something else. You’ll get more done, and the productive attitude might mean that you have some spare time at the end.

My number one tip, which isn’t to everyone’s liking, is using lists. I am a list fanatic - if I don’t have something written down then it’s more than likely I’ll forget to do it. Keep a diary with you and write down bits and bobs you need to do and cross them off as you go through them - ticking that last thing off feels pretty damn good (to nerds like me).

Take some time off

It’s good to have some time off, whether it’s for friends, a boyfriend or just for some well-earned me-time. But, make sure you’ve deserved it. Making sure you’ve gotten things you need to do done before taking time off makes sure that your free time really is free. Motivate yourself to finish your work or to reply to those emails with the thought that you can take some truly free time without anything else to do in the evening. That way, you’ll get more done, and you will be able to switch off without something nagging at the back of your mind.

Ask for help

Most of the time a bit of stress can be managed by getting a to-do list done, having some off time and managing priorities. If this doesn’t do the job and you’re still feeling the strain, it might be time to have a serious rethink. There’s only so much one person can do without hurtling towards a very-early-life-breakdown and if you’ve taken on too much you might need to consider whether anything can be cut loose. If not, see whether you can delegate any jobs or ask anyone for help. After all, sobbing on the tube at half seven because you’ve just finished a twelve hour shift and have three more articles to write before you get home isn’t an attractive, or professional, look.

By Lauren Cope.