Time management is sometimes a skill we have to learn from necessity, which leaves the door open for us to form bad habits and fall back into stressful situations. People can find great rewards when they improve their time management skills. For example, if you practice and improve your time management skills you can.

• Reduce worry about deadlines
• Provide yourself with more time to do enjoyable things
• Easily and quickly evaluate your work and abilities
• Decrease dread with the tasks you don’t want to do
• Maintain lower stress levels which will improve your overall health and well-being

Below are some tips to help you become a manager of your time rather than your time managing you:

1. Make Lists: Write as much down as you can. Keep a manageable To Do List. After you make the list, prioritize it.
2. Don’t Waste Down Time: Use time driving, showering, walking or other “down” time to think about your goals for the day. Remember to prioritize.
3. One Thing at a Time: We all think that multi-tasking makes us more productive, but it is actually a disadvantage to productivity. You should focus on one thing at a time and get it done.
4. Avoid Procrastination: It is easy to procrastinate when you have a task you just don’t want to do. Procrastination just moves the project to another day and time. Get it over with so you will stop worrying about it.
5. Set Deadlines: Be realistic but demanding of yourself. Reward yourself when you meet or exceed a big deadline.
6. Delegate Responsibilities: It is not uncommon for people to take on more than they can handle, which will result in more stress. It is ok to ask for help.
7. Schedule Long Term Plans: Don’t always focus on what needs to be done today, tomorrow or this week. Set up your long term planner so you have already planned those future tasks.
8. Avoid Burnout: Burnout occurs when your body and mind cannot keep up with the demand you have placed on them. Don’t try to force yourself to do the impossible. Seek help when needed. Asking for help does not make you look incapable.