Life Hacks for Time Management: 5 Strategies for a More Balanced Life
Time is one of those things that we all wish we were better at keeping track of. It’s estimated that more than 80 percent of people in the world don’t have a sort of time management system in place despite wishing that they could manage time better, with some even making it a New Year’s resolution.
If you’re one of the many millions who suffer from time management, here are some life hacks and strategies that will help you reach your goals.
Schedule
Setting a schedule will make all the difference when trying to harness your time management skills. Sticking to said schedule could take some time to adjust to, but is well worth it. Create a schedule that works for you and balances out work and play. Once you’ve been part of that schedule for weeks, it will become a force of habit and much easier to follow.
Breaks
As much as we’d like to maintain our productivity 24/7, time management means taking time for breaks as well. You can’t pour from an empty pot. Taking the time to indulge in self-care and treating yourself is just as important as completing your laundry list of tasks. Burnout is a very real problem when it comes to sticking to a schedule, so allow yourself to breathe.
Consistency
Consistency is key. No matter how many times you fall down, you get back up and stay consistent. Time can sometimes slip away from us and we find ourselves lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Refocus yourself and continue to follow your schedule where you left off, as best as you can. In time, it’ll become a habit and a sort of muscle memory.
Set goals
Setting goals is a great way to balance your time. Too much time on your hands is arguably just as bad as not having enough. Set realistic and beneficial goals for yourself to balance out your downtime, work time, and playtime. These goals can be mundane, big dreams of yours, bettering yourself at a hobby, or just about anything else.
Setting Reminders
Gentle reminders are necessary when working on your time management skills. Whether it comes from the use of alarms, an inspirational and reminder-filled bulletin board, progress-tracking apps, or motivational reminders from the people around you, they all play an important role in sticking to your schedule.
If you’re a visual person, create visual reminders. If you’re often forgetful, set multiple alarms and reminders throughout the day to help keep you on track. To better stay on task, you can even leave notes for yourself around the home. Whatever you think may work for you is worth a shot. Soon you’ll find that sweet spot and time management will be a breeze.
Use your energy wisely
Probably the most practical tip regarding time management is simply using your energy wisely. You must balance your daily tasks in a way that allows you to maintain a certain degree of momentum, with boosts of energy where they’re needed, and time to enjoy ample breaks in between.
Stay hydrated, fed, caffeinated
Speaking of using your energy wisely, a great way to ensure you maintain a healthy amount of energy is through your diet. Staying hydrated is vital to your health and cognitive function. You’ll sleep better, perform better throughout the day, and generally feel really good. Reusable and insulated water bottles that you can bring anywhere with you boost your water intake.
What about other beverages? Maybe caffeine? Healthy amounts of caffeine earlier in the day have been shown to improve cognitive function, so caffeine is more than okay. Of course what we eat and how often matters as well. Be sure to consume a healthy diet packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Smaller, more frequent meals are recommended to maintain a stable amount of energy throughout the day.
