Time Management—Tips to Reduce Stress

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Many women know the overwhelmed feeling caused by too much to do and too little time. Better time management can help you do more. And it has health benefits, such as less stress and a better quality of life.

The October issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource offers tips to improve time management. The recommendation is to try one strategy for two to four weeks to see if it helps. If it does, add another. If not, try a different one. Here’s a few to consider:

Plan each day. A schedule minimizes conflicts and last-minute rushes. Write a to-do list with the most important tasks at the top. Even if you don’t get through the list, you’ll know time was spent constructively. 

Say no to nonessential tasks. Let priorities determine your schedule rather than letting guilt have the final say.

Delegate. Consider what you can eliminate or delegate from your to-do list. Be willing to let others do tasks differently from how you do them.

Take time to do a quality job. Doing something right the first time may take more time up front, but errors caused by rushing may require longer to correct.

Practice the 10-minute rule. Work on dreaded tasks for 10 minutes each day. Once a task is started, you may be able to finish it.

Evaluate how you are spending your time. Keep a diary for three days to track tasks. Look for time that could be used more wisely, freeing up time to spend exercising or with family and friends.

Get plenty of exercise and sleep. Improved focus and concentration help increase efficiency, so you can complete tasks in less time.

Take a time management course. Employers, community colleges and community education programs often offer these classes.

Take a break when needed. Too much stress can derail attempts at getting organized. When you need a break, take one. Take a walk. Do some quick stretches. Take time for a day of relaxation when you need it.

If you are too frazzled to manage your time better, and life feels out of control, ask for help. Consider discussing your situation with a doctor or mental health professional.

Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic.

Source: Mayo Clinic

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Great article. When I work with athletes and business professionals in time management the striking thing is that everybody is different in their time use and has different areas they can become more effective in. I find that a tailored solution, rather than one that fits all, allows the user to take on the responsibility/ownership and also has the most chance of being formed into habit. Kell

posted by Kell on 10/09/2008 at 12:30 pm -08:00