Did you struggle last year to get the things you needed to get done, leaving little time for yourself?

If you did, you’re not alone. It’s a feeling that is familiar to so many of us.

We all have exactly the same number of hours, minutes and seconds in the day – but some people are far better at time management. They seem to be so much more productive, and still have time to relax and enjoy themselves.

Those people can be really annoying, but believe it or not, finding time in an increasingly busy world doesn’t take super human powers.  It’s an art, a discipline, and a series of good habits to get into.

So slip into the 2020 school year with fresh habits that will give you time for the things you need to do, as well as the things you want to do.

Get organised

Good time management takes organisation. You have the school timetable to hang much of your day on, but planning will stop you wasting time by randomly flitting from one thing to another and not finishing anything.

• Make a ‘to do’ list with the priorities at the top – it’s kind of satisfying to tick off each task
• If possible, stick with a task until it is complete
• Keep a diary to stay on track
• Get your homework or marking done before the due date (or at least on time)

Tidy up

Remember the old saying? Tidy house. Tidy mind. Well, the same goes for your classroom or your desk. When your surroundings are in cluttered chaos you’re not going to function smoothly.

• Put things back where they belong. It saves the time and STRESS of rummaging around searching
• Try not to shove things in boxes or drawers unless they are specifically marked. (Shelving keeps items easily accessible.) Out of sight is often out of mind, forgotten and lost for good!

Budget your time

Time is your most valuable resource, so budget it.

• Put a reasonable time limit on each task, and stick to it
• Do the boring or small stuff early to get that out of the way
• Take small, regular breaks – but set a time limit on them
• Don’t let distractions such as social media or Netflix rob you of precious time

 Be less busy

Being super busy is not necessarily a badge of honour. It could mean that you are taking on too much, perhaps to the detriment of your productivity, your health or your home and family life.

• Learn to say NO. (You won’t lose friends and the world won’t come to an end!)

Look after yourself!

Believe it or not, feeling good physically and emotionally will help you to tackle each day, no matter what it brings.

Get a good night sleep – you’ll be brighter in the morning and sharper for the rest of the day.

• Make your bedroom a place purely for rest
• Turn off your devices. That strange blue light interferes with your relaxing body rhythm, and besides, you don’t need to address every little ‘ping’. Let it wait!
• Coffee or alcohol before bedtime will interfere with your sleep patterns, so stick with water, warm milk or a relaxing herbal tea.

Exercise – it will clear your mind, improve your mood, and increase your energy and motivation.

• Join the gym
• Take up a sport or dance classes
• Walk regularly with friends or on your own – it doesn’t matter which

Just stop – gift yourself some ‘empty’ time for thoughts, ideas and deeper thinking.

• Find a quiet place to sit down and close your eyes
• Meditate
• Relax – daydream

Try some of these practical suggestions to get your time and life back in 2020. Let us know what works for you, and how you are looking after yourself. Let’s get a conversation happening where we can share our strategies and stories.

And here’s to a productive 2020 school year!