6 Time Management Steps for Better Health
Do you ever feel like ‘life’ is speeding up and you don’t have enough time to do everything you need to?
Managing your time poorly can also impact your health and wellness in many ways. These include feelings of despair, failure, anxiety and can contribute to fatigue, chronic stress, low productivity, and slow advancement in the workplace.
Healthy and successful people tend to be good time managers and are able to organise their work and personal life efficiently. These people finish tasks ahead of deadlines without last minute scrambling or sacrificing the quality of their work.
Effective time managers generally feel good about what they accomplish which gives them a sense of control, which leads to positive feelings about themselves, which improves self-esteem. This results in higher levels of energy, motivation, and less stress.
Time management is a discipline you have to work at developing (if you haven’t already done so). If you’re not naturally born that way, you need to develop the skills.
So here are 6 practical steps you can take: –
1. Make a list –then add it to your phone and computer to ensure you remember what needs to be done. One of the most important things is to make sure your list feels attainable. No one wants a 30-item to-do list! Prioritize yours and others’ needs and plan accordingly.
2. Set deadlines – Set a deadline and try your best to stick to it. There is no point in setting deadline if you make executive decisions to always push them back. Set your deadline a few days before the task has to be done. Start with the tasks that require the most time, energy and effort.
3. Stop multi-tasking – Our minds work better when we are truly able to focus and concentrate on one thing. Multi-taskers often seem to think they get more accomplished, but it’s not always the most productive or efficient route.
4. Delegate responsibilities – No matter how good we are, we can’t do everything. Sometimes we take on more than we can handle. Delegation is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of intelligence. Find competent, reliable people and share some of the responsibilities. It will allow you to be less stressed and more productive.
5. Use your downtime – If you find yourself sitting in early morning traffic, this may be a good time to start prioritizing your day or making plans for dinner. If you’re waiting in the doctor’s office, this may be a good time to write the grocery list. (Just don’t forget it!)
6. Reward yourself – When you accomplish something, celebrate it! Make sure the reward is something healthy and enjoyable.
Your health is worth it.
By working on your time management habits (even if it’s only one of these points at a time), you’ll start to get more done and feel better about it. Let us know how you go with any of these points, or if you have a favourite time management tip!
References:
http://www.prohealthnet.com/pages/lifestyle_03.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/158633-the-effect-of-having-poor-time-management-skills/
http://psychcentral.com/lib/6-tips-to-improve-your-time-management-skills/
Compiled by Anita Rudelj
