Get more out of 24 hours! Richa Pant provides tips on time management for young people.
Classes, exam preparations, friends, domestic issues, mealtimes, errands… . At any one moment, all of these demands could be competing for your time. Have you ever felt as if the day were too short to get everything done?
But if you want to be successful, you have to learn to manage your time effectively. The following time management tips can greatly improve your marks and keep stress levels low as well:
- The right study environment. Reduce distractions that may waste your time.
- Tke a Things To Do List daily. Put things that are most important at the top and do them first.
- Use spare time wisely. You can cover a topic even in the 20-minute bus ride home from school.
- Say 'no' when you have to. If someone asks you to do something for them but you have an exam the next day, remember that it's okay to say no.
- The right study time. Efficiency varies at different times in the day. For example, if you have higher concentration levels in the morning, study difficult subjects at that time.
- Review your notes daily. This will reinforce what you've learned and reduce the time you need to study.
- Sleep tight. Lack of sleep will only fatigue you and you will find yourself taking more time to complete tasks.
- Make a study schedule and communicate it to others. It should cover all your classes, free periods, mealtimes, break times and basic social activities. Also, if phone calls or visitors distract you, ask callers to contact you only during your free time.
- Don't waste time worrying. Sometimes an entire evening is wasted by worrying about something that you have to do. Instead of procrastinating, just finish it and get it off your mind.
- Stay in perspective. Unrealistic goals will only result in failure and frustration. Set goals that are difficult yet attainable.
- Never wait until the last minute.
- Always try to complete projects and assignments well before their respective deadlines to avoid unnecessary stress.
- Any extra time can be used to look at your work once again, consult teachers, discuss with other students who face the same problems as you.
- Start working on the syllabus as soon as you get it and mark all due dates and self-imposed deadlines on your calendar.
- Split big tasks into smaller ones. This will make achieving them easier. Take short breaks in between. Once you get your priorities right and schedule your day around them, you'll have a better chance of achieving your goals. Managing time well is one of the most effective and time-tested secrets to success.
- The writer is an academic based in India
