Ever since we were the kids we have been hearing about this very powerful monster called time. We all grew up listening to poems like early to bed early to rise, etc. the essence of time was fed in our systems. But take a pause, how many of us could actually understand the importance of time? I guess, all of us but only when it is too late. I don’t think that you want me to tell you that time and time management is important. I am sure you already know about it. However, what I can tell you about is how can you improve your time management skills and become more productive at everything that you do.

Here is a list of Ten things you can do to improve your time management and become more productive-

Sleep

It all starts with this much-needed word in our lives, "SLEEP". Make sure whatever you do, you always have time for a good slumber or the amount of sleep that your body needs for proper functioning. Usually, people know what amount of sleep is sufficient for them. However, if you do not know generally 6-8 hours of sound sleep is considered healthy for your body and metabolism. You become more focusses and brighter when you have had a proper rest.

Food

You need to start eating better. Food regulates your body metabolism. A well-fed body is more agile and you can do more than what you have been doing at the same time. When you are active, you can complete the tasks faster and with more focus. This leaves you time to do more things that you were planning to and in this way you get a head start on a few future chores.

Plan

This may sound way too cliché to you but this is how it is. You have to make a PLAN and you have to stick to it. The trick here is, do not make too farfetched plans initially. Take it slow. Start by prioritizing little things in your life. Make a list of your Must-dos and Can Dos. The Must-Dos should be necessarily accomplished whereas make sure the Can Dos are also somewhat accommodated in your daily schedule. Set deadlines for yourself and time limits also of doing those things. Punish yourself when you do not stick to the plan by things such as no pizza unless you start accomplishing at least 80% of your daily plan. Create a Work-Life Balance

Obviously, we all have bills to pay. There are no free lunches in this world. You need to make deadlines and time limits for yourself at your work too. You need to separate your work life from your life outside your office. It is ok to have 20% hectic days. But it is going more than that then sit and introspect about your work. List out every possible reason that may be hindering you from completing your work goals.

Eliminate Distraction

You are an individual with a purpose and plan. You are strong and you will fulfil the plan that you have made for yourself. This should be the driving force behind you each and every day. Eliminate anything that is stopping you from achieving your deadlines. Do not take calls, texts or check social media while working on a completely different project.

Use Apps

The digital world is amazing. You pose a problem to it and it will spin a solution for you without you having to do much about it. For example, you need to do certain things within a time frame. You can make that list and download a time management app that would suggest the best plan for you to achieve all that is given on your list. You also get apps to block distractions such as Facebook, WhatsApp etc. There are apps where you can feed timings to it and then it would block your social media usage for that amount of time.

Create a Routine

Many of us do not have a routine and I can say that it is mostly because of our work life coupled with our laziness. You need to streamline that. Even you decide to wake up at 2 pm every day it should be that for every day. Creating a routine is an art as well as a science. Science is to jot down the necessary things that you need to do and art comes into the picture when you have to figure out how to do it.

Outsource and Delegate

Nobody can do everything on their own. Remember that you are no Super Man or Wonder Woman. Remember even Super Man had a side-kick Jimmy Olsen. Delegate the work wherever necessary. Do not try to accomplish everything on your own. Let others help you. In your business or work life to do not hesitate to outsource the work that you possibly cannot do and would end up spending a great deal of time on.

Take Frequent Breaks

A study shows that you must work for 52 minutes and then take a break for 17 minutes. You may not have the luxury to do that but still try to take 5-10 minutes to break every now and then. You may also just take a water break, an apple break, a cookie breaks etc. This relieves tension in your body which is important to achieve more and more goals on your plan.

Exercise

Last but not least is Exercise. It all begins with your body. If your health is not at its prime it will keep you from doing things that you want to do. Exercise coupled with meditation brings balance in your life. It helps you to think better by removing toxins in your life. It increases your energy, stamina and mental health. And trust me a healthy mind can sustain the worst blows of time and life.

Conclusion

We all have the same 24 hours at the beginning of every day. It is up to us how much and what do we do with those 24 hours. With every better step or plan or goal that the other person accomplishes more than you are and should be a cause of concern because trust me dear friend life is indeed a race and nobody remembers the LOSERS!



