Developing Healthy Time Management

Developing healthy habits when it comes to time management is very valuable in life. Not only does it help you get things done in a timely manner, it also keeps you from getting overwhelmed and stressed. I have found out the hard way if I manage my time poorly, I get anxious and risk negatively affecting my eating disorder.

Time management also means setting aside time for yourself and making sure you have good meals.

When I am in school, time management includes making time for school, work, and personal time. It can be very difficult. For me, it was especially difficult this past semester with some of my hardest classes. Not only was I working, I also had these difficult classes and was building a race car for the society of automotive engineers at the same time.

A few times, I found when I failed to manage my time well, I became overwhelmed and didn’t get in the meals I needed. I quickly corrected it, but for someone less experienced in their recovery, this could be a huge setback.

How do you go about managing your time well, especially if you haven’t done so before?

The most important thing for me is setting a list of things I need to do and when I need to get them done by. For example, I’ll list my assignments and upcoming tests, as well as any work-related tasks and even things such as grocery shopping. Doing this helps me prioritize–see which things I need to do first, and do the tasks. It also shows me when I might have a chance to take time for relaxation.

Finally and most importantly, it helps me not worry about things that I know are due at at a later time. If I set aside time to do something, I don’t worry about it until that set aside time. When I don’t set aside time for things, I end up worrying about them all at once and not being able to get anything done.

My second tip for successful time management is to plan on things taking longer than expected.

I can’t tell you how many times I have had an assignment I thought would take an hour end up taking five. By allowing extra time, you ensure you will finish everything you need to finish and not stress out about getting it finished at the last minute.

For me, the most stressful thing is having a deadline and not being done with a project.

By starting early and allowing extra time, you ensure that you don’t run into this situation.

I know what you are thinking, it is all well and good to get things done early but starting things early is no fun. I have been in this situation many times. When I get home from school and the last thing I want to do is a homework assignment. I have found, however, when I start earlier, even if I am not enthused by it, I end up working quicker because the ideas are fresh in my mind. In addition, I do better in class and work because I am not tired from working late on homework.

All in all, I recommend you try to work on some time management skills, both to improve your effectiveness in work and school and to help your mental health.

You will find that time management skills will help you stay calm and keep you on your path to recovery.