Time Management and Stress Management

At some time or another and probably more often then not everyone finds themselves feeling overwhelmed, drained or even exhausted. It seems like there are just not enough hours in the day to accomplish all that needs to be done and to still find time for pleasure or even just time to yourself. The topics of time management and stress management are often addressed together because they are so closely interrelated. Some may argue that it takes time to manage and that time itself is unmanageable since it is inevitable. Others prefer to refer to it as self-management. Either way, learning to manage your time more effectively is a natural and effective way to reduce and manage stress.

Some of the biggest misconceptions about time management are that it takes more time to plan and that having a time management problem means that there is just not enough time to do what needs to be done. In fact planning actually helps to save time and a time management problem is actually not using time to your time to your fullest advantage in order to get done what you want to get done. The goal of time management is not to find more time; it is to set a reasonable amount of time to accomplish each thing and to use that time wisely.

Being busy all of the time does not necessarily mean that you are using your time wisely. Some signs of stress due to time management issues include always rushing, constantly missed deadlines, fatigue or listlessness, seemingly unaccounted for hours of little or no productivity, inadequate time for yourself or personal relationships, or finding that the majority of the time you are doing things that you don’t want to do.

A good way to start to effectively manage time and stress is to keep track of how you use your time. Start with a weekly schedule and either write it down in a calendar, notebook, or even using computer software. This will help you to realistically analyze your time and how it is being used. Remember that managing time takes practice, it may take more than one technique and you probably will not master it in one day or even in one week. The key is to try. Prioritize your goals, make a list with different columns, list them into what is necessary, important, least or of lessor?importance and not important. This will help you to better manage your life more effectively. The next step then is to plan ahead.

Many people find lists helpful. Shopping lists, chore lists, to do lists. Sometimes just the act of writing it down on paper gives you better perspective and tasks don’t seem so daunting. Procrastination is probably the biggest killer of time management and one of the biggest contributors to stress associated with poor time management. It is important to set realistic goals for yourself and to try your hardest to attain them, but don’t beat yourself up if you don’t accomplish everything.

Personal Car Finance | Loans | Home Equity Loan | Eugene Grin | Car Finance
© Information Warehouse 2007
All articles on this site are for information only and should not be treated as medical advice.
If you experience any symptoms, consult a medical professional.