Time management is important to learn early on, especially before college, because it will help you be more productive and successful.
Time management is important in helping you structure your time and figure out what you need to do daily to get stuff done. If you’re a full-time student and an athlete, these time management tools should help you.
It can be difficult to get into the flow of classes and the amount of time you need to set aside for assignments and readings.
Set up a structured plan:
Have a schedule planned out; you can do this by having a calendar and writing down the times you have things like class, practice, lifts, work, etc. You can then plan around those things and write down set times for things like homework, hanging out with friends, spending time with family, or making food for yourself.
This is a two-in-one, but try not to let yourself get distracted and procrastinate. Prioritize the most important things first.
Important things to prioritize:
Prioritize school, such as big assignments, readings, papers, due dates, etc.
Prioritize your sleep and health. Staying healthy is important because it keeps you from getting behind. Sleeping 7-9 hours a night can and will benefit you. You’ll feel recharged for whatever you need to do the next day. Eat healthy and avoid foods that won’t actually nourish your body.
Prioritize athletics and ensure you get lifting sessions or scheduled conditioning sessions.
Distractions
Distractions can be easy to notice, but allowing yourself to get distracted leaves a lot of room for procrastination, which will then leave you more stressed out.
Distractions come in many different ways. If you live in a busy house with roommates or family, utilizing study places like libraries or coffee shops would be good.
Stay out of your room if you need to study. Where you sleep can distract you, as you may be tempted to lie down and scroll on your phone.
How to get back on track:
Some ways to get back on track are putting your phone away or on Do Not Disturb.
Focus on something in sections rather than big chunks.
One method I’ve found to be super helpful when it comes to completing assignments and readings is the Pomodoro Technique. In this technique, you set aside an hour to two hours and work in increments of 25 minutes with 5-minute breaks in between.
Rest and recharge: Set time aside for yourself to avoid burnout and extra stressors.
The Burnout post will explain ways to work around time management stress.