Mastering Time Management: The Importance of Making Space For Yourself
- Nicola Howell Hawley
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
In today's fast-paced world, we often forget to pause and breathe. Work, family, and social commitments fill our calendars, leaving little time to focus on ourselves. Yet, I have come to realise that carving out some personal space is not just beneficial - it is essential. Making time for yourself can lead to a healthier, more balanced life, and funnily enough, you get things done quicker!
Understanding Time Management
Time management means planning and controlling how you spend your time on various activities. It helps you work more efficiently, allowing you to accomplish more in less time. For instance, studies show that effective time management can increase productivity by up to 25%. This efficiency is especially important when you want to ensure you have time for yourself.
Consider creating a balanced schedule that accommodates both work and play. This balance is crucial for avoiding burnout and maintaining mental health.
As an example, I sat down and really looked at my calendar, taking the time to realistically plan when I could fit in time for me. I printed a schedule, wrote in all the weekly commitments I had, and then looked for where I could either create a little more time (for me, as someone who is self employed, this meant starting work at 9.30 instead of 9), or where I could fit a small habit in.
On Mondays and Tuesdays I look after my daughter, so I don't put any exercise or tasks in on those days, because I want to focus on her.
From Weds-Fri, Evie goes to nursery, so those are the days when I put in my longest exercise routines. I also made sure that I didn't start work until 9.30 on these days, so that I can fit the workout in.
On Saturday and Sunday, I go for a short run, because Joe's home to look after her (or she's at gymnastics!).
Every day, I also do a 3 minute meditation and a 10 minute morning mobility stretch. This is because, whether Evie is with me or not, I can definitely fit in just 13 minutes to help my body! Also, having recently read Atomic Habits, which states that our goals are in the tiny habits, it some how freed me from the guilt of not having the 'perfect' amount of time for anything. And now, even if it's a three minute meditation, instead of ten, I'll go for it.
Prioritising Your Tasks
An essential step in effective time management is prioritising tasks. Begin by listing everything you need to do. Then organise these tasks by urgency and importance.
You might want to use a simple prioritisation matrix with four quadrants:
Urgent and Important: Complete these tasks first.
Important but Not Urgent: Schedule these tasks.
Urgent but Not Important: Delegate when possible.
Neither Urgent nor Important: Consider dropping these tasks altogether.
By using this method, you can stay organised and create more time for your personal pursuits.
I recently read a book called Smarter by Emily Austen. In it, she states that you should work on no more than 3 important tasks a day. And I can get on board with that. So, really consider what needs to be done right now, and what can be done tomorrow.
Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries is vital in managing your time effectively. It’s tempting to agree to every request that comes your way. However, saying yes too often can lead to feeling overwhelmed. Practice the art of saying no without guilt.
Establish clear limits on your time and responsibilities. For example, if you're swamped with work, let colleagues know you're unavailable during your personal time. By maintaining these boundaries, you protect your time for relaxation and recharge, which is vital for your well-being.
Scheduling “Me Time”
With tasks organised and boundaries set, it’s time to dedicate some time for yourself. “Me time” can take various forms - reading a captivating book, taking a leisurely walk, or simply savouring a quiet cup of tea.
Make this personal time non-negotiable. Treat it as an important appointment in your calendar. For example, committing just 30 minutes each day to an enjoyable activity can improve your stress level significantly. When you invest time in yourself, you will often find that your focus and productivity increase in other areas of life.
Reflecting and Adjusting
Regularly evaluating your time management strategies is crucial. Ask yourself questions like: What is working well? What could be improved? Don’t hesitate to adapt your approach.
Life changes constantly, and your time management techniques should evolve alongside those changes. For example, if you find a particular time allocation isn’t yielding the results you want, try redistributing your time differently. Staying adaptable will help you continuously carve out the personal space you need.
Taking Charge of Your Time
Mastering time management goes beyond just being productive; it involves crafting a life that allows for relaxation and personal growth. By prioritising tasks, setting boundaries, and dedicating time to yourself, you can achieve a healthier balance.
Remember, making time for yourself is not selfish; it is a necessity. Start taking that time today, and watch how positively it impacts every part of your life.
Let me know if this has helped you! Or, if you have any other questions, do comment below and I'll get back you you.
As always, thanks for reading!
Nx
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