Time Management
Simple Techniques to Ease the Squeeze on Time
Why You Do
What You Do
Overachievers like to be involved in everything, and participate in too many work and social activities. Overachievers can avoid feeling pressures to "do it all" by rethinking their definition of success and enjoying more self-nurturing activities.
People-pleasers want to make others happy. To avoid spreading themselves too thin and feeling overwhelmed, people-pleasers need to learn to say "no," to prioritize activities and to put themselves first more often.
Dreamers have too much on their minds. They can easily get absorbed in thought and lose focus. To gain a sense of accomplishment, dreamers should divide up their day into specific tasks with realistic deadlines for each activity.
Avoiders think they work best under pressure and rarely get anywhere on time. This often creates anxiety and is a cover-up for other issues, such as interpersonal conflicts or fear of new responsibilities. By addressing these issues, avoiders can feel more in tune with their lives and honor appointments and commitments.
Updated August 2008 - In today's fast-paced environment, time management is typically one of the biggest issues people face. If you're feeling the squeeze, take a deep breath and explore some simple ways to regain control of your day.
Managing Your Work Life
Did you know that 20 percent of the workday is spent on crucial tasks, while the other 80 percent is spent on items of "little value"? To turn this ratio around and increase your productivity in the workplace, try some of these techniques:
- Plan and Organize
Use clearly labeled folders, files, binders and bins to organize your workspace and make it easier to locate on important information. Office supply stores have organizing systems for every work style. - Schedule Smart
Group your activities together: Return phone calls at one sitting, check e-mail at specific times and run errands outside the office in one trip. - Be Flexible
Save large blocks of time for priorities, but allow time for inevitable interruptions and distractions. - Eliminate the Urgent
Reduce the urgent items on your "to-do" list to make room for long-term, goal-related projects. Look for items you can delegate or eliminate.
Help at Home
Just as planning and organizing can maximize your time at work, maintaining order at home can be a timesaver, too. To stay one step ahead:
- Photocopy a master grocery-shopping list and check off needed items before each shopping trip.
- Take advantage of timesaving appliances, such as slow cookers, microwaves and food processors. Cook large quantities of items such as soups and lasagna, then divide and freeze.
- Prepare children's school lunches in advance.
- Use multiple hampers or baskets coded for washing machine settings (whites/hot, darks/cold) to reduce sorting.
- Wipe the sink after each use, clean the shower before you get out of it and make the bed as soon as you get up.
- Organize children's toys in large plastic containers or bins, separated by category such as building toys, art supplies and reading materials.
- Put away jackets, gym gear and other items as soon as you enter the house.
- Buy duplicates of greeting cards and simple gifts (such as candles or picture frames), and keep in one place with gift wrap, ribbon and tape.
- As they arrive, place bills in a portable plastic file box that contains stamps, envelopes, address labels and pens. Look into online banking for automatic bill paying.
- Use "sticky notes" on the bathroom mirror or front door as last-minute reminders.
Also, avoid overscheduling on the weekends. Concentrate on striking a balance between household chores and quality time with family, rather than embarking on two days of frenzied activity.
Get More Out of Life
By planning, staying organized and managing your time, you can get more out of life. It's not a matter of wishing for more hours in the day, but using time wisely to accomplish what matters most.
To keep a handle on stress and its effects on the body and the mind, you may want to participate in a class like Pure Relaxation. The class features guided breathing, gentle stretches, visualization and strengthening exercises. To learn more, please call Memorial Regional Hospital Fitness & Rehabilitation Center at (954) 265-5800 or Memorial Hospital West Fitness & Rehabilitation Center at (954) 844-7125.
If you are concerned about your stress levels and would like a referral to a physician, please call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.