Manage Time Well
Ever feel like there aren't enough hours in the day? Having trouble prioritizing your tasks? With some focus and dedication, it is possible to lessen the stress of daily life
Negative Effects
Poor time management results in:
- Lack of sleep
- Irritability
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Rushing through tasks
- Feeling overwhelmed
Combat the above by creating and sticking to a schedule, using the following suggestions.
Tips for Work
- Use a smart phone, calendar or planner to keep track of upcoming meetings, deadlines and appointments.
- At the start of your day, write down what you need to accomplish, in order of priority.
- If possible, delegate minor jobs or ask for assistance.
- Never skip lunch. Not only does your body need nourishment to help you focus, your mind needs the mental break.
Tips for Home
- Sort mail into "Now" and "Later" categories. Read it at the same time each day, this will prevent you from spending too much time reading a particular piece - or forgetting about it.
- Lists are your friend!
- Always carry a shopping list to stay on task.
- Plan you weekly meals while writing out your grocery list.
- Every day and week, create a "to do" list; rank each item in order of priority.
Tips for Parents
- Keep a calendar or chart posted with the family's daily activities so you can keep track of important events. Use a different colored marker or pen for each person.
- Find tiny windows of opportunity to get small chores done. For example, balance your checkbook while your kids watch TV, or answer emails while they do their homework.
- Buy in bulk. This will reduce the amount of trips to the store.
- Teach your children to do chores. Not only will they learn responsibility, it will free up time for you to get other things done and spend time together.
General Advice
- It's okay to say "no." Only obligate yourself to activities you know you have time for.
- Divide large projects into smaller parts and tackle each separately. This will make the venture feel more manageable.
- Constantly ask yourself "What is the best use of my time right now?" and do that job.
- Try combining errands; for example, if you will be heading out for lunch during a break from work, why not take part of that time to drop off dry cleaning or buy pet food?
- Wake up earlier! Wouldn't it be nice to get a few more things done instead of sleeping a mere 15 minutes later?
- Don't forget to pencil in some time for yourself to unwind. Taking a break from the stress of life is just as important as completing your duties.
TrueNorth's Employee Benefits is here to Help
TrueNorth offers businesses of every size comprehensive solutions to meet their business needs and those of their employees. If you are in need of business solutions or are looking to start a business of your own, please call TrueNorth. Our Employee Benefits division would be happy to assist you in providing the well-being of both you and your staff.