The art of multi-tasking is another time management skill
which is a good one to acquire. Some people may argue multi-tasking
isn't a good practice but, in my opinion, sometimes it is necessary.
This doesn't mean you should stretch yourself so thin you have trouble
concentrating, but rather smart doubling up on time.
For instance, tote a book or some notes along when you do your laundry,
this way you get two tasks completed at the same time. Parents who are
in school can bring along a text or notes while waiting for their kids'
school or practice to let out. If you have a long ride where you're the
passenger, bring along something to study.
Every bit of time saved can help reduce that feeling of time
crunch. While it's true multi-tasking can have the opposite effect and
make you distracted, if you carefully plan how you're going to
multi-task, it can be a real time-saver.
Stay Away from Cramming
Cramming tends to put your brain on overload, end up tired
and not absorb as much as you could have by taking on work at a steady
pace. Cramming can lead into bad study habits which can impact your
grades over the long-term. Avoid last-minute cramming sessions for tests
and completion of projects because slow and steady wins the race; if
you wait until the moments before your deadline, you are going to put
yourself under unduly stress.To eliminate the temptation for cramming, try outlining your
long-term assignments and semester chapters and break them up into
segments. Set due dates for each segment if that will help you stay on
track. Once you do this, you break long-term goals into short-term ones
and into more doable blocks of time.
This way when your big test day arrives or a semester
project comes due, you'll have been steadily working all along and the
pressure will be off when trying to finalize your work.
Don't Forget Socialization
Practicing time management will not only benefit your
academic career, it will help your social life too. Students who feel
pressured and stressed out are more tempted by invitations and other
social events, putting off work even further; this can lead to a
problematic situation.
Changes can be overwhelming. Trying to adjust to a new
routine with additional responsibilities is stressful. Whether going to
school as a traditional full-time student, taking one or two classes
part-time, are a nontraditional, or a distance learning student, all students can benefit from acquiring strong time management skills.
Degree programs are time-consuming, and developing solid
time management will help increase productivity and decrease academic
stress. Balance is the key to successful time management. When you're in
college, time is one luxury often lacking, but strong time management
skills can help you put some extra hours back into your schedule.
Try to develop strategies that work for you, and then stick
with them. It won't be long before you find how valuable these skills
are to have to keep both your personal and academic goals on target.
Once you learn how to budget your time and maximize each hour to the
fullest, you'll find you can get your work done and likely find you
still have a little time for some fun too.
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