Productivity Hacks: 5 Time Management Techniques for Better Organisation

Most of us have experienced the feeling of being overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list. Between work, personal commitments, and trying to maintain a social life, there’s seemingly never enough time in a day to get everything done.

Sure, many of us have an established pre-work morning routine, either exercising or writing a list of tasks to complete that day. But what about the rest of the day? How do we manage our time effectively to ensure productivity and avoid burnout?

How Do You Manage Your Time Effectively?

Depending on your current habits, managing your time effectively may seem like an impossible task. You may be juggling multiple responsibilities and struggling to balance work and personal life.

Use a Planner to Prioritise Tasks

One of the most effective ways to manage your time is by using a well-designed aesthetic planner. This helps to keep track of your daily tasks and deadlines, ensuring that you don’t miss anything important.

Most planners have sections to write down your daily, weekly and monthly tasks. This allows you to prioritize your tasks according to their urgency and importance. By doing this, you can tackle the most critical tasks first and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

For instance, if you have an important project due at work, make sure to schedule and allocate enough time for it in your planner. This will allow you to stay on track and avoid last-minute stress. You can also use colour-coding or symbols to easily differentiate between different types of tasks and deadlines.

In most cases, an aesthetic planner will also have space for you to jot down quick notes and ideas. This can be useful for remembering things that may come up during the day, such as a doctor’s appointment or a friend’s birthday. By having all your tasks and reminders in one place, you can stay organised and avoid forgetting important events.

Their monthly and weekly view also helps you to plan ahead of time, allowing you to have a clear overview of your schedule. This can be particularly helpful when trying to balance work and personal life as you can avoid overcommitting yourself or double-booking events.

They also have refillable binders to replace or add pages as needed, making it a sustainable option for managing your tasks. Additionally, some planners come with inspirational quotes or prompts to help you stay motivated and focused.

Their leather or hardcover design also adds a touch of professionalism and elegance, making it perfect for work, school or personal use. It can serve as a great tool for time management and productivity in all areas of your life.

Set Realistic Goals

While a planner can help you stay organized, it’s important to set realistic goals and priorities for yourself. This means understanding your capabilities and limitations and not overloading your schedule.

One way to do this is by creating a daily to-do list that includes both important tasks and smaller, more manageable tasks. This can help you feel a sense of accomplishment as you check off each task and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.

Take Breaks Throughout the Day

In addition to setting realistic goals, it’s important to take breaks throughout the day. Constantly working without breaks can lead to burnout and decrease your overall productivity.

Try incorporating short breaks into your schedule, such as a 10-minute walk or stretch every few hours. This can help you clear your mind, increase blood flow and improve focus when you return to work.

You can implement the Pomodoro technique, which involves working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break, to help you stay focused and energized throughout the day.

As a self-care measure, try to also schedule longer breaks such as a lunch break or designated rest time. This can help you recharge and prevent burnout in the long run. You’re not a machine, and taking breaks is necessary for optimal productivity.

Eliminate Distractions

Another important aspect of staying organized and productive is eliminating distractions. This may include turning off notifications on your phone or computer during work hours, finding a quiet workspace, or setting specific times for checking emails and social media.

You can easily get side-tracked and lose valuable time if you continuously give in to distractions. By being mindful of your surroundings and setting boundaries, you can improve your focus and productivity.

It’s also helpful to declutter your physical workspace and keep it organized. A clutter-free environment can help alleviate stress and increase focus.

For example, if you’re working on a project, try to have all the necessary materials and resources within arm’s reach so you don’t have to constantly get up and search for things.

Indulge in Self-Care

Self-care is more than just taking breaks and eliminating distractions. It also involves taking care of your physical and mental well-being.

Make sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat healthy meals. These may seem like simple tasks, but they can greatly impact your overall productivity and mood.

Additionally, practising mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can help reduce stress and improve focus.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with work-related stress. Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can make a huge difference in managing your workload and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.