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Make a time audit -

The first step to managing time efficiently is to understand that it's being spent. Track how much time you spent on an activity. Once you have the whole picture, make adjustments and prioritize key areas.

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Learn how to deal with stress -

Part of learning how to manage time better is dealing with stress properly. Discover a stress-reducing activity, such as meditating or listening to music.

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Organize your email -

If your job involves receiving tons of emails, take your time to sort them out. For example, create a folder for emails that require immediate attention, and another for ones that can wait.

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Break out of your procrastination bubble -

Procrastination can seriously waste your time. Maybe you spend a lot of your time overthinking, or you feel bored at work. When this happens, try to organize your work and stay present.

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Set deadlines -

You might feel that deadlines are just added pressure, but they're actually there to ensure accountability. And this is essential if you want to learn how to manage time better.

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Create a to-do list -

To-do lists are reminders. If you write them on your phone, you might forget about them. Instead, write them down physically and where you can easily see them.

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Start your day early -

Starting your day early gives you great benefits. For example, you can squeeze in more tasks in one day like exercising or planning before you hit the desk. But make to get enough sleep, so you have energy for the day ahead.

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Set aside time for yourself before starting your day -

Whether it's having a good cup of coffee or reading a book for 15 minutes, take some time for yourself before work. By doing this, you can raise your productivity levels and start your day in a good mood.

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Make planning part of your day -

Planning is one of the most effective and powerful time-management strategies you can incorporate. It can help you organize your day and routines appropriately.

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Prioritize urgent tasks first -

Early in the day, your energy and productivity levels are much higher, so dedicate this time to your most urgent tasks.

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Minimize distractions -

Separate your personal email from your work email. And steer clear from activities that bring more harm to your efficiency during work hours.

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Turn off your social media notifications -

Social media notifications can be a serious distraction. So to avoid the temptation of checking your phone often, just turn them off.

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Set achievable goals -

Setting achievable goals will give you direction on where to concentrate your efforts. However, remember to be realistic.

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Keep your workspace organized -

An organized workplace is incredibly important and leads to better output and quality work. Make sure to declutter and rearrange your space to avoid any messiness.

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Include nature in your workspace -

Studies have shown higher performance rates when people are exposed to natural light and fresh air, compared to those who aren't, while working. Plus, adding some plants can help decrease your mental fatigue.

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Break down bigger tasks into smaller ones -

Larger tasks can feel overwhelming, but by breaking them down you'll handle them much more efficiently. This will also help you avoid stress and procrastination.

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Learn to say "no" -

Be realistic about what you can and what you can't take on. Will it affect your work or private life? If you see that it might be too much, it’s okay to say "no."

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Use calendar or planning apps -

There are tons of apps that can help you organize and manage your day like a boss. A calendar app can give you quick and easy insight into what you're working on and what you have planned ahead.

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Focus on single-tasking -

A strategy for time management is allowing yourself to focus on one task at a time, instead of multitasking, which is the opposite of productivity.

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Group together similar tasks -

Grouping similar tasks can save you a lot of time. For example, tasks that involve communication, such as returning phone calls and responding to emails, are all related.

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Schedule in time for rest and relaxation -

Your brain can't always be at its best 24/7. Taking a vacation or a period of rest is important to help streamline your schedule.

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Don’t skip meals -

Skipping meals can affect your performance at work. Therefore, eat healthy and regular meals, so your brain and body stay in shape.

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Include exercise in your routine -

With daily exercise, you can manage stress better and maintain a good rhythm. And this will in turn help how you manage your time.

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Take smaller breaks throughout your day -

Just like exercise, taking small breaks can help put your mind at ease when stress occurs or when the day feels overwhelming. It also gives your brain time to cool down and regain clarity.

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Create a routine -

A regular routine can help to improve your time-management skills. For example, start your day at a particular time, have breakfast, and shower. It will help create a behavioral pattern, which will make your life more orderly and efficient.

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Perfectionism isn't always good -

Having high standards is fine. But perfectionism tends to raise the bar too high, and results in unnecessary frustration. Keep in mind that doing good enough is perfectly acceptable.

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Have short but productive walks -

A study from the University of Colorado found that employees who after an hour of work took short and brisk walks for five minutes were more productive than those who didn't. So take a walk!

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Keep track of your progress -

This is important for self-motivation, as there's no better feeling than crossing off a task from your to-do list. It will also drive and inspire you to keep up the good work.

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Review your day -

Try to review your workday. Did everything go according to plan? What caused problems? Analyze the reasons behind every success or failure. This will help you understand what needs to be done to improve the time management of your day.

See also: How to improve your attention to detail

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