Learn time balance

In our busy world, it is sometimes challenging to combine work with private and social life, while not getting stressed. The trick is in knowing and following a time balance. Here are some time-management tips which will hopefully help you to not lose your nerves and to stay efficient and happy within and outside your work. 

1. Do a time audit of your regular week
   Spend one week looking where and how you spend your time. Using these results, consider how you may redistribute your time to have enough for the activities you really value. Also notice what you are wasting your time for. Simplify, delegate or totally eliminate activities that absorb too much time (especially if they are not worth that time).
   
2. Work smarter, not harder
   Managing your time does not mean completing as many tasks into one day as possible. It is about simplifying work process, grouping similar tasks together, doing things faster. It is about thinking of what can be done more efficiently, instead of automatically performing a time-consuming task again and again.
   
3. Start with the most important tasks
   The golden rule of time management is to first complete the two or three tasks that are the most crucial for today to complete. Accomplishing them will already give you a feel of achievement. 
   
4. Set a time limit for completing a task
   Instead of working on a task until it is done, aim to complete it in a specific time frame. The deadline will constantly motivate you to focus and to be more productive, even if it will take a bit longer to finish the task. 
   
5. Plan SMARTly
   Decide what is important to you and write it down. When writing down be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. By doing this you will have more chances to achieve your goals and follow your plans. At the same time get rid of your long “to do” list. Using your daily planner with specifically indicated deadlines is more effective.
   
   In reality there is enough time for everything that is really important for you, you just need to balance your time in a right way. However, remember that time management tips only give results when you use them. Managing your behaviour in time management is something only you choose. Only you can choose to be organised can you have enough time for both work and life. Good luck!
   
   By: Inna Iljina