There are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, totaling to 168 hours a week. It is a new year and the start of a new decade you can no longer say "you don't have the time" or "you're too busy".
Use a Digital Calendar
I have been using Outlook Calendar for about a year now and it drastically changed my productivity and it gave me a better grasp of my schedule. I schedule all my classes, work shifts, internship hours, appointments, meetings, and social events on Outlook. The best thing about a digital calendar is that your calendar can fit in your pocket.
Purchase a Planner
While I love my digital calendar, I prefer my physical planner. I currently use a Lily Pulitzer planner which is small enough to fit in my purse yet still has enough room for me to plan out my daily, weekly, and monthly schedule.
Allot Time For Exercise
Exercise is known for releasing endorphins which make you feel good and helps increase productivity. No matter how busy you are it is important to allot time for physical activity. I recommend allotting time to go to the gym 3x a week.
Color Code Your Schedule
Everyone has competing demands on their time. Even with a planner it can be difficult to keep track of everything. I recommend color coading all your commitments. For example, each class will have a different corresponding color.
Identify Your Top 3 Goals for the Day
While To Do Lists are fun to make sometimes, they seem impossible to complete. Each day I recommend you identify your top 3 goals of the day. My top 3 goals of the day are always the most important and time sensitive tasks.
Set Timers For Each Task
If you have a really hectic day and have no time to waste, I recommend setting a timer for specific tasks. This can be incredibly helpful for college students that have a lot of assignments.
Put Your Phone On Do Not Disturb
Technology can be very distracting, and I found that if you put your phone on DND you will in fact get more work done. It actually feels good to get a break from notification after notification.
Schedule Me Time
I am a firm believer in that you will never be successful if you don't allot time for self-care. Each day commit to doing one thing for yourself that is not school or work related.
Schedule Breaks In Between Tasks
Take a 15 minute break for every hour of work you do. This will help you complete all your tasks without losing focus or burning out.
Maximize Your Time While You Wait
Often times, we are waiting in line for coffee, food, or at red lights. All of the time you spend waiting can be used productively. For example, when you are waiting in line, this is a good time to check up on emails or tasks you can do from your mobile device. Also, when you're driving this is a great opportunity to listen to a podcast or an audio book.
Learn How To Say “NO”!
Saying "NO" can be difficult because a lot of people struggle with setting boundaries with themselves and others. Always remember to prioritize yourself and your time first before you help others.
Operate Each Day Like A Business
Each day you want to establish a regular routine similarly to a business. You start and end your day at the same time similarly to a business opening and closing. Outside of business hours, you can have that time for yourself.
Plan Your Week Every Sunday
Every Sunday, I recommend planning your schedule for the upcoming week. If you allot time to plan your schedule, identify your daily, and weekly goals you will have a more productive week.
