No to Time Management means Yes to Stress

“I’m stressed!” How often do you hear that? Or maybe say that?

In this world stress may be a common word for us. We heard, use, and feel it almost everyday especially in the world that’s going on right now.

How, then, can we learn to manage stress effectively? But before we can answer that, what really causes you to be stressed out?

People vary in temperament and general health. So what stresses one person may not stress another. One article says “You are likely over stressed if your regular routine makes you so tense that you cannot relax or deal with the occasional emergency.” Our day to day routine has to do, with why you are stressed out even when there’s no certain changes in your life that may seem surprising or overwhelming.

No doubt, time management in our routine has a big impact to deal effectively with stress. If we could save time, accomplish more tasks in the long run, we can reduce stress. So, how can we achieve more effective time management?

• Think Ahead

You can do that by planning your day. Prepare a to-do list of things that are important and urgent or both, that you should do. Set aside or eliminate nonessential tasks that have no or little result that only uses your time and energy. Then cross each item you’ve completed, sure it has a lot of satisfaction when you know you’ve done what’s important. But how would you know what’s important or not?

• Prioritize

You can set priorities by numbering each item on your list according to importance. Then, do your task according to that order. But maybe looking at your list, many things may appear to be equally important. So to set priorities effectively, you must keep in mind that what is important like doing your work may not necessarily be urgent. And what may seem urgent like updating social media or emails that may pop up may not be important. So better distinguish those by considering the results each one will bring. Ask yourself, if it really worth the time.

• Avoid Procrastination

Procrastination are time stealers. Delaying

things that should and can be done now. Saying will do that later or tomorrow when it needs to be done today. Procrastination adds to stress and pressure, so make sure to check and do your to-do list.

• Be Realistic

Don’t be perfectionist you might set standards that so high you might likely disappoint yourself if you fail. And Learn to say no, too many tasks or appointments whether it may be important or not can add to stress, and can rob your happiness. Better yet, can it be delegated to someone else?

• Delegate

You know there’s so many important and urgent task to do, but you can’t handle that on your own. So why try hiring an assistant? A virtual assistant that may help in your demanding routine. As what a wise man says “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their hard work. For if one of them falls, the other can help his partner up. But what will happen to the one who falls with no one to help him up?” (Eccl. 4:9,10) Maybe you want to see my profile or portfolio if you decide to have one! Lastly...

• Enjoy

Be balanced, if you’re a workaholic you deprive yourself from the things that you worked hard for, cause you don't have the time and energy left to enjoy those. So make time to relax. Have fun, make time for yourself, friends, and family. Balanced pleasures can refresh your body and help to relieve stress.

If you manage your time wisely for sure you will enjoy the benefits of your hard work, may it be now or in the long run.

Try these, and see if it works for you!