Principles of Effective Time Management for Balance, Well-being, and Success

As a parent, balance is essential. When you feel balance, you are better able to be emotionally responsive to others and better able to make decisions and meet commitments. Overall, maintaining a balanced lifestyle reduces stress and improves general health and well-being. Below are some principles derived from research done by the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning to keep in mind for effective time management.

• Commitment - Be realistic when making your schedule. If you can't commit to devoting time to a task, don't put it on your schedule.

• Pursue fun with a vengeance - Remember to make time for activities you enjoy! People are more productive when they don't neglect fun. 

• Time vs. task focus -Think of your day in terms of time, not the tasks you have to do. Everyday, get into the routine of trying to devote some time to important tasks (Princeton University, 2016).

• One thing at a time - Despite what you may think, multi-tasking doesn't actually work (Princeton University, 2016). The brain can only do one thing at a time. When we multi-task, we are reducing the attention we give to each task.

• First things first - Whenever possible, schedule the things that are most important to you first in the day. The later you schedule things, the more likely they are to be interrupted or put off (Princeton University, 2016). 

• Routine - It only takes 30 days to create a habit (Princeton University, 2016). With good habits, you don't have to make as many hard decisions or motivate yourself to do something. 

• Flexibility - Don't schedule every hour of your day; leave open empty time slots for when things come up. 

• Respond vs. react - When you are faced with a decision or an impulse to diverge from your schedule, don't just react, RESPOND. Ask yourself, whats most important to you? Now, do what will help you get it. 

• Organize your environment - A clean, neat, and organized environment will relieve stress and help you think clearer. By keeping organized, you will same time looking for things and will have more time to work on important tasks and maximize focus (Princeton University, 2016). 

References: 

Princeton University. (2016). Principles of Effective Time Management for Balance, Well-being, and Success. Retrieved from https://mcgraw.princeton.edu/sites/mcgraw/files/media/effective-time-management.pdf