Time Management – How to Turn it Into Your Power Against Burnout?

Do everything at the last minute – does this saying fit the modern student who has in his hand – yes, the same one holding their mobile phone – the coolest apps, can find the trendiest podcasts and AI tools within seconds, where the sky is no longer the limit? Perhaps the answer to this question lies not in the choice of tools, but in the approach and motivation? Perhaps it’s enough to admit that I procrastinate, am lazy, I try but fail… to plan time?

Please read a text about His Majesty Time Management, one of the essential tools for studying remotely or full-time. We’ve identified the most common challenges students face and provided solutions for them. Are you ready to apply them?

I procrastinate, I am lazy, can’t get started, I forget, it seems difficult and time-consuming, I’m uninteresting, I can’t do it – if these excuses pop into your head, it means you have a little problem. True, you’re not alone (you can breathe easier now). There is a solution (feeling better?). You will need to read the text to the end (yes, focus, it’s possible). And, of course, apply it practically, as you study at a practice-oriented college (breathe in and out again).

So, what are the student challenges related to time management and how to solve them?

Stress and Anxiety

Psychological Advice. Create and adhere to a regular daily schedule that includes ample time for sleep, regular breaks, and relaxation time. Do not sacrifice rest for work, as rest helps regain energy, maintain concentration, and avoid burnout. Know your biological rhythm (morning person or night owl) and tackle the most complex tasks when you feel most productive.

Technological Tool. Use apps like “Headspace” or “Calm,” which help integrate meditation and relaxation into your daily life. Gradually, more peace, self-attention, calmer reactions to problems, and increased stress resistance will appear in your life.

Procrastination

Psychological Advice. Set realistic, specific, and achievable goals. Break large tasks into smaller ones – this reduces the workload, and the entire task seems easier to manage and less complicated. Most importantly – you will do it gradually, without stress, tension, and… you will complete it!

Technological Tool. The “Forest” app helps avoid distractions and promotes concentration. Users grow a tree which continues to grow as long as the phone is not used. It’s an excellent and popular tool that helps maintain focus for longer periods.

Habit Entrenchment

Psychological Advice. Consciously dedicate time to self-reflection and self-observation. Spend some time alone, even if it’s short – you’ll be surprised at how much you can learn about yourself. Acknowledge that certain habits hinder more than help. Start taking actions that change these disruptive habits, even if slowly.

Technological Tool. The “Habitica” app is like a game. Users create an avatar and receive rewards for successfully changing habits and completing tasks. This gradually changes old habits.

Lack of Motivation

Psychological Advice. Ask yourself what drives you personally: internal motivation, where actions are driven by personal passion and interest, or external, where expected rewards motivate. The answer will help you understand where to direct your efforts. It’s important to set goals, reward yourself, and share experiences with friends.

Technological Tool. The “Coach.me” app provides access to virtual coaches and a community that helps set goals and track their achievement, thereby boosting user motivation.

Difficulty Setting Priorities

Psychological Advice. Use the time management method developed by US President Dwight Eisenhower, known as the “Eisenhower Box,” which helps work productively and avoid burnout. All tasks are categorized by their importance and urgency:

• Important and urgent (do immediately) when a deadline is crucial or problems are immediate.
• Important but not urgent (schedule) when it’s important but can be done later, thus included in the planning schedule.
• Not important but urgent (delegate) when an immediate response is required, but it’s not critical to your long-term goals, thus can be delegated to others.
• Not important and not urgent (eliminate) when it can be removed from your list.

Technological Tool. Popular apps like “Trello” or “Asana” help clearly visualize projects and tasks, organize them by priorities, importance, urgency, and schedule deadlines.

Boost your studies! Try these tools and tips to see how they can change your life!