We have all been there. We feel overwhelmed by the endless to-do lists, juggling classes, friends, and jobs and trying to care for our mental health. It's tough! But that doesn't mean it can't be done.
Today, the Her Wealth Diary girls are here to share some ideas for managing your time better. Time management is crucial to your success in terms of physical and mental well-being, academics, and ability to balance all of life's demands. Some of these tips might seem obvious, but sometimes it's helpful to remind ourselves and to be intentional about our time when things pile up.
Set Priorities Like a Pro
Know What Matters Most
Identify your priorities: Is your top focus on acing exams? Excelling at work? Making time for self-care? Write them down.
Use the Eisenhower Matrix:
Urgent & Important: Do it now.
Important but Not Urgent: Plan it.
Urgent but Not Important: Delegate it.
Not Urgent & Not Important: Skip it.
Create Non-Negotiables
Set boundaries around your key priorities:
Block time for studying, work shifts, or personal care in your calendar.
Learn to say no to things that don’t align with your goals.
Plan Ahead for Success
Use a Calendar or Planner
Digital Options: Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or Notion.
Physical Options: A classic planner or bullet journal. Schedule everything: classes, deadlines, shifts, workouts, even downtime.
Time-Block Your Day
Divide your day into chunks for specific tasks (e.g., 9–11 AM for studying, 2–4 PM for work).
Plan Weekly Check-Ins
Set aside 30 minutes each Sunday to review the week ahead:
What deadlines are coming up?
Are there any conflicts or overcommitments?
Adjust as needed!
Avoid Burnout with Smart Strategies
Take Breaks
Breaks allow us to absorb the material we're studying, think of new ideas, and recharge before returning to the grind.
Breaks are essential in quality work and caring for our mental and physical health.
Practice Self-Care
Sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours a night. Sleep is extremely important in processing what we've learned and feeling energized during the day, so prioritize sleep as self-care.
Exercise: A quick 20-minute walk or a workout class with a friend can reduce stress quickly and break up the day a bit!
Nutrition: Fuel your body with healthy snacks and meals throughout the day. Food is fuel!
Learn to Say No
Avoid overcommitting yourself!
Politely decline extra responsibilities if they interfere with your priorities or are causing unnecessary stress and burnout.
Stay Flexible and Adapt
Life happens, and plans change—here’s how to roll with it:
Reassess Daily: Check your to-do list every morning and adjust for unexpected changes.
Be Kind to Yourself: If something doesn’t go as planned, don’t stress. Focus on what you can do next rather than wasting time stressing about what didn't work out.
Celebrate Small Wins: Finished a paper or nailed a work project? Treat yourself!
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Visualize Your Goals
Remind yourself why you’re working so hard.
Create a vision board or journal to keep your dreams front and center. Trust the process!
Reward Yourself
After completing a big assignment or a long week at work, plan something fun—a long walk, a self-care day, or watching your favourite TV show. Do whatever works best for you to de-stress.
