When exams are looming, the amount of work you need to do can seem overwhelming. But luckily, there are tools and techniques for planning your time that can make things a whole lot easier. If you use the time management tips below, you might be surprised by how much you can get done.

 

More importantly, by staying on top of things and taking care of yourself, you’re likely to feel less stressed.

 

1. Make plans; score goals

Everyone loves a to-do list, right? Well, maybe not everyone – but they do work.

Make a list of what you want to achieve. It could be a daily list, or one for the week ahead. Then, for each item, write down what you’ll need to do to achieve it, and by when. The idea isn’t to freak yourself out, but to break your goals down into manageable and achievable steps. It’s like charting a course to where you want to be. As you work through the list, you'll see yourself getting closer to and then reaching your goals.

 

2. Write it down

It can be easy to forget stuff when you don’t write things down. Make a note of appointments and ideas in a diary or notebook and use a wall planner so that important dates (or just planned fun times) don't pass you by.

 

You might also like to keep a journal. If you’re becoming overwhelmed by stuff, it can help to get your feelings and thoughts down on paper.

 

3. Limit distractions

Yep, the internet is pretty awesome. But with FB, Insta, email and those damn cute cat videos, it provides heaps of ways to procrastinate and distract yourself. Limit your time spent chatting and watching vids to your breaks and shut down these distractions while you're studying. You could turn your phone off or put it in aeroplane mode if the temptation is too overwhelming – or even pop it in a different room. You'll get a lot more done.

 

4. Take breaks

You’re pretty great, but no one’s a study superhero. If you plan to study every single minute you've got, you'll probably end up stressed and unhappy. Make sure to keep some time free to do things that you enjoy and find relaxing. Whether it's playing sport or video games, listening to music, or anything else, don't let it go just because you're studying. Schedule regular breaks of 10–30 minutes when you’re studying, and longer breaks whenever possible during the rest of your day.

 

5. If you need back-up, ask for it

Time management is a skill. Like any skill, you’ll get better at it the more you work at it, so don’t worry if it doesn’t feel natural at first. If you’re struggling with it, talk to someone who can help – a teacher, friend, family member, lecturer or counsellor.

 

Author Bio:

Annie Wylie is the Content Manager at ReachOut Parents. She uses her passion and expertise for achieving better outcomes for vulnerable communities to produce stories, resources and events that matter.