We have all had that five-minute break that spirals into a two-hour Netflix binge or that panic you get when you realise you have been on Instagram for the past hour or so. However, there is no reason why you should not finish your tasks and still have time to do the activities you enjoy. That is where time management comes in. 

Time management is a method of decision-making that organises and adapts your time to evolving conditions (Aeon et al., 2021). Once understood and applied correctly, it is a tool that will help you structure your life and stay on top of tasks. In this article, I will give tips on planning your time, organising your tasks, avoiding distractions and highlighting the importance of rest. 

Although not everyone manages their time or schedule the same way, some general principles underlie most approaches. Firstly, identifying all the tasks and deadlines for the semester allows you to take a bird’s-eye view of the semester ahead.  

Secondly, set up a series of plans, including:  

• one for the whole semester,  
• weekly schedules and  
• a daily schedule. 

In your plans, you should break down larger tasks into manageable chunks and allocate an appropriate timeslot for each task, making room for unforeseeable delays. Include goals and milestones in your plans and review them regularly to monitor your progress. 

Distractions constantly surround us and are capable of getting even the most focused person off task. That is why to study effectively, and you need to find ways to eliminate them. Find a study space, whether it be your home, library or coffee shop. Then proceed to adapt the space to your needs. Ensure that the space is quiet, has good internet, and has everything you need within reach such as study supplies, a snack, etc. Make sure your phone is out of reach and switched off to avoid getting distracted from notifications. 

Lastly, it is essential to remember not to overwork yourself, get your eight hours of sleep and take regular breaks while studying. For example, you could: 

• go out for a walk, 
• meet up with your friends or 
• watch your favourite tv show/movie. 

Hopefully, you found these tips helpful and always remember that you can tackle any task or challenge that lies ahead.  

References  

Aeon, B., et al. (2021). “Does time management work? A meta-analysis.” PLOS ONE 16(1): e0245066. 

Samy Kass
, MPharm Student at the University of Manchester
, MPharm International Student Representative 2021-22

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