Listen Here
As someone who manages many different tasks, here’s some time management techniques I swear by
By Kendall Westgate, WestgateK@Findlay.edu
Homework. Barn. Work. Social life. Working out. Reading. Now a few weeks into my junior year, I have a lot of tasks to manage, but different techniques help keep me from falling behind.
My planner has become my life-line throughout college. Each month, I write down my different events or practices to plan ahead. I also write down each homework assignment I need to work on that day. Once I complete that assignment, I will highlight it off in my planner.
Besides my planner, I also create a spreadsheet each semester with my class assignments. The spreadsheet includes the class, assignment, due date of assignment and if I completed the assignment. This helps me stay on track from missing any assignment.
When working through my assignments for the week, I typically start with my smaller assignments. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by larger projects or exams, which can cause procrastination, according to Purdue Global. By starting with smaller assignments, it helps combat any procrastination I may face.
Each semester, I establish a routine to structure my day. With balancing 18 credit hours and horses, it typically doesn’t leave much time for anything else. However, I structure my days to leave time for work, reading and working out.
Since I am co-captain of the UF Eventing team, I am required to workout three days a week. With my routine, I typically workout right when I finish my barn time, since I do not have any classes during that time. Working out helps improve mood and boosts energy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Throughout my routine, I plan which day I will work on homework for my different classes. Since I plan ahead, I try to get most of my homework done for the week by Tuesday, so it frees up the rest of my week for other activities.
To help plan your own routine, here’s a look into what my different routines look like during the week:
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
- Class from 9-9:50 a.m.
- Barn from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Workout from 3-4 p.m.
- Practice on Wednesday from 5-8:30 p.m.
- Read and catch up on homework from 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Tuesday/Thursday
- Class from 8-9:15 a.m.
- Barn from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Workout from 2:45-3:45 p.m.
- Class from 4-5:15 p.m.
- Work for the Pulse 5:30-p.m.
- Hangout with friends and read from 7:30-10:30 p.m.
This schedule may vary day-to-day, but this helps me stay on track and manage my time throughout my day. I like to leave my weekends free for hanging out with friends or visiting my boyfriend. I also have a few horse shows on the weekends, so I don’t want to work on homework at the shows.
Even though I have a lot of different tasks to manage, finding different techniques throughout my day to manage time helps alleviate any stress I may feel.
