8 Time Management Tips (Dumbauld, 2013)
Know your priorities
Always start by making a list of what you need to get done for that day, week or even month. Use a numerical ranking system; for example 1-3, with 1 being 'most important'. Each day reassess your list to ensure that task prioritization is maintained.
Work time
Assess what tasks you have to complete and rate them by level of importance. Make sure to do the high priority tasks when you are most productive - ie. have the most energy. As a SAHM, your day may start quite early, and working late into the night may pose to be a challenge in that productivity will fail. If you find that mornings suit you best, try to get the bulk of your work done at this time. You will find greater efficiency and in turn success.
Be healthy
Taking care of yourself is a very important aspect of learning. Proper nutrition, sleep and exercise should be practiced as this will help keep your mind focused. Ensure plenty of rest so you can perform at your best. Our bodies require sleep to regenerate; it aids in our ability to take on new tasks facing us tomorrow. It is also imperative to take frequent breaks during your studies. Sometimes a small break helps to clear our minds. (Maslow, Physiological needs)
Build in flexibility
As an adult learner, a flexible mindset and schedule will definitely be of benefit. Taking an online course could also be beneficial as it allows self time management. This will afford you the freedoms of completing assignments and readings when you have the time, which can alleviate a lot of pressure associated with going back to school.
Don't let the little things add up
Make sure daily tasks are done day-to-day as letting them add up will cause unnecessary stress. Obtain good organizational skills and study habits as that will help you to advance and stay focused.
Know when its survival time
Mid-terms, assignments, and finals are very important. Planning is essential during these critical times. Make sure personal matters are handled outside of this time and advise family to ensure they provide you space, time and consideration.
Know when its celebration time
After all of your hard work and efforts, always acknowledge a job well done. You deserve a pat on the back and this will also encourage you to move forward. You have invested a lot of time into your education and have sacrificed your personal and family time for this achievement. (Maslow, Esteem needs)
Compromise
There are only so many hours in the day; sometimes you must accept when enough is enough. Learning is cumulative. As long as you remain on track and know what your agenda consists of, there has to be a time where you need to stop. There is always tomorrow and remember that the work will get done.
Know your priorities
Always start by making a list of what you need to get done for that day, week or even month. Use a numerical ranking system; for example 1-3, with 1 being 'most important'. Each day reassess your list to ensure that task prioritization is maintained.
Work time
Assess what tasks you have to complete and rate them by level of importance. Make sure to do the high priority tasks when you are most productive - ie. have the most energy. As a SAHM, your day may start quite early, and working late into the night may pose to be a challenge in that productivity will fail. If you find that mornings suit you best, try to get the bulk of your work done at this time. You will find greater efficiency and in turn success.
Be healthy
Taking care of yourself is a very important aspect of learning. Proper nutrition, sleep and exercise should be practiced as this will help keep your mind focused. Ensure plenty of rest so you can perform at your best. Our bodies require sleep to regenerate; it aids in our ability to take on new tasks facing us tomorrow. It is also imperative to take frequent breaks during your studies. Sometimes a small break helps to clear our minds. (Maslow, Physiological needs)
Build in flexibility
As an adult learner, a flexible mindset and schedule will definitely be of benefit. Taking an online course could also be beneficial as it allows self time management. This will afford you the freedoms of completing assignments and readings when you have the time, which can alleviate a lot of pressure associated with going back to school.
Don't let the little things add up
Make sure daily tasks are done day-to-day as letting them add up will cause unnecessary stress. Obtain good organizational skills and study habits as that will help you to advance and stay focused.
Know when its survival time
Mid-terms, assignments, and finals are very important. Planning is essential during these critical times. Make sure personal matters are handled outside of this time and advise family to ensure they provide you space, time and consideration.
Know when its celebration time
After all of your hard work and efforts, always acknowledge a job well done. You deserve a pat on the back and this will also encourage you to move forward. You have invested a lot of time into your education and have sacrificed your personal and family time for this achievement. (Maslow, Esteem needs)
Compromise
There are only so many hours in the day; sometimes you must accept when enough is enough. Learning is cumulative. As long as you remain on track and know what your agenda consists of, there has to be a time where you need to stop. There is always tomorrow and remember that the work will get done.