Tips for Managing Your Workload & Prioritizing Your Time

Sometimes it feels like there is too much to do and too few hours in the day to get it all done. How can you find time to finish your degree when you have so many other obligations demanding your time? Adding school to a full plate can seem impossible, but it isn’t. Learning how to manage your workload is integral to helping you complete your degree. Below are some simple tips you can easily incorporate into your life to help you manage your workload and prioritize your time.

Time Blocking 

Time blocking is a common practice that divides your day into blocks where you focus on one task for a specific block of time (e.g., one or two hours). Creating time blocks can help you manage your time by spreading the workload into more manageable sprints throughout the day.

  • Reduces stress by creating a sense of control 
  • Helps establish a workflow and minimizes distractions 
  • Enhances concentration and focus, which improves productivity 

Plan Your Week

Planning your week in advance can help you better understand all your upcoming deadlines and other work and life obligations. Start by blocking out the time for activities that can’t be moved, such as work or appointments, and add all your deadlines for the week. This will give you a high-level view of what needs to be done for the week and help you prioritize your time better.

  • Helps you focus on the important things and keep track of responsibilities
  • Makes you more productive and maintains balance
  • Helps you to say no and feel in control

Create Micro Goals 

This method works great paired with time blocking. Create micro goals for each task focusing on what you need to do now to achieve the short goal. For example, complete the reading for your class in the next hour or finish the outline for the final paper today. It is easy to get flustered and self-sabotage when we feel we have too much on our plates. You can keep yourself on track by creating micro goals and focusing on what needs to get done at that time.

  • Helps you stay motivated
  • Builds confidence and momentum
  • Prevents you from feeling overwhelmed

Stop Procrastinating

It is easy to keep putting things off because we are busy or don’t want to deal with them at the moment. But getting into the habit of getting things done and not procrastinating is key to managing a busy workload. Procrastination can make us more anxious as time slips by and the pressure of all the looming tasks continues to build.

  • Helps you feel more in control 
  • Reduces stress and anxiety 
  • Increases efficiency 

Schedule Downtime 

Always make sure to schedule some downtime! Whether using the time to meditate, exercise, socialize, or take a hot bath, we must prioritize downtime in our daily lives. Decompressing by taking time for yourself is critical to help you keep going for the long haul.

  • It helps clear your mind and allows your brain to rest 
  • Reenergizes you so you can keep going 
  • Reduces stress 

Ask for Help 

Asking for help is not a weakness. It is a sign of maturity, perseverance, and grit. Your family, friends, professors, neighbors, and your Student Success Team can be pillars of support during busy times.

  • Helps lighten your load so you can focus on other tasks 
  • Builds connections with others
  • Decreases stress levels and increases energy 

Don’t forget that your Student Success Team is here to help you succeed and support you while you complete your degree. Your team can help you identify resources and get you in touch with the right people at Sonoran University. They are here to guide and support you as you progress throughout your program.