Ways to manage your time Create a life schedule

It's back to the books for learners and students in South Africa.

With the new term having started, you should be thinking about how to get better at time management and organise your days so you can strike the right balance between home and school or university. By taking the time to arrange your priorities, you can give yourself the best chance of staying on track.

Here are some time management tips, so you can do your best and also find moments to relax and even earn some money on the side.

What to do

The first stage of improving your time management is to list absolutely everything that you have to do. This may sound obvious, but most students tend to leave important tasks until the last minute.

Whether it’s a pin-up planner, a timetable or a calendar on your phone, find an organising tool that works well for you and add your list of priorities to it.

Be flexible but realistic

Typically, allow about eight to 10 hours a day for working, studying, socialising and anything else practical you need to do. Allow time for research

Taking the time to research, plan and think about your work is crucial for good time management. Allow yourself the time to process new information and plan how you are going to use it, as this can help you to avoid having to reread and repeat any research.

Avoid distractions

One way to avoid being distracted is to think about the different places you have been when studying and where you were the most focused. Remember, what works for one person might not necessarily work for you. For some, studying with friends can limit their productivity. But for others, studying in groups can help to increase motivation and avoid distraction.