Managing time well reduces stress

Many individuals develop problems with stress because of their inability to budget time effectively. Chronically behind at the end of the day, they experience extreme fatigue and frustration because they have not accomplished the desired tasks set for themselves.

One of the best and easiest ways to learn to budget time more effectively is to keep an accurate record for several days of just how one’s time has been spent. Simply carry a 3-by-5 card, or a small notebook, in the shirt pocket or purse and write down the activities of the day in the order that they are performed. At the end of several days, or after a week, see how time was spent and look at areas where time was used inefficiently. Knowledge of an attention to this behavior can change an ineffective pattern.


After several days of record keeping and growing awareness of how effective time planning can be, begin to set some goals and make some time allocations. To begin, outline the known activities for each day on a note card. Keep this record and use this information as a checklist to accomplish necessary and desired tasks.

Ordering these items or tasks in terms of goals and priorities is important. It also is necessary to maintain some flexibility for unforeseen events and circumstances. Having a clear cut series of tasks in view, and having these tasks and events in rank order will plan a better day and accomplish more in a less stressful manner. The built-in flexibility also will reduce stress.

After establishing a pattern or organization for time management, the next step is to learn to say “no” when established goals have been set.. Continually accepting and agreeing to perform new tasks will fill a time management card to overflowing and there will be not time for creativity and leisure. When stress enters the organized day, efficiency begins to decrease.

The third step in effective time management is to periodically review priorities, both short- and long-term. By analyzing and revising, a great deal of control can be maintained.

Finally, you must learn to eliminate “time wasters.” From the following list of situations determine which can be modified and save time:

• Procrastination and indecisiveness. Once a task has been listed, do it and keep to your goals.
• Lack or organization. “A place for everything, and everything in it’s place.” If not carried to the extreme, this can be very helpful. Certainly, it saves time in looking for misplaced items.
• Underestimating time needed to perform activities. Be realistic in deciding how long it will take to perform a task.
• Overcommitment. Do not schedule too many activities in too short a period of time.
• Inability to say “no.” Learning how to say no in a tactful, but assertive manner is important in keeping other people from managing too much of our time for us.
• Telephone time. Too much time on the phone, yielding to too many telephone interruptions, and being too available for routine phone calls can be a hindrance. Organize your calls, often one call can accomplish as much as several can.
• Inability to communicate clearly. The result is repetition of instructions or information.
• Inability to delegate authority and responsibility to others, particularly in routine matters.
• Negative thinking. Don’t waste time on negative aspects of life. Think positively and more forward with a plan.
• Preoccupation and day dreaming. Creative thinking can be very rewarding, but the dreamer who never follows through by putting a dream into action wastes time.
• Making oneself too available for drop-ins at home or at the office.

Organizing time effectively and efficiently – an area over which you can exert control – can result in more leisure time, and aid in achieving a sense of better order in your life. Change your thoughts on time management from “I don’t have the time, “ to, “I may need to rearrange my time.” With a little practice this can be done.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1984