It is 11:33 p.m. on a Thursday. Three essays, two projects and five papers that need to be finished. The worst about this conundrum is the fact that all of these things are due tomorrow. How did this happen? Surely, students are not that bad at getting work done. Do you recognize yourself in this situation? If so, you might have trouble managing your time.

“I don’t mange my time at all; I usually procrastinate, and I still get a decent grade on assignments. Life is all about living in the in the moment and not worrying,” Parker Hughes, sophomore, said.

Time management is the process of planning and exercising conscious control over the amount of time spent on work, to better manage time. It can help decrease stress levels, and increase productivity and efficiency in  every area. Here are some ways to manage your time wisely. Perhaps, after learning this, you will be sound asleep at 11:33 p.m. with all of your work done.

First off, one important thing you need in order to be successful is an organized work space. How many times have you lost something in an ocean of papers, and then wasted more time sifting through the papers to find that one piece that would finish the project? Put every piece of paper in order of importance in a certain place, so finding what you are looking for is easy Try a filing cabinet. For instance, when you have a math project due, you would put the papers regarding the project in a file marked “math.” Then, when you need to find the project form, you can locate it easily

“I manage my time by having everything I need to do on a list, and I plan accordingly,” Byron Harris, sophomore, said.

Prioritizing is another important thing to help with time management  because multitasking it is a difficult thing to do.

“When you prioritize, make a list of things you have to do. Put the most important things first on the list, and leave the easier or more fun stuff for last,” Guill Strougo, AP teacher, said.  

Having a phone nearby  might deter focus from the project at hand. Other distractions can include TV or music playing in the background.  Although it might make doing homework more fun, it will make it more difficult to concentrate to concentrate. Some music such as classical music can actually help. So turn off the TV; start some Mozart, and focus on the homework due tomorrow.  

“When you are doing your work, minimize your distractions such as having your phone nearby you,” Strougo said.

Creating a schedule to do your work will help. While making this schedule, build in short breaks in order to not feel overwhelmed. Overworking can cause unnecessary stress that is not needed in an already busy  life. The breaks help you focus.

I know what you are thinking. How does not doing anything help you focus on work that needs to get done? Well, after relaxing a bit, you become rejuvenated with new energy to put into the task, thus keeping you focused on said task.

“…the best way I have learned to manage my time is with a planner. I write down due dates, homework  and things I have planned with my friends all in one place, so I know how much time I will have to get everything done without cramming,”  Paige Tallman, junior, said.

   Here is what you need to do:

1. Organize.  Know where everything is.
2. Prioritize. Do the most important work first, and then do the easier things last.
3. Minimize distractions.
4. Schedule, and utilize breaks.

  Use these techniques, and you will succeed in being productive.