8 ways to manage your time more effectively

‘If only I had more time...’

How often do you find yourself using this as a reason (or excuse) for not doing something? Most of us do, and far too often.

We can't create more hours in the day, but we can look at how we're using the time available to us. Time management can be one part of making your days feel more manageable.

This may sound rather obvious, but how can you make your own time management better?

8 ways to effectively manage your time

1. Plan what you want to achieve

Every evening, make a list of what you want to achieve each day. If this, for example, includes adding in some exercise, decide how much time you want to allow. If you want to go to the gym or out walking for four days of the week, which days and when?

It can help to put these days and times in your diary rather than simply keeping them in your head.

2. Work with your energy

Plan your day: morning, afternoon and evening. How do you work best? Are you a morning person or do you get into your stride later in the day?

Think about when you tend to have the most energy or concentration and, where possible, plan more demanding tasks around those times.

3. Decide what really needs doing

Divide your task-list into the ‘must do’ and the ‘would like to do’ depending on priority.

Not everything needs to have the same level of importance. Being clear about what genuinely needs your attention can make a long list feel more manageable.

4. Plan time for yourself

Learn to value yourself and your own needs. If you need time to relax, plan it into your day.

Take this commitment to yourself seriously - the same as you would if it was a commitment to a friend or colleague.

5. Be aware of online distractions

It’s easy to go online for one thing and realise much more time has passed than you intended.

If browsing online, chatting or catching up with social media regularly gets in the way of other things you want to do, consider setting aside a particular time for it instead.

6. Decide how you want to manage emails

Consider whether you need to check emails continuously or whether setting aside particular times to read and reply would work better for you. The right approach will depend on your role and how quickly you're expected to respond.

Reducing unnecessary interruptions may give you more time to focus on the task you're actually trying to complete.

7. Set boundaries when working from home

If you work from home, it can help to let friends and family know when you're working and when you'll be available to chat or catch up.

Having clearer boundaries around your working time can make it easier to focus without feeling that you always need to be available.

8. Be kind to yourself

Everyone has a day when nothing goes right, and we feel frustrated, but learn to move on and use your time management skills the next day.

Good time management isn't about filling every minute or trying to be productive all day. It's about being more intentional with the time you have, deciding what matters and creating space for work, responsibilities and rest.

You don't need to overhaul your whole routine at once. Pick one of these ideas, try it for a week and see whether it makes your days feel a little more manageable.