Organising yourself and your time can be a minefield of notepads and alarms and last minute scribbling. How you organise is a completely personal thing and differs largely from person to person. And understandably, every now and then we can all go a little off-track. We appear to lose all sense of space and time and forget what’s happening now, what needs sorting for tomorrow and every little thing in between.
As I’m writing this, it makes sense to point out that I am in no way a master of timekeeping. It isn’t unheard of for me to be described as frantic, but I like to appear as calm as a duck on water, secretly hiding the chaos that goes on underneath. Along the way, through multiple exams and personal stresses, I have found a few little ways that help me stay on top of things.
Write everything down.
Yes, I know it’s blindingly obvious. I’m a sucker for any kind of pretty planner, notebook, post it note etc. You name it, I probably own it. If I don’t physically write something down you can almost guarantee I will have forgotten it in minutes. If you aren’t a stationary sort of person, a whiteboard or chalkboard can achieve the same results.
Take regular breaks.
When I find myself snowed under with things to do, I often forget to take some time out and reassess. The average person can only focus on one task for 90 minutes at a time, meaning if you don’t take a break, you are actually being less productive. Plus it gives your eyes a break from concentrating!
Have a home for everything.
This is one that I openly admit I struggle with. I am not a naturally tidy person, but it really helps me if I have a home for all my belongings. By giving things a home, I know where to find things quickly and also know where to return them when I do eventually have a tidy up.
Pack everything you need the evening before.
Your mum was right when she nagged you to do this all through secondary school. Check your previously organised planner and pack any books, pens, pencils, emergency tissues you may need for the day ahead. It really works and saves you time in the morning for that extra bit of lie-in.
Always be 15 minutes early.
I am a bit of a control freak when it comes to arranging times to meet. The way I do it is always leave plenty of time for any emergency outfit changes or make-up disasters and plan to leave the house 15 minutes before you need to. That way, if any unforeseen circumstances do happen, you are ready and prepared and can still arrive on time (but do remember to be polite to those ‘always late’ kind of friends).
This article is by Abi Howard, and you can read more of her pieces on her blog here: www.whatabigailsays.wordpress.com
