In today’s fast-paced world, many of my students, including younger students, often juggle multiple responsibilities: academic deadlines, extracurricular activities, sports, part-time jobs, and social commitments. The challenge of maintaining a balance between school, personal life, and well-being can feel overwhelming, often affecting student’s performance and confidence in their schooling. However, effective time management techniques allow students to create sustainable routines that support their academics.

Why is this important?
A healthy balance is crucial not only for academic success but also for personal growth. Prioritising only studies puts students at risk of burnout, stress, and poor mental health. While not enough focus on schooling affects their knowledge. A well-balanced life ensures that students can remain productive and motivated.

Effective Time Management Techniques
1. Eisenhower Matrix
This tool helps students categorise tasks by urgency and importance:
– Urgent & Important: Complete immediately (e.g., assignment due tomorrow).
– Important but Not Urgent: Schedule for later (e.g., studying for an exam in two weeks).
– Urgent but Not Important: Minimise or delegate (e.g., answering non-essential emails).
– Neither Urgent nor Important: Eliminate (e.g., excessive social media scrolling).
Using this method, students can focus on what truly matters, reducing stress and improving productivity.

2. Create a Weekly Schedule
A structured schedule helps allocate time for studying, social activities, and rest. Digital calendars like Google Calendar make it easy to visualise commitments and adjust plans when needed. A well-planned week ensures students meet deadlines without sacrificing well-being.

3. Pomodoro Technique
This method improves focus by alternating work sessions (25 minutes) with short breaks (5 minutes). After four cycles, a longer break (15–30 minutes) helps prevent burnout and enhance retention.

4. Set Realistic Goals
Clear, achievable goals help students stay motivated. Instead of vague targets like “study more,” a better approach is “study maths for 30 minutes every evening before dinner.”

5. Learn to Say No
Overcommitment can lead to exhaustion. While extracurricular activities and social events are important, setting boundaries ensures students focus on essential tasks without compromising well-being.

Vicki Synesios