School has started for some and will start for others. Between studying, sports, clubs, work, and other extracurricular activities, do you ever wish there were more hours in the day? I know my own student-athletes wished there were! The life of a busy student and student-athlete can be gratifying, but it can also bring a lot of stress and difficulty. Students have the job of balancing studying, homework, school deadlines, practices, trainings, games, travel, chores and responsibilities at home, time with family and friends, and space for their own mental health. Effective time management will help you from not getting overwhelmed from the many tasks you face every day. Time management doesn’t have to be exceedingly difficult, especially if you incorporate a few techniques and tricks! Do you want to get more done, have fun with friends, and still have time for yourself? Let’s get started!

1. Use A Calendar 

With a lot on a students plate, forgetting something is not that difficult to do! That is why calendars are so important! Every student and student-athlete can benefit from using calendars. I recommend two, a physical calendar at home and a digital and/or physical calendar you carry with you.

* Physical Calendar – Create/purchase a calendar for yourself and input important dates, deadlines, practices, trainings, games, tests, social events, etc. Everything should be on that calendar! Keep your calendar in a place where you can see it every day.

* Digital Calendar – Most, if not all, cell phones have a calendar. If yours don’t there are a lot of options. The nice part about your calendar on your phone/tablet is that you can set multiple reminders and alarms days and weeks in advance.

2. About Those Reminders

Successful time management is not only about knowing what, when, and where. It’s also about having enough time to get to or do what, when, and where! That’s where reminders come in. By setting up reminders, you give yourself time… time to study, time to write that paper, time to travel to that game, time to do what needs to be done.

3. Create A Weekly/Daily To Do List

Nothing complicated! Simply jot down what needs to be done for the week and/or that day. Once again, you can use your phone or a physical product like a planner/notebook. A quick list is all you need. As you complete each task, check it off. The visual alone helps build a sense of accomplishment as you see what you have done. Creating this weekly/daily to do list allows you the opportunity to plan and prioritize what needs to be done first.

4. Routine/Schedule & Organization

Having a routine/schedule helps with organization, both which are crucial to time management. Your routine, or schedule will be unique to you because it will depend on what your class load, sport, practice schedule, study schedule, chores, social, etc., looks like. Having a routine/schedule that works for you will help you organize and maximize your time and tasks. A routine/schedule avoids double booking, doing too much, and/or running out of time.

5. Time Can Be Your Friend

Set time limits on what you can! You can’t set a time limit on practices, games, or trainings… for the most part!  But you can set a time limit on binge watching your favorite show, playing your favorite games, hanging with, talking to, or texting friends, etc.

It’s okay to set a time limit on homework, studying for a test, or writing the next term paper, especially when studying becomes too much, or the paper overwhelming. Take a break, tackle another task, or do nothing for five, ten, fifteen minutes, and then come back! Trying to work on one thing for too long can cause your mind to wander and nothing is accomplished at that point. Taking a break gives you a chance to recharge and refocus.

6. Tools

There are a lot of tools at your fingertips to help. Calendars, planners, schedulers, etc. Use them! Especially those tools to silence social media and other cell phone /tablet distractions! You would be amazed at how much time being distracted takes up and wastes.

7. Make Time For Yourself

There is more to you than school and sports! And you are no good to you or your sport when you do not take time for yourself. Schedule time for yourself! And be consistent about it! Making time for yourself equates to a healthy mind and a balanced life. What that looks like is totally up to you! Sleeping in, going to the movies, bike riding, or doing nothing at all… it doesn’t matter! Enjoy, but keep #5 above in mind!

8. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

Sometimes, you might need that extra help. If, or when, you do, don’t be afraid or too prideful to ask. Sometimes, a little bit of help is all one needs to succeed.

There are a number of other things you can do to also make time management your friend. Get plenty of rest, as much as you can. Don’t take on too much! Extracurricular activities, clubs, jobs, and other commitments, are great, but balancing them with your sport and academics can be difficult. It’s important to find balance.

Just remember to appreciate and enjoy the opportunities you have in your high school experience!

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