If you struggle to find balance between school, work, and your personal aspirations, you're not alone. Many of us face the challenge of juggling multiple responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. In this post, I’ll share some effective time management tips that helped me reduce stress and boost my performance across all these areas. By applying these strategies, you can create more space for what matters most—without sacrificing quality in any part of your life.

Track your tasks

Tracking all your tasks in one place is one of the simplest and most effective ways to manage time and reduce overwhelm. When tasks only live in our minds, they can seem endless, and we can quickly lose perspective. By writing everything down in a calendar or task management app, you gain a clear, realistic picture of what you need to tackle.

Start by listing every task, big or small, with deadlines and priorities. This allows you to plan your day, week, or even month without overlooking any commitments. Personally, I use a Notion template that’s designed for this purpose, which helps me stay organized and prevents tasks from piling up unexpectedly. This approach frees up mental energy, letting you focus on completing one thing at a time.

If you're interested in trying it out, here’s the Notion template I use:

Visit Template

Embrace Short, Consistent Study Sessions

For academic tasks, avoid marathon study sessions and instead break down studying into shorter, focused periods. Consistently dedicating 30–60 minutes to a specific task allows you to maintain focus without burning out. By following this approach, you’ll avoid cramming and be better prepared for tasks and exams. Try scheduling these sessions during your most productive hours to maximize efficiency and retain information over the long term.

Keep tasks small

Some tasks are easy to procrastinate on because they seem tedious or overwhelming. One effective strategy is to start with small actions that build momentum over time, such as spending just five minutes on a task to get started. These small actions compound, making productivity feel more natural and less daunting. For example, committing to work for five minutes on a challenging project often makes it easier to keep going, helping you accomplish more without the stress of high expectations from the start.

Create Systems, Not Just Goals

Systems are often more effective than goals alone. Instead of simply setting a goal to "finish work early," create a repeatable system for doing so. For instance, start each day by planning tasks with time limits, or end each day by reviewing your progress and setting priorities for tomorrow. These systems help establish routines that drive productivity day after day, turning time management into a sustainable practice.

Capture and Organize All Information

Keep a trusted system to store all ideas, resources, and tasks that come up during your day. Use tools like Notion, Evernote, or even simple lists to "download" information from your mind. This strategy prevents mental clutter and frees up cognitive resources for focused work. When you need to revisit notes, ideas, or tasks, everything is organized and easy to access.

I recommend this notion template:

Ultimate Notes

Schedule Regular Reviews

Review and refine your knowledge regularly. By setting aside time each week to review completed tasks, unfinished work, and any new ideas, you can keep your goals and priorities clear. This reflection time also allows you to make adjustments, ensuring your time management strategies are always in sync with your evolving goals. Regular reviews help you maintain clarity, improve your approach, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Recommended books

Many of the tips I’ve shared in this post come from the following books, each offering unique insights into productivity, habits, and organization:

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Building a second brain by Tiago Forte

How to be a straight-A student by Cal Newport

Conclusion

Mastering time management is a journey, and it takes consistent effort and adaptation. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you’ll not only gain better control over your time but also reduce stress and find more freedom to pursue the things you love. Remember, time management isn’t about doing everything but doing the right things in a way that aligns with your goals. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll start to see positive changes in every area of your life.