Studies have shown that those who have poor time management
skills suffer more stress, depression, and anxiety then
those who manage their time wisely and work efficiently at
meeting their personal and business goals.

The root of time management is order and organization. For
those who have little order or structure in their lives,
they are often running around confused, and wasting
valuable time. This confusion and lack of completing goals
leads to depression and stress.

Scientific research has now found a direct correlation
between stress and a lowered Immune System. This means
that for those whose lives are disorganized and stressful
that they are actually putting their health in jeopardy.

By taking certain steps to bring order into the daily work
and personal life, stress is reduced and the Immune System
is strengthened, this brings about a new outlook on life,
one that is characterized by health, happiness, and peace;
not strife, stress, and sickness.

Some of the signs and symptoms of stress caused by a lack
of time management include running around to finish
errands; constantly working to meet urgent deadlines; non
stop focus on work and work activities; continuously
“taking” work home with you.

This will also have a detrimental effect on family
relationships (including spouses and children); friends
will suffer because eventually there will be no time to
nurture those relationships; and work will suffer because
of the lack of organization.

Not only will this have a negative impact on those around
you, but remember, your health is at risk as well. Many
people are familiar that heart attacks, high blood
pressure, and strokes may all be related to too much
stress. You owe it to your health to reduce stress.

Many people never make the correlation between stress and
their lack of time management and never make the changes
necessary for their health or for their quality of life.
They never realize how important balance and time
management is for their life.

You may have heard the saying, “They are working me to
death”, and this may very well be the truth. If you are
working in a disorganized and chaotic manner, your stress
level is undoubtedly high. You must take the necessary
steps to work in a calm manner.

Some professions are naturally more “high pressure” then
others. For these employees stress is accepted as part of
the territory. Time management for these workers is an
essential if they are going to remain at their peak and
keep their health as well.

By setting goals, a plan, and removing stress factors, you
can create a plan that will bring your life and work into
harmony and balance. Once your work life is in order, you
will have more time for rest, relaxation, and family.

To begin your time management overhaul, you will first need
to take a good look at your life. If you are already
suffering from too much stress, then you will most likely
need to cut out some activities in your life.

Employers have many burdens resting upon their shoulders,
and a lack of time management can lead to unnecessary
stress and anxiety. Employers should look for ways to
manage their time more effectively and eliminate
unnecessary tasks that others can do.

If you find an area where someone else can handle the job,
by all means delegate the task. This is one of the best
ways to successfully manage your own time, and find more
free time as well. Through delegation you can remove a lot
of stress and tension.

Continually assess your plans and your goals. Make yearly,
monthly, weekly, and daily goals and plan to meet them
daily. Live a life of habitually assessing your goals and
create the plan that will help you achieve them.

Another very important fact to look at is the area of “time
wasters”. What is it that is wasting your time, or
distracting you from the task at hand? If you have a set
work schedule and are continually rushing to meet
deadlines, then something is wrong.

Find out what is distracting you then take steps to prevent
the distraction. Is it the television, the telephone,
unannounced visitors? Find out the cause of the
distraction then address it. Preventing these time wasters
will help you use your time wisely.

By setting goals, preventing distractions, and delegating
tasks, you can begin to effectively manage your time and
reduce stress. Find new ways to relax throughout your day
as well. You may still work hard, but make sure there is
plenty of downtime too.

Your health depends on your ability to manage your time
wisely, whether it is your work life, personal life, or
family time.

Gilles Rais

Categories: Articles