Time Well Spent: Time Management for Balanced Wellbeing

Welcome to the final installment of OEWW’s four-part series on enhancing your wellbeing throughout the academic term. Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored strategies to manage energy, build momentum for lasting change and improve overall time management. Today, as we conclude the series, we’ll focus on specific tools and strategies to enhance time management. 

Customizing your time-management approach:
Time management isn’t about forcing yourself into a rigid system—it’s about discovering approaches that feel natural and sustainable for you. Every professional has unique strengths, challenges and preferences when it comes to managing time. The key is identifying strategies that work with your natural tendencies rather than against them. To personalize your approach, we recommend these three standout strategies:

1. Prioritize with the Eisenhower Matrix

• • This classic tool helps you categorize tasks and focus your energy based on urgency and importance. Do (urgent & important), Decide (important but not urgent), Delegate (urgent but not important) and Delete (neither urgent nor important).
  • This method helps eliminate time-wasting activities and ensures focus on high-impact tasks.

2. Use the Pomodoro Technique for Focus

• • This technique involves working in focused bursts of 25 minutes followed by short breaks (five  minutes). After four cycles, take a longer break (15-20 minutes). 
  • This method enhances concentration, reduces burnout and keeps tasks manageable. 
  • Numerous apps and timers are available to support this technique.

3. Leverage Digital and Analog Planning Tools

• • Use apps like Todoist, Trello or Google Calendar to organize tasks, set reminders and track deadlines.
  • If you prefer paper planning, bullet journals or daily planners can provide structure and clarity.

For more ideas check out OEWW’s Time Management Spotlights. Please note that this is not an endorsement of any specific website, app or tool. Do your own research and choose the tools that best fit your needs and preferences.

Mastering time management is a continuous process. Here, too, experiment with different tools and techniques to find what works best for you. Developing strong time management habits empowers you to work more effectively while preserving energy for personal growth, relationships and self-care.

We encourage you to integrate at least one of these time management strategies into your daily routine. Small changes compound over time, leading to lasting improvement in both productivity and wellbeing.

Here’s to your health!

—Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer (CWO)