Time Management 101

With the school year in full swing, sports practices underway, and for many high school seniors, college applications looming, the fall can feel like a whirlwind. Every day is a balancing act between classes, extracurriculars, work, and trying to squeeze in a little bit of downtime. When so much is competing for our attention, time management becomes more than just a helpful skill—it’s a survival tool. The good news? With a little organization and the right strategies, it’s possible to stay on top of everything while still making time to take care of yourself.

One of the biggest game-changers for me was finally finding a planner that fit my needs. For years, I bought the typical weekly planner during back-to-school shopping, used it for about a week, then forgot about it until it was buried under piles of papers on my desk. Last year, though, I came across a planner organized by class instead of just days of the week. It completely changed the way I managed my workload.

Being able to see all my assignments broken down by subject helped me track everything without feeling overwhelmed. Instead of flipping back and forth trying to remember what I had due for each class, it was all laid out in front of me. Suddenly, deadlines felt more manageable, and I didn’t miss assignments like I had in the past.

Of course, a class-based planner won’t work for everyone—and that’s the point. Time management often starts with trial and error. Some people thrive with digital tools like Google Calendar or other online apps, while others prefer a simple notebook. The key is finding a system that clicks with you and then sticking with it consistently.

Another strategy that’s helped me is working in bursts instead of marathon study sessions. The classic method is called the “Pomodoro Technique.” You set a timer for about 25–30 minutes, focus only on one task, then take a 5-minute break before starting again. It sounds simple, but it works. Breaking your time into smaller chunks keeps you from burning out and makes it easier to stay motivated.

Short breaks also give your brain a chance to recharge, which actually helps you retain information better. Instead of staring blankly at your textbook for hours, you’re able to return to your work with fresh focus.

We all know how tempting our phones can be—one quick scroll on TikTok can turn into an hour without even realizing it. When I need to focus, I try to put my phone in another room or turn it on Do Not Disturb for a set period of time. Changing your environment also makes a big difference.

Personally, I’ve designated a local coffee shop as my go-to study spot. The quiet atmosphere, combined with a good playlist and some headphones, helps me get into the zone. Sometimes I even sit outside while I work—sunlight and fresh air can boost your energy and motivation. For others, a library or even just a specific desk at home can become that “focus zone.” The important part is finding a space where your mind associates being there with being productive.

Large projects or essays can feel overwhelming, and that feeling often leads to procrastination. One trick that helps me is breaking big assignments into smaller, more manageable pieces. I like to write down each step on a sticky note—whether it’s brainstorming, writing the introduction, or editing—and cross them off as I go. Every checkmark feels like progress, and before I know it, the big assignment doesn’t feel so intimidating anymore.

This strategy works for just about everything, from school projects to cleaning your room. By chunking tasks into smaller steps, you not only make them feel more doable but also give yourself small moments of accomplishment along the way.

If your schedule is packed with sports practices, club meetings, or a part-time job, your after-school hours might be limited. That’s why using “hidden” pockets of time is so important. Study halls, bus rides, or even waiting for practice to start can all become opportunities to chip away at assignments.

This doesn’t mean you have to spend every spare minute studying—it just means being intentional about how you use your time. Finishing a worksheet during study hall could free up your evening for family dinner, hanging out with friends, or just relaxing.

Finally—and this might be the most important part—good time management isn’t just about squeezing in more productivity. It’s also about making sure you carve out time for yourself. Burnout is real, and constantly running on empty will only make you less productive in the long run.

That means scheduling breaks, getting enough sleep, and doing things that make you happy outside of school or work. Whether that’s reading, hanging out with friends, or just taking a walk, self-care should be part of your schedule—not something you do only when everything else is done. Think of it as recharging your battery; without it, you can’t show up fully for your responsibilities.

Time management isn’t about being perfect or busy every second of the day. It’s about creating balance, finding systems that work for you, using your time wisely, and remembering to prioritize your well-being. With some organization, a little discipline, and the willingness to try different strategies, you can take control of your schedule instead of letting it control you.