Between academic deadlines, extracurricular activities, social obligations, and more, student life can feel like a never-ending juggling act. There is homework to finish, practices or rehearsals to attend, exams to prepare for, and perhaps even part-time jobs or leadership roles to manage. If it sometimes feels like 24 hours is not enough, you are not alone. The good news is, effective time management is not about doing more — it is about working more strategically.
Here are some time-tested strategies and practical examples to help you strike a healthy balance between school, interests, and everything else life throws at you.
Create a Weekly Calendar You Will Actually Use
Keeping a visual calendar helps you stay on top of your schedule. When you can see your classes, revision sessions, extracurricular activities, meals, and even downtime all in one place, it becomes easier to plan ahead and avoid overcommitting.
Student Tip: Try colour-coding different types of commitments (for example, blue for school, green for hobbies, orange for self-care) to make your week easier to scan. Tools such as Google Calendar or a physical planner can both work — choose whichever you are more likely to stick with. Remember to block out time not only for classes and activities but also for rest, meals, and revision.
Break Big Tasks into Bite-Sized Steps
Large assignments or exam prep can feel overwhelming. That is when procrastination tends to set in — not due to laziness, but because it is difficult to know where to start. Breaking big goals into smaller, manageable steps makes the workload feel more achievable.
Student Tip: Instead of “study for physics exam,” list specific actions such as “review Chapter 3,” “solve 10 practice questions,” or “explain key formula to a friend.” Checking off these mini-tasks gives you a sense of momentum and a visible reminder of your progress.
Focus on What Matters Most
Warren Buffett, one of the world’s most successful investors, uses a “5/25” technique: write down your top 25 goals, then circle only the top 5. Everything else becomes a distraction to avoid until the top 5 are done.
Student Tip: Make a weekly list of everything on your plate — school tasks, extracurriculars, personal goals. Circle the three that matter most this week. Prioritising helps you focus your time and energy, especially when things get busy.
Avoid Multitasking
It is tempting to study while checking messages or to write a report while listening to a podcast. But multitasking slows you down and reduces accuracy. Focusing on one task at a time is far more effective.
Student Tip: Try using the Pomodoro technique — set a timer for 25 minutes of deep focus, followed by a 5-minute break. You will find you finish tasks faster and retain information better when you are truly present.
Embrace Strategic Downtime
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings takes six weeks of holiday annually. His reasoning: “You often do your best thinking when you are off hiking in some mountain… You get a different perspective on things.”
Student Tip: When you feel stuck or overwhelmed, do not simply push harder — step away. Go for a walk, play a sport, listen to music, or even take a nap. These pauses are not a waste of time; they allow you to return with sharper focus and fresh ideas.
Review and Adjust Weekly
Time management is not fixed. What worked this week might not work next week — and that is perfectly normal. The key is to review, reflect, and adjust.
Student Tip: On Sunday evenings, take 10 minutes to assess what worked well and what did not. Did you overbook yourself? Did something unexpectedly drain your time? Make a few tweaks before Monday begins.
Prioritise Sleep and Rest Like You Would a Deadline
Sleep is not optional. It impacts memory, focus, and even emotional regulation. Without adequate rest, all your time management efforts will be far less effective.
Student Tip: Set a consistent bedtime alarm just as you would a morning one. Avoid caffeine or screen time close to bedtime, and aim for eight or more hours of sleep when possible — especially before a busy day or exam.
Balancing school and extracurriculars requires thoughtful choices about how to spend your time and the discipline to follow through. Small adjustments in planning and prioritising can significantly reduce stress, improve focus, and create space for rest. Begin by trying a couple of strategies, observe what works best for you, and refine your approach over time. Effective time management is less about doing everything and more about working smarter, helping you maintain control and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
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