Passing matric is a big achievement, but reaching that point requires good time management, among other things. Sometimes all you need is a little guidance to help you, so we’ve put together a few tips you can follow to help manage your time.
Reflect on how you currently spend your time
Take a look at what you do in your free time, and reflect on whether or not you are using your time wisely. Is your current schedule serving you and helping you reach your full potential? If not, you can prepare to make changes.
Plan a new schedule
Put together a schedule that takes into account your fixed and non-fixed activities. For instance, school is a fixed activity because attending classes is compulsory, but watching tv after classes is more of a non-fixed activity.
Figuring out your fixed and non-fixed activities will help you manage your time around the important things. Doing this can help you create a study timetable, with set out times for studying and rest periods.
Set goals
If you have your eyes set on improving your marks, you must be intentional about how you plan to achieve this. Setting goals is one of the ways that can get a few steps closer to improving your marks.
Reward yourself
Having a rewards system can give you something to look forward to when you manage your time correctly and achieve your goals. Ticking goals off your list is a big achievement. Don’t overlook the work that goes into it, and take a moment to celebrate yourself.
Limit distractions
If you spend too much time on social media, you’ll have to limit the time you spend online, or even delete distracting apps from your phone & electronic devices.
Eat well & stay active
Pay more attention to what you eat. A balanced diet and good water intake can positively impact how you feel, and even encourage you to carry out tasks.
Exercising regularly and stretching in the morning or evening can also go a long way in helping you de-stress.
Get enough sleep
Rest is important, because it impacts how you perform throughout the day, as well as your energy levels. Teenagers are recommended to sleep for 8-10 hours every night.
Most importantly, reach out for help when you feel you are unable to cope or are struggling to manage your time. Failing to do so can have a negative impact on your mental health and overall ability to perform.
Remember, to keep a positive outlook while you work towards having a balance in how you manage your time.
