Learn to manage your time

Describing myself as a busy person is an understatement. Not only am I a full time student as well as an editor for the Accent, I am also a wife and a mother to a three- and four-year-old.

I don't even have time to stop and just take a moment to breathe and relax most days, but I've learned how to get through my day without falling behind in classes or work and avoiding neglecting my family.

Students who find themselves stressed out from managing to accomplish the hundreds of things they need to do can use the following tips to learn how to manage their time and get things done efficiently.

Buy a calendar

Whether its a calendar, planner or even a digital calendar on your cell phone, this invention is the stressed-out person's number one friend for keeping track of due dates, anniversaries, and school events.

The fact that you wrote down an important date will increase your chances for completing that task, plus you will be able to plan out your day or week far more efficiently when you see everything you need to accomplish on paper.

I will be quite honest, I used to hate using a calender simply because it seemed like just one more thing for me to do. Writing down appointments and exam dates in a planner drove me insane.

Google's online calender on the other hand is a godsend. Not only can I update it from my cell phone (I have an Android), I can update it when I'm on my laptop. It's really convenient to use and will definitely help you stay on top of completing all the tasks you need to do.

Stop procrastinating

Seriously, stop procrastinating. Its one of the worst habits that most college students practice.

Delaying when you are going to complete your homework for just one class is just going to push back when you complete your work for your other classes and you're just going to end up hurting yourself in the long run.

In my opinion, procrastinating is just somehow ingrained into everyone from an early age and we just have to learn how to break that habit.

Even I am guilty of procrastinating I'll admit. Its a hard habit to kick. I delayed writing this specific section of my column for days ironically.

Allow for flexibility

Things inevitably come up that you weren't expecting. I can attest to this. Having two preschool-aged kids throws curve balls at me all the time. Not only do I have to schedule my own time, but I have to schedule their ever-changing time as well.

The best way to remain flexible is to leave room in your calendar so you can move things around when last minute things pop up.

Another thing you can do is stop worrying about every minute of your day. I can guarantee you that 99% of that time, what you plan to accomplish throughout a day or a week will not occur exactly how you wanted it to. It doesn't matter how you complete a task, the important thing is getting it done in the end.

Keep trying new systems

If any of the suggestions I've offered you don't help you improve your time management skill its because I've only offered you a few tips. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of ways anyone can improve managing their time effectively.

Digitally saavy students liek myself may find that using smart phones and computer software programs like Evernote will work best for them.

However, some students might prefer the old fashioned system of writing things down. I utilize this method as well. (Sticky notes are all over my desk at work and home.)

No matter your method, the key is finding something that works for you.

Just remember, not every minute of your life can be planned out, but having as much as you can planned out will help you manage your time better.

Karissa explains it all is a recurring column that focuses on providing students with advice on general topics that affect them. Want to suggest a topic? Email Karissa at pictures@austincc.edu