Time Management Tips for Students and Freelancers
Time is not for wasting.
If you are a student and also a freelancer, you probably feel like there are not enough hours in the day. You have classes, assignments, client work, and you still want to have some time to rest. It can feel overwhelming.
The problem is not that you do not have enough time. The problem is how you use the time you have. Good time management is a skill, and like any skill, you can learn it. Here are 5 tips that will help you get more done and also have time to relax.
Tip number one is to use the Pomodoro technique.
This is a simple method that helps you focus. Here is how it works. You set a timer for 25 minutes. During those 25 minutes, you work on only one task. No phone, no social media, no distractions. When the timer rings, you take a 5 minute break. After 4 rounds of this, you take a longer 15 to 20 minute break.
Why does this work?
Because 25 minutes does not feel scary. Anyone can focus for 25 minutes. And the breaks stop you from getting burned out. Try this for your writing or coding tasks. You will be surprised how much you can finish in just 2 hours.
Tip number two is to plan your day the night before.
Before you go to sleep, take 5 minutes and write down your top 3 tasks for tomorrow. Not 10 tasks. Just 3. These are the most important things. If you only do these 3 things tomorrow, the day will be a success.
For example: 1. Finish 500 words for Articlepaid. 2. Watch 1 lecture for university. 3. Send 2 proposals on Upwork. When you wake up, you do not waste time deciding what to do. You already know.
Tip number three is to say no to distractions.
Your phone is your biggest enemy when it comes to focus. Every notification pulls you away from your work. The solution is simple. When you are working, put your phone on silent and put it in another room. Turn off notifications for Instagram and WhatsApp while you work.
Also, tell your family and friends your work hours. Say, I am working from 10am to 12pm. Please do not disturb me. Most people will respect that.
Tip number four is to batch similar tasks together.
This means doing all similar things at one time. For example, do not check your email 10 times a day. Instead, check email only two times: once at 11am and once at 4pm. Answer all messages at once.
If you are a freelancer, write all your articles on Monday and Tuesday. Do all your client calls on Wednesday. Do your learning on Thursday. When you switch between very different tasks, your brain gets tired. Batching saves energy.
Tip number five is to take rest seriously.
This sounds strange. How does resting help you manage time? Because if you do not rest, you will burn out. When you are burned out, you work slowly and make mistakes. Then you have to redo the work, which wastes more time.
Sleep 7 to 8 hours. Take one full day off per week. Go for a walk. Talk to friends. A rested brain works faster and makes better decisions.
Here is a sample daily schedule for a student freelancer. 8am to 9am: Morning routine and planning. 9am to 12pm: Deep work on client projects using Pomodoro. 12pm to 1pm: Lunch and rest. 1pm to 3pm: University classes or study. 3pm to 4pm: Break. 4pm to 6pm: Light work like emails and proposals. 6pm onwards: Free time.
Remember, time management is not about doing more work. It is about doing the right work at the right time. It is about having time for your goals and also time for yourself.
Start with just one tip from this list. Try Pomodoro tomorrow. When that feels normal, add the next tip. In one month, you will feel much more in control of your time and your life.
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