Time management strategies and practical applications

Time Management

AM - 7:30 AM: I gradually pull myself out of bed after pressing the snooze button three times. I walk to the bathroom to brush my teeth and shower. Then I return to my room where I get dressed, briefly hesitating because I don't know exactly what to wear; many of my clothes are in a heap on the floor.

After getting dressed, I go eat breakfast in the kitchen. I head straight for the fridge, where I find milk for the cereal I eat almost every day. I also pour myself a cup of juice. While I eat, I cram for some of my classes and review material I know will be on a test today.

I stuff my books into my knapsack and head outside. I walk to school at a brisk pace, meeting a few friends along the way. We chat on our way to school; we enter the building at 8:30 and head for our lockers.

8:30-9:00 AM: First class is at 8:45, so I have enough time to chat with friends for several minutes in the hallway before class. I also use the washroom. Just before class starts I enter the room and take my seat and continue talking to people. Class starts and I answer to role call.

9:00-9:30 AM: Continuation of the first class of the day. I try my best to pay attention to the lecture, which is on American history. I take some notes here and there and my mind wanders occasionally because my friend keeps trying to get my attention and talk to me.

9:30-10:00 AM: At 9:45 the bell rings and I head for my next class, which is English. I have to walk to the other end of the building so I rush there with my friend who is in the same class. We are silent immediately upon entering the room because our teacher is strict.

10:00-10:30 AM: English class is in full force. We are discussing Shakespeare as a group and the teacher is encouraging everyone to participate. I say a few things about Hamlet's personality and take copious notes.

10:30-11:00 AM: I head for my third class after English ends. When I enter the room, which is only two doors down from the previous class, I start talking to a friend. When the teacher enters the room I take my notebook out.

11:00-11:30 AM: In science lab we work with Bunsen burners. I am puzzled by the chemistry problems but don't ask any questions to the teacher. Instead, I ask my friend because she is smart. I finish the assignment and get a B.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: We leave chemistry class for lunch. My friend has a car so we go to the parking lot and get ready to drive to a local fast food restaurant. We order our meals from the drive through and bring it to a small park near school to eat.

12:00-1:00 PM:

After reviewing my log, I came to several conclusions about the way I manage time. On the positive side, I keep fairly busy throughout my day, so there really isn't much time for me to waste because I always have something to do. Second, I allow myself adequate relaxation time in spite of being so busy. While I can't afford to take a nap, I do get enough sleep. Also, I watch some television at might and talk on the phone for pure relaxation. Thirdly, I actively participate in all my activities except for watching television, which is a passive time for me. However, I feel that bit of luxury time is ok. Finally, another positive thing about the way I use my time is that I fit in exercise and have pretty good eating habits and sleep habits.