Scheduling Advice

[Lillie]

I have time management problems and I thought that keeping a schedule might help. I'm afraid I'm not really sure how to make one, or how to follow one either, if that makes sense to you.

When I make a schedule, I usually calculate every single minute and try not to go a minute over an assigned time. An example might be as follows:

4:30 - 5:00 : Arrive home, shower, snack
5:00 - 5:40 : Homework 1
5:40 - 6:20 : Homework 2
6:20 - 7:00 : Homework 3
7:00 - 7:30 : Dinner
7:30 - 8:00 : Art
8:00 - 10:00 : Piano practice
10:00 : Bed

That's not really my schedule, but one I made up on the spot. That is what mine tend to look like though. If I am even a minute off schedule I get frustrated with myself. Something tells me this isn't how I'm supposed to do it though, because it feels very strict and tiring and not effective, especially as some things take longer (or shorter) than I had anticipated originally. Also, I am pretty bad at scheduling in time to rest and relax in between homeworks/other work and I am completely worn out if I actually follow strictly to schedule.

I would like advice on how flexible I am supposed to do it. I was sick a lot last year and I still have a lot of work to catch up on. That means I need to get all my homework done the day I get it so I have weekends to do extra catch-up. I have about 3 hours to spare of working time every schoolday. My homework should take me about 3 hours, but I also need to play an hour's piano, do maths and art, etc.

Please help me out. Thank you.

[Caesara]

Lillie, you can't be expected to work every minute of your life.

Give yourself 5-10 minute breaks between EVERYTHING, and actually use them! It's called RELAXING, Lillie dear. And no, you aren't supposed to be on-the-minute. If you're off by a few because there's a math problem you're working on, it's not the end of the world. Just remember to breathe.

[Alex]

Lilliekins, like Cae said, you forgot some time for relaxation there. If you work for ages, you're going to lose your concentration by the end of it, and get more frustrated.

[Xil]

Come on Lil, even you know you're not gonna do yourself any good with such an overbearing schedule. Follow Cae's advice in giving yourself a few breaks in between everything. You'll find yourself in a bad predicament without them.

[Shoyru_Lover]

Moderation is the key my dear Lillie, don't overkill neh? ^_^ Looks pretty good - maybe you should try 45 minute study sessions and 14 minute breaks Makes everything more manageable.

[Christopher]

Lillie, follow the advice of the masses and insert a break in there, even though I expect your answer will be that once you stop working uits hard to start again. I'm sure theres some sort of cheapo diary thing you can buy to keep it in too.

[M. Bison]

That's not really my schedule, but one I made up on the spot.

Like she said, it's just a rough example. I don't think anyone schedules work 24/7.

Anyways, schedules tend not to work so well with things that take up variable amounts of time to complete, e.g. homework. This is especially true if you're the type to follow such a schedule to the minute.

You can effectively schedule your hours of sleep, meal times (if you cook your own meals), independent study times (e.g. piano practice), and recreational activities (e.g. TV). Then, do your homework around the times you assigned to said activities. Just make sure to leave long enough gaps so that you can actually finish all of the homework. On rare occassions where you have a lot more homework than usual, you'll probably have to pull time out of recreational activities, and/or sleep. And if you finish your homework early? Do whatever you need to get done...laundry, chores, whatever.

Last edited by M. Bison on Tue Aug 24, 2004 7:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Sapphire Faerie]

My Lillie. I worry about you. You never seem to have time to breathe. Don't push yourself hard, take breaks, and I demand you have at least one long bubble bath per week.

[Shadow]

I always set up a study plan, and I never follow it. I just don't see how people can do it. I just make sure I have all my homework done before 8 so I can have some time to myself. Just make sure you don't cut too much out of your sleep, if you work constently you will be so tired it won't be funny. Just take at least a 30 minute break to have to yourself every day, it really does work my friend. Good luck, and if you plan every minute, what happenes when theres an emergency? You can't plan everything in life.

[drummer.a.h]

Lillie-kins, my advice to you would be to be a bit more stretchy on the time constrictions. If you need to finish your homework, you can cut into your piano time by five or ten minutes. It won't hurt, you will still practice your piano, and ten minutes of practice doesn't make that much of a difference. Keep in mind that some things will take longer some days then others, and you have to allow adjustments for that. For example, if you don't have a lot to practice on piano, maybe practice for 45 minutes versus an hour. If you have a light night of homework, relax a little before starting other projects.

Make sure to shedule in time for yourself too. Relaxing is very important for your sanity! You need time to chill out. Read a book (for fun, not homework), or even just lying around...whatever it is, it's good for you. Everyone needs that.

*hugs Lillie*

[Metatwaddle]

Hoh boy. That sounds like a hell of a schedule to follow!

I thought of giving you advice, but I'm literally the worst time manager I know. So I won't.

[.:Glass Miracle:.]

Oh dear, that sounds like a really hectic schedule. You. Need. To. Rest. Desperately.

Breathe!

Rest for a few minutes every 45 minutes you work.Or maybe 5 minutes every half an hour. Or maybe 10 minutes every hour. If you work continuosly, your concentration and working abilities will DROP. Like what Cae said, relaaaaaax...

[cky182]

Lillie, between doing homework, do something you enjoy, if you do too much homework in a row you'll end up just wanting to get it done and spoil it, where as if you relax or have fun between homework it'll be better quality.

^^^ I got an hour of info like that last september in physics, quite useful.

[Twitchy]

I wouldn't recomend makeing a schedual to do your homeork....

make sure you have a watch with you, erm.....what do you need the schedual for?If only to help you with your time managment?

[Anubis]

I wouldn't recomend makeing a schedual to do your homeork....

Why not? I find it perfectly sensible. And oh yes.

*hugs Lillie* That really is too harsh. *hugs again* Take breaks in between. Please.