15 Ways to Take Control of Your Time
“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.”
Tolstoy’s words are a good reminder: we can’t make the day longer, but we can choose how to use our time. Many of us feel pulled in different directions, juggling tasks, deadlines, and unexpected interruptions. Good time management isn’t about cramming more in. It’s about working more steadily and making life feel less stressful.
Below are 15 practical tips you can start using straight away, plus a few simple ways to look after your wellbeing while you work.
Daily Productivity & Wellbeing Checklist
A quick check-in you can keep in your diary, notes app, or anywhere you track tasks. I personally find sending myself reminders on WhatsApp useful.
Daily Productivity Checklist
☐ Decide on your top 1 to 3 tasks for the day
☐ Do your “frog” first, the task you have been avoiding
☐ Set aside time for important work and try not to get distracted
☐ Sort tasks using ABCDE or 1-3-5 method (big, medium, small tasks)
☐ Check emails and messages only at certain times
☐ Complete anything that takes less than two minutes straight away
☐ Update your task list or board so nothing is forgotten
Daily Wellbeing Checklist
☐ Take 5 to 10 minutes of quiet before starting work
☐ Drink water regularly
☐ Eat something healthy instead of just snacks
☐ Step outside for a few minutes of fresh air
☐ Relax your shoulders and jaw and take a few deep breaths
☐ Stick to at least one personal boundary (like finishing work on time)
☐ Notice one thing that went well today
Weekly Reset
☐ Review what you achieved during the week
☐ Check upcoming deadlines and commitments
☐ Highlight the 20 percent of tasks that really make a difference (80/20 rule)
☐ Clear old or completed tasks from your list
☐ Plan one small wellbeing activity (walk, coffee, early finish)
Busy Week Essentials
☐ Do one important “anchor task” each morning
☐ Take a short moment each day to review priorities and plan your day (or check in with clients, collaborators, or your team if relevant)
☐ Keep essentials ready: water, snacks, pens, chargers
☐ Identify possible problem areas and make a backup plan
☐ Delegate tasks where you can you don’t need to do everything
Key Methods Explained
1. Eisenhower Matrix
Sort tasks into four categories:
Urgent and Important: Must be done now
Important, Not Urgent: Helps progress in the long term
Urgent, Not Important: Can be done by someone else or scheduled later
Not Urgent, Not Important: Low-value tasks
This stops you reacting to everything and helps you focus on what really matters.
2. Eat the Frog
Tackle the job you have been avoiding early in the day, such as emails, phone calls, or tricky tasks. Once it is done, the rest of your day feels easier.
3. Time Blocking
Set aside chunks of time for important work:
9 to 10: Emails and messages
10 to 12: Focused work
2 to 3: Calls or catch-ups
Try to stick to these times as much as possible to avoid getting distracted.
4. Getting Things Done (GTD)
Stop holding everything in your head:
Capture: Write down every task
Clarify: Make tasks clear and actionable
Organise: Group tasks logically
Review: Check daily and weekly
Do: Start tasks without overthinking
5. Kanban Board
A simple visual board:
To Do
In Progress
Waiting
Done
It helps you see what needs attention and what is finished, and makes it easier to plan your day.
🌿 Quick Wellbeing Reset 🌿
A simple exercise to calm your mind during a busy day:
Inhale for 4
Hold for 2
Exhale for 6
Drop your shoulders
Unclench your jaw
Do two rounds. It only takes half a minute but helps you reset.
Time and patience really are your best allies. These methods help you make the most of both, rather than feeling rushed and stressed.
