Self Management Skills

Discover practical time management tips for students in this inspiring blog tailored for Rayots. Learn how to beat procrastination, stay organized, and build lifelong self-management skills for a more balanced and productive school life.

Ruchira Banka - MYP Principal @ The School of Raya
Posted on 11 Apr 2025

This journey of lifelong learning with my time in the IB schools has been an exciting one, where I have learnt that skills are my life long partners.

One such skill under the category of ATL skills of Self Management is Time Management.

And this one is especially for Rayots, where I know that some of you may feel overwhelmed by the assignments, home tasks, projects, extra curricular activities that you come across in your day - to day life as a student. I have noticed that completing tasks on time, maintaining your to-do lists and taking responsibility for your work are some areas where you struggle. And, I know that you have all the intention and the spirit to complete tasks and be on top of it. Trust me, I understand how challenging it can be to juggle between multiple tasks and responsibilities, however I also know that with the right approach you can develop strong self management skills.

One of the most important self-management skills is time management. It is all about organizing and planning your activities effectively so that you can complete them without unnecessary stress. If you do not learn how to manage your time now, you may struggle with procrastination in the future.

And you know what- Time management is a skill that can be learnt and improved with practice.

Let us first dig into the importance of time management.

Students who manage their time effectively are more responsible and experience less stress. They are able to complete their work before deadlines, leaving time for personal interests and relaxation. Time management also helps you earn the respect of those around you—teachers, parents, peers, and even your future employers. On the other hand, poor time management leads to missed deadlines, stress, and frustration. It can make you feel overwhelmed and give others the impression that you are unreliable.

You have a choice now!!

Are you ready for some tips that should help you manage your time effectively?

Prioritize your tasks- Create a To-Do List

Writing down tasks helps declutter your mind and gives you a clear roadmap for the day. Start by listing everything you need to complete, then categorize them based on priority—urgent tasks first, followed by important but non-urgent ones. This simple habit prevents last-minute panic and ensures that nothing gets missed, and saves you from "All that hassle with parents and teachers :) "

Some quick two-minute tasks may be completed immediately even if those are not on the priority list, as these help declutter the to-do lists.

Striking out tasks that have been completed give you a sense of accomplishment.

Use a Planner or Digital Tools

Whether you prefer a traditional planner, sticky notes, or a digital app, keeping track of assignments and deadlines is essential. These may be deadlines not only related to school tasks, remembering to buy a gift or create a card for your friend before their birthday is equally important.

If you like using your devices, use these for the right purposes. Apps like Notion, Trello, or Google Calendar can help you set reminders and visualize your workload, making it easier to plan your time. Win over your time!

Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

A large assignment can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination. Instead of viewing it as one massive task, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, if you have a Science Project, break it down to steps like gathering materials, conducting experiments, recording observations, and creating the final presentation. Tackling one small step at a time makes the task feel more achievable and yet again gives a feeling of accomplishment when you finish a part of the task.

Take the essential breaks - Follow the Pomodoro Technique

Studying for long hours without breaks can be exhausting and ineffective. Pomodoro is one such technique - Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer 15-30 minute break. This method helps maintain focus while preventing exhaustion.

Taking a break from the screen, while you are working on your system is critical. Move your eyes away from the screen every now and then.

Avoid Multitasking

Multitasking is a myth. As opposed to a popular belief, multitasking reduces efficiency. When you switch between tasks, your brain takes extra time to refocus, making you less productive. Instead, focus on one task at a time and complete it before moving on to the next. And yes, again get that feeling of accomplishment.

Limit Distractions

Social media, notifications, and unnecessary internet browsing are major distractions these days, agreed? Create a designated study space free from distractions, turn off notifications or block these apps during your study hours. Airplane mode for your devices works the best. Trust me, it's doable!

Identify Your Most Productive Hours

Everyone has a time of day when they feel most focused and alert—this is your prime time. Identify when you’re most productive and schedule your most challenging tasks during that period to maximize efficiency. Mine is evening, post dinner, have you identified yours yet?

Learn to Say No

There are engagements that you can avoid, think about what is a priority for you and avoid unnecessary activities that might interfere with your goals. Saying "no" to some engagements helps you stay committed to your academic and personal priorities.

A birthday party or a football match that can decide your participation in a team? - You may need to say no to attending the birthday party.

Reflect on your day

Spend some time with yourself, for yourself!

End each day by reviewing what you accomplished and planning for the next. A simple five-minute reflection can help you adjust your schedule and enter the next day with a clear focus. This is your time, you are accountable!

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is crucial for memory retention and concentration. Aim for at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to ensure you are refreshed and ready to learn. Keep your device/s out of the room where you sleep. Use alarm clocks instead of phones to wake you up. If not quiet time before you sleep, try making bedtime reading a routine.

Stay Active and Eat Well

A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Regular exercise, staying hydrated, and eating nutritious foods contribute to better focus and energy levels throughout the day. Planning all these at appropriate times during the day becomes essential.

Reward Yourself for Progress

No one can motivate you better than yourself. Motivate yourself by setting small rewards for completing tasks. Whether it’s watching an episode of your favorite Netflix series, taking a walk, or enjoying a treat, acknowledging your efforts keeps you encouraged.

Be stern with yourself - ‘I get these perks/ rewards only if I finish a certain task’. It helps building self control too.

Seek Help When Needed

If you are struggling to manage your work and time do not hesitate to ask for guidance from teachers, parents or even peers. Sometimes, a different perspective can help you find a more effective way to approach your tasks.

Practice Consistency and Build a Habit

Time management is a skill that improves with practice. The more consistent you are, the easier it becomes. Small daily efforts lead to long-term success.

Let us try to work smarter to ensure that we make the most of our time. Little discipline and effort can lead to taking control of one’s life and create a balanced and fulfilling academic life.

Start today, and watch how your productivity and confidence grow!

Apply now

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