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In my 20 years as a college mental health counselor, I was surprised by the amount of pain that was caused by the lack of time management skills and the number of students who sought help to address it. In an earlier era, time management was thought of as the purview of the study center; however, more and more studies show the connection between time management and mental health.
Time management for mental health is not different from traditional time management, but perhaps with the broader goal of benefitting both productivity and wellness. The process still boils down to planning. However, most college students aren’t born knowing how to make reasonable schedules that balance everything: study, work, play, social connection, and self-care. The process of creating a schedule is easy to understand, but doing it well is actually quite nuanced and takes trial and error.
1. The first step is organization.
Not shockingly, making a broad plan for “what, where, and when” to study, work, socialize, rest, and self-care is the entry point. I’ve seen students do this many ways: the traditional electronic calendar, an old-school three-ring paper calendar, bullet journals from basic to full color, idiosyncratic but effective lists in a spiral notebook, etc.
Many students also benefit from making the schedule more detailed. For example, instead of just writing “study” from 6-10 pm, add in the specific classes, what location works best for them—even which assignment might need a focus.
2. Expect the plan to be imperfect.
It’s an unusual student who can achieve a perfect schedule on the first try. Adopt the scientific method of noticing when, where, and with whom studying was done most effectively, and incorporate that into the plan. Expect to have to update the study plan many times, as needs often change throughout the semester.
3. A lack of focus is a common pitfall.
You can’t open any news source and ignore the attention paid to shrinking attention spans. Here are three ideas to help:
- Use the Pomodoro method, which entails setting a timer to study for 25 minutes, then taking a five-minute break. It is also referred to as the power half-hour.
- Turn off or disable all your social media and favorite websites. Experiment with different methods for this. Many apps or built-in screen time limiters are available.
- Think outside the box for how to give yourself a reward for focusing. I’ve had students find many creative solutions: applying a fun sticker for each hour of studying, dancing in the bathroom with headphones, or walking around the library listening to their favorite banger. It doesn’t matter as long as it feels like a quick break or reward, and of course, doesn’t disturb the rest of the community.
4. Flexibility is essential.
Rigidly sticking to a schedule can breed other issues, such as perfectionism or obsessiveness. When it is called for, trading time on the schedule can be an essential skill for staying healthy. Knowing that one study block can be traded for another event on the calendar can relieve stress and lessen all-or-nothing thinking.
5. Get help when needed.
Time management is a learned skill that takes time and experience to get good at. If it is a struggle to make or maintain a productive schedule, seek help from a mentor, counselor, or campus career center. An inability to manage time and stay focused might also signal an underlying issue, such as attention-deficit disorder, a learning disability, anxiety, depression, or a sleep disorder. If managing time and focus persists, it is recommended to seek an assessment from a professional counselor, therapist, or doctor.
When we manage our time well—completing tasks efficiently and meeting deadlines—we experience a sense of accomplishment that boosts confidence and reduces feelings of inadequacy. Over time, consistently managing tasks and responsibilities builds self-efficacy—the belief in our ability to handle future challenges—which strengthens overall emotional well-being, and is especially important for college students.
