I want to buy more time: when we want to get everything done.

Managing time is vital to avoid getting stressed by wanting to do too many things.

The inadequate organization of time is one of the most common sources of stress and anxiety that people can suffer, but luckily we have the ability to manage it. but, fortunately, we have the capacity to manage it.

Being aware that we have this power improves our well-being and quality of life significantly. And although it is not always easy for us to do so, selecting priorities and objectives, delegating tasks, saying "no" at the right time... these are actions that can favor our emotional balance and can free us from frustration.

Time management tips

With an intelligent scheme of Sergio Fernandez on productivity and time management, this week, M.ª Teresa Matapsychologist at the Instituto de Asistencia Psicológica y Psiquiatrica Mensalus launches a reflection on the management of priorities and the pursuit of vital purposes. Ana Dorado.

"I don't have time" is a feeling that, at some point, we have all verbalized?

True. The good news is that we have in our hands the ability to manage it. Managing time is real. This is something that, when we discover it, makes us feel tremendously powerful.

As hard as it is to believe, not everything is a priority. Now then. Saying "no" is a much more complicated task than it seems. If it weren't, we would stop overloading our schedules with seeming must-haves. Letting go, slowing down, refusing and delegating are actions that require training, training related to the choice of objectives and the conservation of vital energy.

What should this choice consider?

It is important that the management of priorities be faithful to our vital purposes. For this reason, listening to what our will is facilitates the establishment of limits and the manifestation of the right to get rid of "the superfluous" (that which, at first, we indicate as "I must" and, after evaluating the degree of costs and benefits, we classify as "I don't want").

We are used to functioning under constant distractions and interruptions due to external demands and, let's not deny it, self-demands ("I want to be in everything"). Likewise, we often "give away" vital time to tasks that do not reward us ("for what it costs me, is it worth it?"). Being mentally organized is essential to live the time, to savor it, and not to compete daily ("I feel I'm not getting there") The famous "I feel I'm not getting there" is a source of anxiety.

How can we win the battle?

An interesting concept is that of "firewalls": indicators that force us to finish the task. The worst enemy of the firewall is perfectionism. Satisfying its cravings translates into a bottomless pit, a "thief" of vital time. Working well is different from living to work, so tasks must accept some imperfection. Otherwise, we will delay the next objective and, of course, we will feel that we cannot do everything. In this sense, postponing and delaying is a drag on productivity. Any decision implies a loss, no matter how small. Assuming it is what makes us free and relieves us of unwanted demands.

What other aspects add to anxiety?

Again, thoughts related to pending tasks ("I have to remember"). Writing down the task (and, taking advantage of new technologies, associating it with a reminder) is a recommendation known to all. Still, we do not dedicate enough time to realistic planning and organization of the agenda. Why? Possibly because of the famous "I must, I must, I must" belief.

That said. We can put in place many systems of organization, more or less visual, more or less sophisticated (e.g.: "make lists, create filters, put the phone on silent, mark by colors, delete e-mails, review the tasks of the month", etc.) but, allowing ourselves will be the element that truly decides whether or not we are productive (if we embrace a consistent level of work/demand).

What else can we do to remind ourselves that not having time is just a feeling?

Prove to ourselves that it is. Have you ever tried to say "no" to unexpected requests, seemingly attractive plans that turn into real Tetris games that are impossible to fit in, meetings where we talk more than work, breakfasts that drag on, tasks that can be delegated ("I have to go/do it myself"), etc.? On the other hand, "I don't have time" even becomes an excuse not to stop and think about everything that is extra in our life. Putting an expiration date on "what's left over" is the first step.

From Coaching and Psychotherapy we draw the necessary steps to achieve it. Today, to start the year, we have a very graphic and intelligent scheme. We hope you find it useful.