Being on time becomes difficult for many of us nowadays because of our busy schedules. But managing our time wisely is very important, especially for our physical and mental health. Time management is the process of focusing on how much time to spend on specific activities. Better time management allows us to complete more tasks in a shorter amount of time and it also decreases our stress and leads us to a better future. However, managing time can be challenging, especially for those who have a lot of tasks to do in a day. 

According to WHS students, most of the students waste time playing video games, social media like TikTok, or watching Netflix. But the majority spend their time on the phone and playing video games for around 4 to 8 hours a day each day. Senior Zain Virk is one student who spends hours and hours a day on his phone, “Like 8 hours a day on my phone and maybe an hour on top of that for video games,” Virk says. 

Students also don’t get much time to spend with their families because the majority of their parents are busy with their jobs, and the average time kids spend with their families is just 1 to 2 hours a day. Sophomore Lorena Moldovan says “My parents are constantly working from 7 am to sometimes 11 pm, so I spend less than one hour because I am in my room spending time doing my homework.” It’s challenging to find time, but many of us want to find the time each day to spend with loved ones. 

The good news is that often, time management is not about trying to do more things in less time. Instead, it’s about doing the right things at the right time. More effective time management includes prioritizing tasks and focusing on what is most important and urgent. 

But most of the students from WHS think that during the weekdays, school takes up much of their time. Sophomore Victor Schultz explains, “School takes up most of my day, and I usually just fill up the rest of my day doing my hobbies or wasting my life away. I don’t spend much time around my friends physically, I mostly text or play video games with them, with some occasional exceptions.”

Time management is crucial for individuals who want to achieve their goals, whether personal or professional. Proper time management can help individuals, and small changes in habits lead to big payoffs in wellness. Better time management can help:

• Reduce stress: When you manage your time properly, you are less likely to feel overwhelmed by tasks and deadlines, which can reduce stress levels.
• Achieve goals: Time management skills can help you break down goals into manageable tasks and achieve them one step at a time.
• Improve work-life balance: Efficient time management can help individuals balance their work and personal life, ensuring that they have enough time for both. 

Most students believe that their reason for being busy can be after-school games and other extracurricular activities. Some students just like to go with the flow, but most are responsible for their timing. Senior Muhammad Khalid said, “I have a set schedule in my head from when I first wake.” Setting a clear schedule can help people learn to self-regulate and reset their concept of time for better time management. Strategies for effective time management include: 

• Create a schedule: Creating a schedule is another correct way to manage time. You can use a calendar or planner to schedule your activities.
• Avoid Distractions: Distractions can be a significant hindrance to effective time management. You should try to eliminate distractions as much as possible, such as avoiding the usage of your phone a lot. Also, you should close unnecessary tabs on the computer or stop wasting time on unnecessary things. 
• Set priorities: You can determine the most important tasks and focus on them first. This way you can knock out the most important thing first.
• Take Breaks: You should take breaks to refresh your mindset and increase focus on your next task. But always remember the breaks should not be longer than a reasonable time limit. 

Time management is a critical skill that can help you make the most of the time allotted and to achieve your goal. With proper time management skills, you can achieve your goals more effectively, reduce stress, and become more productive.