This document provides tips for managing time and reducing stress. It recommends identifying values, goals and priorities to stay organized. Specific time management strategies include keeping a daily log, prioritizing to-do lists, and setting realistic goals. Stress management suggestions involve identifying stressors, practicing deep breathing, exercising, and using humor or favorite activities to relax. The document also notes different strategies work better for visual, aural, reading/writing and kinesthetic learners. Developing a support system and using effective stress relief techniques are important for handling stress in college and work.

1. Darton College DART 1000 Module 1: Managing Your Time and Stress

2. Why is this SO important? After identifying your values, goals, and priorities, it will be important to plan your time and reduce your stress level so that you can achieve your goals. One of the characteristics of highly successful people is the ability to practice efficient time management.

3. Steps to Efficient Time Management Analyze your time by keeping a daily time log to see how you are spending your time. See p.31 Complete a time management assessment/questionnaire. Practice multitasking. Use your time creatively. Create and prioritize daily things to do lists.

4. Write down personal and academic goals for the week. Be realistic and avoid the temptation to create too many or too few goals. Assess your energy levels throughout the day/week. See p. 37 Manage energy by getting enough sleep, eating moderately, and exercising.

5. Identify the things that zap your time and energy. Eliminate the things that waste your time. Identify those activities that help you relax when you are stressed as well as those activities that re-energize you. See p. 39 Organize your study area and supplies. Begin or end your day by cleaning the area.

6. Purchase a calendar to hang on the wall and one to carry with you. Write down your daily goals on each one. Review your goals before you begin your day. As you complete your tasks, cross them off your list. Create backup plans for those tasks you can’t complete.

7. Avoid procrastination by practicing strategies that will help you to overcome the tendency to procrastinate.

8. Managing Stress Stress is the physical or mental response to stimuli. Although it is not possible to completely eliminate stress from our lives, we can learn to manage it. After identifying possible causes of stress, it is important to learn to minimize it.

9. Identify those things that may cause you stress at school, home, and/or work. Follow the suggestions for minimizing stressful situations.

10. Reducing Negative Stress Practice deep and controlled breathing Close your eyes and visualize a more relaxed time and place. Exercise Use massage therapy Laugh Comfort yourself with your favorite things Stay flexible and seek help when needed

11. Strategies for Learning Styles Visual learners – Use calendars for time management and visualization for stress relief. Aural learners – Can talk about goals, priorities, and accomplishing tasks as well as talking through stressful situations or listening to music to relieve stress.

12. Strategies for Learning Styles Read/write learners – Can use lists to manage their time. Reading for pleasure, journaling, or creative writing can help to relieve stress. Kinesthetic learners can deal with stress through exercise and physical activity.

13. To handle stress in college… Be realistic about the new challenges college presents Develop a good support system at work and at home. Make good connections with people who can help you . Use the stress relieving strategies that work best for you.

14. To handle stress on the job… Establish good relationships with people on your job. Keep the lines of communication open with your supervisor. Develop good time management strategies for the job. Be sure to meet deadlines.