MASTERING YOUR DAY WITH TIME BLOCKING

WHAT IS BLOCK SHEDULING?

Block scheduling or time blocking is a time management technique that involves dividing your day into dedicated blocks of time for specific tasks. This is different from using a traditional to-do list and can really help you get things accomplished. Instead of referring to a list as the day goes on to see what you might be able to work on next, you look at your list first and decide what you can work on when assigning a specific time slot for the task. This allows you to get a good picture of how much time you have in the day how much you can realistically expect to do and when you will do it.

WHY DOES TIME BLOCKING WORK?

When you plot your days out into time blocks, you can see how much time you really have to get things done by the end of the day. This will help lessen the chances of being disappointed at the end of the day because you did not get all of the things on your to-do list. When you can really see the time you actually have available and use a realistic estimate for the amount of time it will take to complete each task, you will have a much better picture of what you can really accomplish. It can help you to see that you cannot expect yourself to not get so many things done in one day. This will help you avoid overextending yourself because there are only so many time slots in a day!

HOW TO SET UP A TIME BLOCK SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY

Take a look at your to-do list. Pick the top three tasks that are most important to you in getting completed. Map out your day in 1 to 3-hour time slots, whatever makes the most sense to you. Don’t forget to include time for preparing and eating meals. Also, include time for any errands you may have to run, or car rides you may need to give. Fill in time slots for any other appointments you may have during the day.

Look at what time you have left and see which one of those tasks can go into one of those time slots. When the time comes to get one of your tasks done, it’s time to focus on just that one priority. Sticking to the schedule can really help you accomplish these priorities. Leave some flexibility in your schedule so that if something unexpected comes up you can move your task to another slot.

SAVE TIME

Once you have identified what you will work on during each of the time blocks you have identified, you do not have to keep checking your to-do list to see what you to work on next. This saves time because you have already decided once what was most important for you to get done that day. You don’t have to keep taking time throughout the day to reassess your to-do list and decide what to do next. It’s kind of like when you get a routine down, you don’t waste time in between trying to figure out what comes next.

HELPS TO PRIORITIZE YOUR DAY

Assigning your to-dos into blocks of time really helps you prioritize what you will work on each day. There are only so many blocks of time to work with, so you will have to really consider what is most important to you to get accomplished. If you have several priorities on your to-do list that you want to make progress on, it will be important to allocate a smaller portion of time to each one. Without planning out the time frames, you might devote too much time to one project and not make any progress on the others. By focusing on one task at a time you are more productive than when you try to multitask, you can really put everything else out of your mind and think more clearly about what you are trying to accomplish.

WHEN CAN BLOCK SCHEDULING BE USED?

This method can be used for personal tasks, and business tasks, and even works great for children who might be involved in activities on certain days. Blocking out their schedule can help them prioritize when they need to make sure they get homework or other things done. At work, I use block scheduling to lay out what tasks I plan to work on. Often when you have a lot on your plate for a certain day, it can make you feel less stressed if you are able to plan out blocks of time to make some progress on each task. Of course, this doesn’t always work out, when other things suddenly come up.  But, there are days when it does work, or at least for part of the day!

Block scheduling can and should include some fun things too. Maybe have a time slot for reading, gardening, taking a walk, or whatever else you like to do. You want a balanced day, it’s not only about getting tasks done. I do not have a schedule blocked out for every work day or every day off.  I mostly use it when I am feeling a little stressed out by wanting to accomplish several things. By planning it out in time blocks, it helps me feel better knowing that if I follow along with the plan, I will get a lot done

TIPS FOR SETTING UP YOUR BLOCK SCHEDULE

There are a few different options for plotting out your time blocks. Download worksheets online which have the time blocks of the day listed out. You can simply write out timeframes on paper or on the computer. Many planners include timeframes on the pages also to block schedule your day. Make sure to block out time when you not be able to work on tasks.  For example, getting ready for the day, prepping and eating meals, driving a child to an activity, and anything else that will take up time where you will not be able to work on a task.

BE REALISTIC ABOUT TIME FRAMES

If you have errands to run, consider delays in travel time, waiting in line if a store is busy, or whatever else might cause you to take more time. If set up and clean-up will be needed for whatever you are working on, include that in your estimated time. Make the time frames long enough to make sufficient progress on your task.  You want to feel like you took some good steps moving forward.

DON’T BE RIGID

Things often come up, even when we think for sure they will not! Sometimes you will have to be flexible.  Blocking out your schedule is meant to be a tool to help you out, not to create stress if you have to scrap your plan. If you have to abandon the schedule for a few hours or a day or two, just create a new plan when you are able to. Just like everything else, progress over perfection applies in following a block schedule.  Don’t overload yourself with the schedule! The purpose is to help keep you on task, not to work yourself until you drop.

BENEFITS OF TIME BLOCKING

When you block your time to work on something specific it helps you to focus more. Since other tasks will be put into their own time blocks you don’t have to be distracted thinking about all the other things you have to do. They will get their own time slot to be worked on in the future. Your focus can remain on the task you are trying to accomplish. Time blocking also helps reduce decision fatigue. Pre-scheduling time blocks eliminate constant decision-making. You make decisions once when you set your time blocks. Taking less time to stop and make decisions about what to do next leads to better concentration.

STRESS REDUCTION

Time blocking allows you to organize your schedule intentionally. You allocate time ensuring that important tasks receive attention. This clarity helps reduce stress because you’re not constantly wondering what to tackle next. Breaking your day into manageable chunks provides structure. You know when to work on specific tasks, which minimizes overwhelm. Having a clear roadmap for your day reduces anxiety and uncertainty.

GIVE IT A TRY

Remember, time blocking isn’t just about managing minutes; it’s about maximizing your time. The more you can focus on what you have to do, the more time you will have available for what you love to do. If blocking your entire day feels too overwhelming for you, maybe try just blocking out the morning or afternoon. It really does feel good to know you have time identified for getting something important taken care of.

Thanks so much for checking in! If you would like to hear the podcast version of this topic check out Lola’s Frugal Life Podcast! Also, be sure to check out my other blog posts on this site!

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