The Ultimate Time Saver: Time Blocking
Have you ever learned about what time blocking was, or how it can help you be more productive? Today on Inspired by Diane, I am sharing with you all what time blocking is, how you can implement it, and a YouTuber who I really resonate with when it comes to productivity. Let's get planning, y'all!
First off...what is time blocking?
I was not aware of time blocking being a concept until 2021, and I have been implementing it in my life since I learned about it. I believe Monday.com said it best when they said:
Time blocking is a scheduling format that helps boost productivity through focused work done in specific blocks of time. Using this approach, tasks are outline and slotted for different dates/times... As such, it often adds clarity, intention, and important boundaries to the workday.
By using time blocking in your daily routine, your time and your focus are now put front and center of what you do daily.
How else can time blocking benefit me?
Also according to Monday.com, time blocking has a few benefits, including:
helps establish flow
minimizes distractions
creates a sense of control
I also believe that time blocking:
focuses your mind towards a specific goal
breaks up your day into manageable sections
frees up brain space, allowing room for more important thoughts
I personally love getting the notification on my smartwatch that it is break time, coffee time, you name it. It helps me realize "hey, it's time to start focusing on this task" because sometimes I lose track of time because I get so lost in what I am currently doing.
Let me introduce you to Abby Asselin...
I don't know her personally, but I have watched almost all of her videos and I love how she handles being productive, but also showing real life as well.
In her vlog, "college day in my life: how I ACTUALLY get more done in a day..." she shares 3 tips about productivity that are very manageable, and it got me inspired honestly. I want to share inspiration here on my life & wellness blog, and Abby Asselin is a perfect example of a 20-something year old woman practicing productivity in a very manageable way.
Tip #1: If you have something that you want to make part of your everyday life, do it at the same time everyday (if possible) and schedule days off
I love this tip that Abby shares, as she refers to the fact of it taking 21 days to form a habit. The key tip to remember is that you don't have to do the activity/task for the entire 21 days, just as much as possible in that 21 day period. I am going to actively try this tip, and I hope you do, too!
Tip #2: Continue on your flow, to get things done more quickly
Like Abby mentioned, she is a student (at the time) and she got home from class & instantly started working on her school assignment. I can relate to this aspect of continuing on a flow, because it feels like your mind is in the same "gear" and will stay in that mindset as you continue onto the next task. I am going to keep this flow in mind when I time block my schedule this coming week, and I challenge you to do the same!
Tip #3: If you schedule intentional rest every single day, you will experience less burn-out
By taking 30 minutes - 1 hour daily to yourself to just rest, do some self care, relax, you name it...it will help you experience less burn-out down the road. Abby mentioned that she was the queen of burnout, and would binge her rest days, which I am also guilty of. I work really hard during the weekdays, and I binge rest on Saturday and mostly Sunday. But now, I am going to actively try and time block intentional rest into my daily schedule.
So...how do you do time blocking?
Let me break it down for you & how you go about time blocking:
Identify what tasks & events need to be accomplished
Are there tasks you do every week, or every day? Which tasks are more important?
Estimate how much time you will need to accomplish each task / designate to each event
Make sure to account for how much time you realistically need, and not how much time you would like for it to be done in
Designate a certain amount of "flexible time" in your schedule, to allow for the random events of life
We all have to be realistic and remember that there are tiny little tasks & surprises that come up in life that you just can't predict, so allow some flexible time in your schedule for these random things
Review & schedule it in your calendar
Time to put it all to action! I love using my google calendar, as I get notifications on my smartwatch. I also time block in my Notion, since it serves as my digital bullet journal
Did you learn something new about time blocking today?
Let me know in the comments! And as always, please feel free to share this blog post on social media using the buttons below (I really appreciate it!)
