How to Manage Your Time Better (Without Losing Your Sanity)
You’ve got a full plate—work deadlines, family commitments, catching up with friends, and somewhere in there, carving out some me-time. Sound familiar? Time can often feel like the one thing that’s never on our side. But here’s the good news—it doesn’t have to stay that way.
If you’ve been searching for practical ways to manage your time better without feeling overwhelmed, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s finding ways to prioritise, set boundaries, or make the most of your precious hours, we’ve put together some simple strategies to help busy women take control of their time—without sacrificing what matters most.
Why Time Management is Key for Busy Women
Time is one of the most valuable resources we have, yet women often find themselves juggling more responsibilities than their schedules allow. From excelling in your career to nurturing personal relationships and looking after your wellbeing, it’s easy to get stretched too thin.
Effective time management isn’t just about ticking more things off your to-do list. It’s about creating space—space for what energises you, space to breathe, and space to enjoy the things and people that matter most.
5 Practical Steps to Take Control of Your Time
1. Start With Your Priorities
Your time is limited, so it’s vital to focus on what truly matters. Start by identifying your top priorities both at work and in your personal life.
Ask yourself:
- What makes me feel fulfilled?
- What activities align with my long-term goals?
- What tasks can I delegate or eliminate?
Once you’ve nailed down the essentials, you’ll find it easier to say no to things that drain your time. Remember, saying no isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
2. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
We get it—it’s tempting to say “yes” to everything, especially when you don’t want to disappoint anyone. But overcommitting is a one-way street to burnout.
Be honest (with yourself and others) about how much you can realistically take on. That might mean setting clearer work hours, turning down extra projects, or creating specific times in your week for self-care.
Boundaries aren’t walls; they’re fences that protect your time and energy.
3. Adopt the Power of Time Blocking
Ever feel like your day runs away from you before you’ve even had your morning coffee? Time blocking could be your saving grace.
This technique involves breaking your day into dedicated chunks of time and assigning specific tasks to each block. For instance, allocate 9-10 am for emails, 10-12 pm for focused work, and so on. Having a set plan reduces decision fatigue and keeps distractions at bay.
4. Learn to Delegate
You don’t need to do it all, and you shouldn’t feel like you have to. Whether it’s at work or at home, learning to delegate is one of the most freeing time management skills you can develop.
At work, delegate tasks that others can handle effectively while still keeping important responsibilities on your plate. At home, consider outsourcing chores—think hiring a cleaner once a fortnight or using meal prep services to reduce cooking time.
5. Make Time for You
What’s the point of managing time better if you don’t set any of it aside for yourself? A common mistake many women make is feeling guilty about self-care. But here’s the truth—you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Schedule “non-negotiable me-time”—whether that’s a weekly yoga class, 30 minutes of reading a good book, or even just a long walk on the weekend. Prioritising self-care will help you recharge and show up more fully for both work and loved ones.
Tools to Help You Master Time Management
- Apps like Trello, Evernote, or Notion can help you track tasks and priorities.
- Planners for those who prefer pen-and-paper organisation.
- Pomodoro Timers to maintain focus while working in short bursts (25 minutes on, 5 minutes off).
- A Simple Notebook to jot down urgent thoughts or tasks that pop up unexpectedly. You can tackle or schedule them later.
Build a Life, Not Just a Schedule
Time management isn’t about squeezing every second out of your day. It’s about reclaiming your energy, focus, and joy. By simplifying your commitments, setting boundaries, and carving out time for yourself, you’re not just managing your schedule—you’re building a life that aligns with your goals and values.
Next Expo
- 20 – 22 June 2025
- Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre
- 10am - 5pm Daily
