Holly Phan Photography

It’s not easy being a
modern woman of the 21st century. It’s awesome that in the present,
women are encouraged to seek out careers, pursue higher education, and start
families at the same time. I’m definitely not ready to start a family, but I am
establishing my career both in aerospace and in fashion blogging. Additionally,
I’ve decided to go back to school. I am working towards getting my Marketing
Management Certificate from the University of Washington. But between work,
school, and blogging, plus spending time with my family, boyfriend, and
friends, my schedule is full. I’ve been out of school for two years and I’ve
realized that “figuring out” my life is a never ending process.


Luckily I’ve learned
3 main lessons to help me with time management. In order to prevent myself from
getting too stressed out and help the loved ones in my life not feel neglected,
here are three things to try:

1.       168
Hours Exercise

Have you ever
heard the saying that you have as much hours in a day as Beyonce? I sure have and I have to keep that in mind on days I feel frantic. Have you
ever sat down and thought out about how you spend your hours during the day? The 168 Hours
Exercise will help you see how you really spend your time.

There are 24
hours in a day X 7 days a week = 168 hours

Step 1: Write
down the amount of hours your per week you spend on each activity:

–         
Sleeping (example: 7hours/night = 7 hrs x 7 nights = 49 hours/week)

–         
Eating (example: 3hours/day = 3 hrs x 7 days = 21 hours/week)

–         
Commuting to Work (example: 2hours/day = 2 hrs x 5 days = 10 hours/week)

–         
Working

–         
Blogging

–         
Working Out

–         
Spend on Netflix, social media, surfing the
internet

–         
Etc.

Step
2: Add up all of those hours
example:
Sleeping (49 hours) + Eating (21 hours) + Commuting (10 hours) + Working (40 hours) +…
= (Total Number of Hours)  

Step
3: Subtract the total from 168 hours. The number you’re left with is the amount
of time/the capacity you have to either commit to new opportunities or spend
relaxing.
example:
168 hours – (Total Number of Hours) = (Hours you have left in a week)

Did
you realize you spend more time on activity than you anticipated? Is this how
you really want to spend your days? Is there an activity or a new hobby you’ve
been wanting to do but didn’t think you had the time for? Seeing how many hours you spend vs. have left during the week can help you manage your workload and also help you determine if you can commit more time to new activities.

2.       Have
a Planner

I’m a person
so writes everything down because I know I can’t remember every date or event that’s
happening. Get a fun planner from TJ Maxx or Target and write down any big meetings or
events coming up. You can even record any goals you have that month. I write
things out so I’m not blind sighted when things come up and can prepare for the
events.

Here are some
of the things I record in my planner: To Do Lists, blogger events, photo
shoots, assigned reading/homework, birthday parties, etc.

3.       Carve
out YOU time because YOU matter

No matter
what your commitments are in your life, remember to carve out time for
yourself. The best person to take care of you is yourself. You know when you’re
drained and you know when you’re stressed. Whether it’s taking a 30 nap every
day, or 2 hours of Netflix, take the time for yourself. Personally, my “me time”
is when I run, walk, and exercise. Sometimes it’s when I read and even shop (no surprise there).
You have to allow yourself to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. So protect this time
for yourself in your calendar – don’t be afraid to turn down social events
especially if you need to recharge!

I hope these 3 time
management were helpful! Please let me know if you have any questions or have any other tips to share 🙂


Watch featured in the picture: Koa & Ash Watch | JORD Watches
Thanks for reading!

Love,
Emma