Presented by

Ms. Raji Anand

Overview

Effective time management has become an increasingly important component in everyday life. Whether you are a student or an employee, the highest achievers manage their time exceptionally well. They are able to function more effectively especially when time is tight and pressures are high. Good time management requires a shift in focus from activities to results: being busy is not the same as being effective. (1) 

There is a growing empirical research base which shows that time management has a positive impact on the mental health of students and employees; suggesting that this might be due to their enhanced control over time. Employees should therefore be encouraged to use time management behaviors examples of which are prioritization, organization, self motivation (2). In a study on undergraduate students that examined the effects of a time management-training program, students reported a decrease in perceived stress and an increase in perceived control of time (3). 

Prioritization is an essential skill to create calmness and space in your life. Good prioritization can reduce stress and bring order so that you can focus your energy and attention on what is important. The use of time management behaviors such as prioritization attenuates stress and has a small but positive impact on strain (2). Research has shown that procrastination as a behavior style can result in poor academic performance (4) and negative health outcomes, such as delaying seeking treatment for health problems (5). Procrastination also creates vulnerability for the development of several chronic diseases, thus has a negative and cumulative effect on physical health over time (5). 

This workshop will enable participants to identify some time management behaviors and their impact on productivity and health. The workshop will provide tips and strategies to improve perceived control over time.

Target Audience

Doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, allied healthcare professionals, students, educators, counselors and administrators.

Objectives

1. Recognize that time management is important to manage stress.
2. Describe the impact of prioritization.
3. Outline techniques to prevent procrastination that healthcare practitioners may advise students on.
4. Summarize tips to improve productivity.

Workshop Outline

References

1. Mind Tools Content Team. What Is Time Management? Working Smarter to Enhance Productivity. : MindTools; [Available from: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_00.htm. 

1. Jex SM, Elacqua TC. Time management as a moderator of relations between stressors and employee strain. Work & Stress. 1999;13(2):182-91. 

1. Häfner A, Stock A, Oberst V. Decreasing students’ stress through time management training: an intervention study. European journal of psychology of education. 2015;30(1):81-94. 

1. Wohl MJA, Pychyl TA, Bennett SH. I forgive myself, now I can study: How self-forgiveness for procrastinating can reduce future procrastination. Personality and Individual Differences. 2010;48(7):803-8. 

1. Sirois FM, Melia-Gordon ML, Pychyl TA. “I'll look after my health, later”: An investigation of procrastination and health. Personality and Individual Differences. 2003;35(5):1167-84.