Time is one of our most valuable resources, yet it often feels like there's never enough of it. Between work, personal obligations, and self-care, time management can feel overwhelming—especially when stress, anxiety, or procrastination creep in.

If you're feeling stuck or struggling to stay on top of things, these 10 strategies may help you take control, reduce stress, and make time work for you.  Keep in mind you don’t need to do all ten, pick the ones that work for you. 

1. Identify your hierarchy of values

Before diving into productivity hacks, it's essential to clarify what truly matters to you. When your time aligns with your values, decision-making becomes easier, and motivation follows naturally.

Ask yourself: What are my top priorities in life? Then, ensure your daily activities reflect them.

2. Use the 5-minute rule to overcome procrastination

Procrastination often stems from perfectionism, overwhelm, or fear of failure. The 5-minute rule is a simple trick to bypass these mental blocks—commit to working on a task for just five minutes.

More often than not, you'll find yourself continuing beyond that, as getting started is the hardest part.

3. Break big tasks into smaller steps

Feeling stuck often comes from looking at a task as one giant, unmanageable thing. Instead, break it down into bite-sized steps. Each small win will build momentum and reduce the mental load that leads to stress and avoidance.

4. Schedule "white space" for mental clarity

Back-to-back commitments can drain your mental energy, leaving no room to process thoughts, emotions, or creative ideas. Intentionally schedule breaks between meetings or work sessions to reset and avoid burnout. A good hack is to schedule meetings for 25 or 50 minutes rather than 30 or an hour. 

5. Prioritise energy over time

Not all hours in the day are created equal. Some tasks require deep focus, while others can be done when you're mentally drained. Align high-energy tasks with peak focus times and save routine or low-energy work for when you're feeling less productive.

6. Leverage habit stacking for consistency

Pairing a new habit with an existing one makes it easier to stick with. For example, if you want to start journaling but struggle to find time, attach it to your morning coffee routine. This reduces the mental resistance to forming new habits.

7. Use the "2-minute rule" for quick wins

If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. Responding to a short email, putting away an item, or sending a quick update can clear mental clutter and keep things from piling up.

8. Reframe stress as a signal, not a stop sign

Stress isn’t always a bad thing—it can be a useful signal that something needs your attention.

Instead of letting it overwhelm you, ask yourself: What is this stress trying to tell me? Often, it’s pointing toward an important priority or an area that needs adjustment.

9. Adopt the "Done is better than perfect" mindset

Perfectionism is one of the biggest thieves of time. Many people procrastinate because they fear not doing something perfectly. Instead, aim for progress over perfection. Getting something done imperfectly is always better than not doing it at all.

10. End your day with a "Shutdown ritual"

A simple end-of-day routine, like reviewing what you accomplished and setting up priorities for tomorrow, helps prevent unfinished tasks from lingering in your mind. This closure reduces anxiety and allows you to truly unwind.

Managing time effectively isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things in a way that supports your mental well-being. By incorporating even a few of these techniques, you can reduce stress, overcome procrastination, and create a rhythm that works for you, rather than against you.