Time Blocking: What are the Benefits?

Time blocking is a time management technique that involves scheduling specific tasks or activities during specific time slots throughout the day. It has a range of benefits that can really make a difference to how much you can get done, whether you are working or trying to plan your home life.

Increased productivity

By setting aside specific blocks of time for each task or activity, you can avoid distractions and stay focused on the task at hand, which can increase your productivity.

Better time management

Blocking out your time can help you to see the plan for the day and allow you to identify where you are trying to push too much into your day or setting yourself unrealistic expectations.

Reduced stress

When you have a clear plan for your day, you can reduce stress and anxiety by avoiding last-minute rushes and unexpected surprises.

Improved work-life balance

Time blocking can help you balance work and personal commitments by ensuring that you have enough time for both. It is very important to remember to block out the things you want to do, as well as the things you need to do. Whether that is going for a swim twice a week, taking the dog for a walk each day, or making time for your lunch break. Don't forget to include that all-important time for you, before you retire to bed. Taking some time for yourself to relax and unwind before bed, will make a big difference to your sleep quality and that, in turn, will allow you to be more efficient at work as well as fit more fun things into your day.

Increased accountability.

When you have a schedule to follow, you are more likely to hold yourself accountable for completing tasks on time. I sometimes allow myself rewards for completing something challenging, or, occasionally, something I'm just not in the mood to do but really need to get done. If you complete all your time blocks, you can have your reward.

Increased creativity

By setting aside specific blocks of time for creative tasks, such as brainstorming or writing, you can give yourself the permission, freedom and space to be creative and generate new ideas. I often find that if I start one blog, I will also have some ideas as I go along for other blogs. I tend to write three or four related blogs in one sitting, usually on related topics. This also allows you to keep a couple of articles in reserve for those times when you aren't feeling the creative spark. It can be helpful to schedule this time block at the point in the day, or week, that you feel you have the most useful ideas. For some, that will be morning, for others, it is evening, and some people like to set aside a half day at a weekend perhaps once a quarter, to brainstorm the ideas that you can then flesh out in your creative time blocks.

As you can see, time blocking has a number of advantages. Whilst it can take a bit of time to get the hang of what works best for you, it is a great way to become more productive, manage your time better, reduce stress, and achieve a better work-life balance.

If you would like to discuss time-blocking to gain more control over your week, then get in touch for a chat.