Stressin' out over time

  • Published
  • By David Hey, PhD
  • 319th Aeromedical Dental Squadron
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Airmen here know that time is the most precious resource at our disposal, but it is also one of the most fickle. Used wisely, it can be a powerful ally. Misused, it can be your greatest enemy. As you examine your own personal life, it may be surprising that a great number of stressors in your personal and professional life are related to the concept of time.

Speaking of time, June is stress management month on the Air Force's health promotion observance calendar. If you walked through the Health and Wellness Center's classroom, you would undoubtedly hear individuals say, "Gosh, it seems like I have so much on my plate right now, there isn't enough time in the day to accomplish everything." And never or rarely would you hear people say, "Hey, I have too much time on my hands; I'm bored, give me something to do!"

According to author Paul Insel in the book Core Concepts in Health - 10th edition, three common factors that negatively impact time management for most people are: perfectionism, over-commitment and procrastination. We all know people who fit neatly in any one of the three categories, perhaps even ourselves. The key is recognizing where your weaknesses are and work diligently on improving your time management skills.

Needless to say, in today's Global War on Terror, superior time management is absolutely critical and essential for all military and civilian personnel to adhere to. Greater productivity, improved results, reduced stress--these are just some of the benefits of successful time management. Yet, some researchers estimate that the average U.S. worker loses approximately 33 days per year from mismanagement of his or her own time. Now that is a lot of wasted time!

Clearly, effective time management continues to challenge all of us regardless of our work duties. Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you feel overwhelmed and feel the pressure of the clock:

· There is no such thing as perfection - focus on doing your best rather than trying to be the best.
· Try not to take on too much all at once - it's okay to say no to unimportant or trivial tasks.
· Budget enough time for each project - calculate how long it will take to complete, then tack on another 10-15 percent, or even 25 percent, as a buffer against mistakes, interruptions or unanticipated problems.
· Always work from a list - you can bring order out of chaos faster with a list than with any other time management tool. Begin by writing down every single task you intend to complete over the course of the day.
· Organize your list by priority - each day, organize your list of tasks in order of priority. Rank each task according to its potential consequences, starting with what you must do and working down to what would be nice, but certainly not essential, to get done (essential, important and trivial). Focus on the first two; ignore the third.
· Commit to using any time management system you like - It doesn't matter whether you select one from the variety of wonderful PDAs and computer-based systems, or one from the countless systems that offer an array of forms for writing everything out by hand. What does matter is that you master your preferred time management system and use it regularly--until it becomes a natural habit.
· Visualize the achievement of your goals - You worked hard, so celebrate!
· Keep track of the tasks you put off -. Analyze why you procrastinate on certain tasks. If the task is difficult or unpleasant, look for ways to make it easier or more fun. Chunk out the work, and reward yourself when finished.
· Consider doing your least favorite tasks first- Once you finished the task you dislike you take pleasure in the fun ones later.
· Consolidate tasks when possible - Try walking to the store so you that you can run your errands and exercise in the same block of time.
· Identify quick transitional tasks - Keep a list of the five-minute tasks you can do while waiting or between other tasks, such as watering your plants, doing the dishes or checking a homework assignment.
· Delegate responsibility - Asking for help when you have too much on your plate is not a cop-out; it's good time management. Don't delegate jobs you should do yourself.
· Give yourself a break - Allow time for play - free unstructured time when you ignore the clock. Don't consider it a waste of time.
· Lastly, stop thinking or talking about what you're going to do, and just do it! Your momentum will keep you going.
Join us for six stress management clinics in the community activity center (Fireside Room). The first of six clinics will begin on June 13 at both 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Feel free to bring your own lunch. Registration encouraged but not required. To register call the HAWC at 747-5546.
Source: Stress the constant challenge. Core Concepts in Health (on-line: www.mhhe.com/insel10e accessed May 30.