Most of us have to struggle with time management. We usually let ourselves get overwhelmed with commitments and deadlines to the point where we are overwhelmed with stress. That’s not healthy for us nor is it good for the quality of our work. Using the four time management tools discussed below is one way to overcome these types of problems.

A Calendar

Calendars are one of the most essential time management tools because they remind us of what we need to accomplish and when those tasks need to be done. When you get overwhelmed, you may end up forgetting an important task or commitment. With a calendar, this is less likely to happen and you’ll have an easier way of making sure none of your deadlines overlap.

Whether you have a digital calendar on your computer or one of your desk, the important thing is to get in the habit of using it. Once you develop the habit you’ll discover how helpful these handy tools can be when it comes to effectively managing your time.

Email Filters

If you’re like most people, you probably receive tons of email each day. Going through all of those messages can take away a lot of time you need for other tasks. And if you get forwards from your co-workers or friends you might also find yourself becoming distracted easily. With email filters, you can have messages filtered into separate folders automatically so you can keep your inbox more organized and so you can give your attention to the most pressing messages first.

While we’re on the subject of email, it’s a good idea to set specific times for checking and replying to messages. Otherwise, you may not get anything done.

Sticky Notes

Another great example of time management tools can be sticky notes. These common office items can be a great tool for writing notes and reminders to yourself about what needs to get done. They also have symbolic importance. For example, if you write a sticky note message to yourself to edit the letter for your co-worker, you can crumple up the note and toss it in the trash once you’re done. This act will actually give you a sense of accomplishment by signifying the completion of one of your daily tasks.

A Clock

Having a clock available is important because you need to see how much time you’re spending on different tasks. This is a good idea for a couple of reasons. First, you need to know how much time certain tasks are going to require if you want to plan out your day appropriately. Second, if you find you are spending too much time on a certain task, you might want to switch gears and complete something else first. That way you can stay on track and also not get discouraged about your efforts.

When you have the right tools, you’ll find that managing your time is going to be much easier and will make you a more productive person.