Time management improves quality of life

Better time management has health benefits such as less stress, a U.S. newsletter advises.

The Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource advises not only does better time management help get more done but it improves the quality of life.

There are several strategies for improving time management. The experts suggest trying one new strategy for two to four weeks to see if there is an improvement.

"If it does, add another," the newsletter said. "If not, try a different one."

Among the strategies to consider are:

-- Daily planning. A schedule or to-do list minimizes conflicts and last-minute rushes.

-- Letting schedule rather than guilt determine priorities and saying no to non-essential tasks.

-- Taking time to do a quality job since errors caused by rushing may require longer to correct.

-- Working on a dreaded task for 10 minutes each day. Once a task is started, it may be easier to finish.

-- Evaluating how time is spent. Keep a diary for three days. Is there time for plenty of exercise and sleep as well as needed breaks? Improved focus and concentration help increase efficiency, so more tasks take less time.