7 Simple Time Management Strategies for Busy People

If you’ve ever felt like you lurch from one day to the next or that you’re always busy but never quite caught up, this article is for you! These seven simple time management strategies are designed to help you feel more in control of your time and your energy, even in the busiest of seasons.

HOW TIME MANAGEMENT CAN HELP SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

Time can often feel like the one thing we never have enough of. Between work, family, home life, and everything else on our To Do lists, it’s easy to feel stretched thin and always playing catch-up. But, actually, managing your time well isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most, with more intention.

And, when we manage our time better, it frees us up to do more of what we WANT, not just what we need to do. What would YOU like to do more of if you had more free time?

WHY I DECLUTTERED MY TIME NOT JUST MY HOME

I began decluttering my home and I can’t tell you how much this changed my life. Making my home easier to run, allowing me space to relax without looking around and being reminded of all the things I had to do, in turn helped me feel less stressed and able to enjoy my precious time off.

However, the problem was STILL that I didn’t have enough time off. My days and To Do list still felt overloaded and I was tired and run down. Yes, having less physical stuff had helped but my days and schedule were still cluttered and busy. My mind felt the same.

This is when I knew that I needed to declutter my schedule and time for a more balanced life, just like I’d simplified my home.

TIME MANAGEMENT FOR YOUR HOME AND LIFE

If this is something you feel too, in today’s article I’d love to help. Time management strategies don’t have to be boring, restricted just for those of us who work in an office with a boss to answer to and deadlines to meet.

Time management can help whatever you do during the day and whoever you answer to – even if it’s just yourself, in your home and life not just the workplace.

7 TIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR WHEN LIFE GETS BUSY

If you’ve ever felt like your days slip away in a blur or that you’re always busy but never quite caught up, this article is for you! These seven simple time management strategies are designed to help you feel more in control of your time and your energy, even in the busiest of seasons.

Let’s dive into some practical, gentle ways to make more time for what truly matters.

1. Start Your Day With a Plan

Taking a few moments each morning (or the night before) to plan your day can make a huge difference. You don’t need a fancy planner or colour-coded schedule. A simple list of your top 3–5 priorities is a great start.

Try asking yourself:

• What do I need to get done today?
• What would I like to get done?
• What can wait or be delegated?

By setting clear intentions for your day, you’re more likely to focus your energy where it counts, rather than reacting to whatever pops up.

Further Reading: Set Your Intention and Transform Your Day

2. Time Block Your Day

Time blocking means setting aside chunks of time for certain tasks or categories of tasks. For example, you might block out 9–11am for deep work, 1–2pm for errands, and 3–4pm for admin and emails.

This helps reduce multitasking (which often leads to mistakes and stress) and encourages you to give your full attention to one thing at a time. You’ll probably find you get more done in less time—and with less mental clutter.

Further Reading: How Time Blocking Can Help You Manage Your Time More Easilly

3. Use the ‘One Touch’ Rule

If something will take two minutes or less to do, do it right away. Don’t put it on a list or leave it to “deal with later.”

This applies to:

• Replying to a quick email
• Hanging up your coat
• Filing a document

Touching something once—rather than handling it multiple times—reduces your To Do list and keeps small tasks from piling up into an overwhelming mess.

Further Reading: The 2-Minute Decluttering Rule (Small Actions for Big Wins)

4. Learn to Say No (Kindly)

One of the biggest drains on our time is saying yes to things that don’t align with our priorities. It’s okay to turn down invitations, requests, or commitments if they stretch you too thin.

Try saying:

• “I’d love to, but I can’t take on anything else right now.”
• “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m focusing on other things at the moment.”

Saying no doesn’t make you unkind or unreliable—it makes you clear and focused. And it frees up space for the things that matter most.

Further Reading: 10 Kind Ways to Say No Without Causing Upset

5. Batch Similar Tasks Together

Switching from task to task takes time and mental energy. A better way? Group similar tasks and do them all at once. For example:

• Do all your errands in one go
• Write multiple emails in a single sitting
• Prep meals for a few days ahead

Batching helps you stay in flow and avoids the productivity drop that comes with constantly changing gears.

Further Reading: How Batch Cooking Can Save You Time, Stress and Money in the Kitchen

6. Schedule Rest and Downtime

Time management isn’t just about productivity—it’s about balance. When we overfill our schedules, we burn out. Ironically, this makes us less effective, not more.

Protect your rest like you would an appointment. Block off time for:

• A quiet cup of tea
• A walk outside
• Reading a few pages of a book
• Simply doing nothing

Rest is not a reward for being busy—it’s a basic human need. Giving yourself permission to pause helps you refocus and return with more clarity and energy.

Further Reading: 7 Reasons a Walk in Nature Calms Your Body and Mind

7. Review Your Week Regularly

A weekly check-in helps you reflect on what’s working and what’s not. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just 10–15 minutes on a Sunday evening can help you reset for the week ahead.

Ask yourself:

• What went well last week?
• What felt stressful or overwhelming?
• What do I want to do differently next week?

Regular reflection builds awareness, and that awareness helps you create a life that feels more intentional, aligned, and manageable.

Further Reading: 10 Simple Steps to Plan the Week Ahead for a More Stress-Free Life

CONCLUSION

Time management isn’t about squeezing more into your day. It’s about clearing the clutter—mental, physical, and emotional—so you can make space for what truly matters to you.

These seven strategies are simple, but they’re powerful. You don’t need to implement them all at once. Start with one that speaks to you and build from there. And remember: progress, not perfection.

You’re allowed to take up space in your own life. You’re allowed to use your time in ways that feel good and true to you.

Time is one of our most precious resources. Let’s use it wisely—and kindly. If only I’d known that earlier!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about time management and productivity that I thought it might be helpful to answer, especially if you struggle with getting organised and planning ahead.

1. What if I never feel like I have enough time, no matter what I try?

Sometimes it’s less about needing more time and more about needing clearer priorities. Try narrowing your focus to what really matters and letting go of things that don’t. You can’t do everything—but you can do what matters most.

2. I’ve tried planning and scheduling, but I still fall off track. What should I do?

That’s completely normal! Life is unpredictable. Allow for flexibility in your plans and treat each day as a fresh start. A missed plan isn’t failure—it’s feedback.

3. How can I stop procrastinating on important tasks?

Break big tasks into smaller, manageable steps and start with the easiest one. Often, just getting started creates the momentum to keep going.

4. What’s the best time management tool or app?

The best tool is the one you’ll actually use. Whether that’s a digital planner, a paper notebook, or sticky notes on the fridge—use whatever works for your lifestyle and feels natural to you.

5. How does managing time help me live more intentionally?

When you manage your time with care, you align your days with your values. You start making choices that reflect what matters most, rather than just reacting to demands or distractions. Easier said than done I know.

Let time work FOR you, not against you—and build a life that feels calmer, clearer, and more focused on what truly matters.

I hope these time management strategies help a little to create some extra time, space, freedom and energy in your day. If time isn’t on your side, you struggle with organisation or planning ahead, have you checked out my Simple Productivity Workbook and Planner? It can help you manage your time, simply and strategically. Click here to learn more.

GET YOUR FREE PRINTABLE

One of the time management tips we explored was planning your week ahead. To help you with this, I’ve created a Sunday planning worksheet. Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send your copy!